How to Do a Masonry Estimate: A Step-by-Step Guide

When embarking on a construction project, the masonry is the crucial phase that sets the foundational landscape of the building. Estimating the masonry cost is as significant as itself in the construction process. Irrespective of the type of masonry work, whether it is residential, commercial or industrial _ estimating it accurately is of quite importance to set the financial stability throughout the project lifecycle. As it is a dynamic attribute of the construction field that fluctuates with market trends and scope, it becomes overwhelming even for experienced contractors to design an accurate masonry estimate. 

At Unity Estimating, our dedicated team offers data-driven solutions to tackle the potential challenges in estimating the masonry cost. Let’s walk through the process of estimating the masonry cost, including the factors affecting the overall cost. 

Why Accurate Masonry Estimating Matters?

Before discussing how to do the masonry estimate, let’s go through why it is important to design a good estimate. Beyond the financial surprises, it deviates from the working curve of the masonry project in the following ways:

• Underestimating compromises the quality of the job with the financial losses that are expected to occur soon. 
• Overestimating reduces the possibilities of profit margins, directing towards non-competitive bids. 

Having a strong grip on masonry estimating not only makes the project feasible for profitability and sustainability but also provides a confidential platform to build the client’s trust and credibility. But remember for better and accurate results, or if you are busy contractor, you must get professional masonry estimating services.

Process of How to Do a Masonry Estimate

Step 1: Review the Project Scope and Specifications

Determining the project scope and specifications is the initial step to create a seamless estimate, accounting for all the construction factors. Let’s have a look at the following checklist for masonry estimate: 

• Wall dimensions (height, length, and thickness)
• Type of masonry unit ( clay brick, concrete block, stone masonry units, etc.)
• Type of mortar and its mixing criteria
• Reinforcement requirements for steel and fibre reinforcing, such as rebar, steel mesh, glass fibre and carbon fibre, etc. 
• Exterior and interior finishing and coatings
• Geographical location of the project and site conditions 

Consider the architects’ and engineers’ notes to understand their installation methods which have different cost settings accordingly. Accounting for this beforehand helps to manage the project budget in a preliminary report. 

Step 2: Take Accurate Measurements (Masonry Takeoff)

Following the project review, it’s time to quantify the project requirements for masonry work. It is a very crucial phase that ensures the effectiveness with the flexibility to overcome the underestimation and overestimation. Generally, it includes: 

a. Masonry Units

Considering the size of masonry units and your working dimensions, check out how much stones, bricks, tiles and blocks are required to complete the project. For example, 

• Standard brick size: 7.5 bricks per square foot
• Standard CMU block: 1.125 blocks per square foot

Must ensure the addition of waste percentage of about 5-10% in the total square footage for efficient workflow. 

b. Mortar Volume

Determine how much mortar is required per unit with the help of standard formulas. Typically, the following rule is applied to quantify the mortar requirements per unit: 

• 0.3 cubic feet of mortar is required per 1 cubic foot of brickwork
• About 3 bags of mortar are used per 100 standard-sized bricks

Also, add a 10% waste factor in mortar volume to avoid unforeseen delays. 

c. Reinforcement and Accessories

Identify the requirements for reinforcement, such as: 

• Rebar (its size, spacing, length)
• Wire mesh
• Masonry ties and anchors
• Flashings and weep holes

Step 3: Calculate Labor Costs

Labor has a high contribution to the overall masonry estimate, depending upon the complexity of the project. Labor cost is finalized based on the following factors: 

a. Labor Productivity Rates

Based on the type of masonry work, consider the standard productivity rates like : 

• Bricklaying: 400–600 bricks per mason per day
• CMU installation: 90–120 blocks per mason per day

Their rates may fluctuate with site and environmental conditions such as: 

• Weather
• Accessibility and location
• Job complexity
• Crew experience and expertise

b. Labor Hours

After setting the productivity rates, calculate the labor hours using the formula: 

Labor hours = Total number of masonry units/ Daily Output 

c. Labor Rate

Resultantly, find out the labor cost by multiplying labor hours with hourly wage including taxes, insurance and profit margins. Additionally, the project management cost is also added in the final labor estimate. 

Step 4: Include Equipment and Tools

Several tools and equipment are required to finish the masonry work that can be either rented or purchased according to the extent to need. Their cost must be factored into the overall cost for accurate masonry estimates. Most common requirements include: 

• Scaffolding and mixers 
• Trowel, mason hammer, chisel
• Jointing tool, measuring tape and shovel
• Cranes or hoists (for large-scale CMU or stone projects)
• Cutting tools and grinders, and a ladder 

Don’t forget the cost of personal protective equipment that may contribute to the overall cost such as safety goggles and gloves and steel-toe boots etc. 

Step 5: Factor in Material Costs

Compare the material cost with current market rates after the quantification of the material. Approach the suppliers to get updated prices of:

• Bricks, blocks, or stones
• Mortar and cement
• Reinforcement (rebar, mesh, ties)
• Sand and aggregates
• Waterproofing or sealing products

Must ensure the factorization of conveyance cost and freight particularly if there is considerable outsourcing distance. For the smooth stream of masonry work, maintain a margin cost especially for cement and steel.

Step 6: Consider Overheads and Markup

Tailor the overhead expenses in the final masonry estimate that ensure the secure running of the business. Generally, it employs the cost of: 

• Office rent
• Software tools
• Insurance
• Licenses and permits
• Marketing and admin costs

Then set up the markup on the basis of project competitiveness and profitability. Commonly, 10-20% markup is applied that varies with market trends and scope. 

Step 7: Evaluate Site Conditions and Challenges

Visit the construction site to check the conditions before estimation. Some sites require some finishing work, and that cost is added to the masonry estimate in the context of labor and material costs. For instance: 

• Physical conditions like existing structure, topography, soil level and 
• Environmental conditions like weather and climate, drainage system and vegetation and contamination, etc.
• Safety considerations 
• Legal and regulatory factors 
• Accessibility and logistics 

Step 8: Prepare a Detailed Proposal

Now, you have a preliminary estimate for masonry work that includes all the components. Assemble it into a final estimate and ensure that it factors all the following specifications: 

• Project description and scope
• Complete breakdown of materials, labor, equipment, and overhead expenses
• Terms and conditions 
• Timing frame and scheduling
• Exclusions and assumptions

A well-planned estimate accounts for all the factors of masonry work and ensures the execution of the project plan effectively to build the client’s credibility. 

Step 9: Double-Check and Adjust for Risk

Double-check your masonry estimate to find out the overlooked or overlooked details that may hurt the project baseline. Let’s check out: 

• Are all quantities calculated appropriately?
• Are any items missing?
• Did you consider waste and conveyance? 
• Do the material and labor rates match with market trends? 
• Your estimate has space for contingency and miscellaneous risks? 

This consideration helps you to avoid financial surprises down the road throughout the project. 

Pro Tip: Use Masonry Estimating Software

Gone are the days when manual estimating was performed. In the advanced technical era, estimating software is available to enhance the workflow with reduced errors. Such as PlanSwift, Bluebeam, CostX, Buildertrend, Buildxact, and many more are serving you to generate robust estimates for masonry projects in the following ways: 

• Digital takeoffs
• Auto-calculation of materials and labor rates
• Integration with supplier databases
• Template-based proposals 

At Unity Estimating, we serve the contractors, builders, and project managers with invaluable services to remove the guesswork for masonry estimating.

Final Thoughts

Masonry estimating is a skilful and artful task that requires mindful planning and scheduling with technical support. Whether it is concrete masonry, brickwork, stonework or repairing, accounting all the factors that affect the overall cost is necessary to ensure the project towards profitability. Approaching the right resources with in-depth knowledge in this versatile field is a worthwhile investment in building project success. An accurate masonry estimate helps you to stay at the competitive edge to win the bids. 

At Unity Estimating, our dedicated team is trained to design reliable and accurate masonry estimates. Let us handle how to do masonry estimates to enhance job performance and profitability in the competitive market.