Masonry contractors measure and estimate the masonry work in square feet and sometimes squares (100 square feet).
Masonry work is broken down into two categories:
The masonry veneer or facade work is the decorative, non-structural layer of brick or stone on the exterior of the property.
CMU (concrete masonry unit) block also known as cinder blocks are the rectangular concrete blocks that are primarily used in residential construction to build structural masonry foundation walls or retaining walls.
Installation costs for new red-brick veneer facade.
Installation costs for stone veneer facade.
Installation costs for a new non-structural, 4x8 CMU block wall.
Installation costs for a new structural, load bearing, CMU block wall.
The most obvious factor that influences masonry pricing is the type of masonry material being installed.
In construction, there is a term called economies-of-scale. The larger the project, the more efficient the contractor can be installing the masonry which reduces the masonry cost per square foot.
A simple square, box-shaped home is easier and cheaper to side than a house with gables, eaves, nooks and crannies.
If your property is only one story then the masonry can be installed from the ground which is more efficient than installing masonry on multiple stories from ladders, scaffolding or lift equipment.
If your home has existing masonry that needs to be removed, this will add additional costs to your masonry project.
If you are building a new block wall the block needs to sit on top of a concrete footing, so you will need to hire a Concrete Contractor to form and pour a concrete footing before you can build your new masonry wall.
The location where you are installing the masonry will have a significant impact. If you are installing masonry in downtown San Francisco the masonry will obviously cost much more than the same roof being installed in Suburbia.
Spring and Summer is peak masonry season and Masonry Contractors are generally swamped with work, so if you are getting masonry installed during this time you will likely pay a premium. Masonry mortars and grouts require a certain minimum temperature to be installed, so during Winter months, there may be additional costs to 'tent' and temporarily heat the installation area.
Masonry contractors will generally provide an all inclusive bid to 'furnish and install' all labor and materials on the project. When writing your Scope of Work for the Masonry work you will want to check with your Masonry Contractor to see if they are providing the demolition of the existing veneer and installation of a new vapor barrier if the existing barrier is damaged or not present.
If you are building a completely new veneer wall or block wall you will need to have a concrete footing constructed so check to see if the Masonry Contractor is building the footing or if you need to subcontract out the concrete work separately.
Here is an example of how to write a Scope of Work that insures your Siding Contractor provides an all-inclusive bid.
All Masonry work and repairs are to be Contractor Purchased, Contractor Installed.
