Masonry Contractors Pricing and Costs

Find ways for a masonry contractor to control costs
By Emmet McMahan Masonry contractors pricing and costs should reflect the advantages and disadvantages of using masonry. Competition among masonry suppliers has generally kept the cost of the raw materials in check. Collective bargaining efforts, technological advancements and improvements in safety have combined to keep masonry a competitive method of constructing walls. Brick and similar masonry materials typically do not require painting and, therefore, have a lower life cycle cost. However, appropriate sealing can reduce frost damage and concrete may be painted or stuccoed if it is exposed.
 

Masonry companies should check the following three sources for information on masonry prices:

1. Trade magazines for masons. These publications offer information on masonry costs that generally apply to all masons.
   
2. Professional associations. These organizations provide opportunities for masons to discuss specific topics of interest, including pricing and costs.
   
3. Individual companies. These sources allow customers and other contractors to determine competitive rates.
   

Find pricing information on masonry companies from brick work publications

A brick layer has many professional sources for ways to reduce the costs of performing masonry. Information from professional publications should reflect current economic conditions in the construction industry.
Try: Masonry Magazine has an article on the use of software in identifying costs for more accurate bidding. Masonry Construction Online has an analysis of the recent downturn in the economy on masonry costs.

Look at cost information from professional organizations of masonry restoration companies

Professional organizations may be composed of masons throughout the country or a specific region. They typically provide pricing and costs information that is not specific to any particular company.
Try: The Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute provides a Q&A on the effects of masonry on the cost of building a home. The Mason Contractors Association of America offers an overview of the cost benefits to using masonry.

Examine prices for specific stone masonry contractors

Masonry contractors frequently provide their pricing methodology and may offer references. Many contractors also offer the specific items that their estimates include.
Try: KMS Masonry normally uses unit pricing, which includes the cost of equipment. Seattle Brick Masonry provides free estimates and also offers references.

• Concrete masonry contractors commonly use cinder concrete blocks as an economical means of construction. These blocks are typically much larger than ordinary bricks and can therefore build a wall of a given size much more quickly. An additional advantage of cinder blocks is that they absorb much less water than brick and, therefore, suffer less damage from ice. Cinder blocks may be used by themselves to build walls for industrial buildings or covered with a brick veneer or stucco surface for decorative purposes. Surface-bonding cement is often added to the surface of cinder blocks to create a stucco-like surface of any desired color.