Masonry work is vital in building and maintaining structures that last decades. When you understand the cost of masonry work per hour, it becomes easier to budget for your construction or home repair projects.
Knowing the hourly rate helps you estimate the overall expense of repairs like fixing a cracked foundation, rebuilding a chimney, or installing a new brick wall.
By learning about masonry costs, you can take better care of your home or building, keeping it strong and beautiful for years.
Common Masonry Work and Their Costs
Let’s explore three common masonry tasks and how much they typically cost.
Repointing and Tuckpointing
Over time, the mortar between bricks can worsen, causing cracks or gaps. Repointing and tuckpointing remove the old, damaged mortar and replace it with fresh mortar to preserve the structure’s strength and appearance.
These repairs can cost between $3 and $25 per square foot, based on the scope of the damage and whether the bricks themselves need attention​. While smaller areas may be less expensive, larger or more detailed brickwork will increase the cost.
Foundation Repairs
Foundations are critical to the stability of any building, so repairs tend to be more expensive. Fixing a small crack can cost anywhere from $250 to $800 per crack, depending on the severity and materials you use. However, if a foundation is severely damaged and needs to be changed, the cost can be $20,000 to $30,000.
Brick Porch or Wall Repairs
Brick porches and walls are common features in many homes, but they can suffer from wear and tear over time. Small fixations, like changing a few bricks or fixing minor cracks, usually cost between $10 and $30 per square foot. The total price depends on the size of the repairing area and structural elements like support beams​.
Factors Affecting Masonry Work Cost per Hour
Several aspects influence how much you’ll pay for masonry work hourly.
Labor Rates
Masons charge between $40 to $100 per hour, depending on experience and location. Highly skilled masons tend to charge more due to their expertise, while less experienced workers might charge less but take longer to complete tasks.
Location and Complexity
In urban areas, labor costs are generally higher due to increased demand and living expenses. Simple tasks, like brick repairs, cost less than complicated projects like decorative brick patterns or historic restoration, which require more skill and time.
Type of Project
Masonry costs vary depending on the type of project. Chimney repairs often require working in tight, elevated spaces, which takes time and expertise. Foundation repairs are crucial for structural safety, resulting in higher rates due to the precision required. Stonework projects, such as decorative patterns, also cost more because they need specialized mastery​.
Accessibility
Challenging project locations increases costs. Jobs requiring scaffolding or involving hard-to-reach areas, like tall walls or chimneys, can raise labor costs by up to 40% due to the extra time and effort involved.
Permits and Materials
Major masonry projects may need permits ranging from $100 to $250. Additionally, material delivery fees for items like bricks can add $60 to $200, depending on distance.
Additional services, such as waterproofing brick walls, cost between $2 to $10 per square foot. Mortar color matching tests range from $150 to $325. Complex or historical projects may need specialized techniques, raising labor and material costs​.
What Should You Know About Skilled Masons vs. Handymen Hourly Rate
When hiring for masonry work, it’s important to know how much masons charge per hour.
Skilled Masons
Experienced masons charge between $50 and $100 per hour. Their experience allows them to complete tasks more quickly and with better quality. They are usually worth the extra cost for detailed work, such as stone carving or restoring historic buildings, since they do the job right the first time.
Handymen or Less Experienced Workers
Handymen charge $30 to $50 per hour but may take longer and deliver a different level of work. They are suited for smaller, simpler repairs.
A professional mason is often the better choice for complex or long-lasting projects.
How to Budget for Masonry Projects
When budgeting for masonry work, it’s essential to assess total costs.
- Estimate Overall Costs: Start with the hourly labor rate. Then, add material costs like bricks and mortar. Project duration also impacts the total price, as longer jobs mean more labor charges.
- Request Quotes: Always get quotes from several local contractors. Rates vary by experience and location, so comparing multiple quotes helps ensure you get the best price.
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Ways to Save Masonry Cost
Masonry projects can be expensive, but you can lower costs without sacrificing quality.
- Plan for Maintenance: Regular repointing (replacing old mortar) can prevent larger, more expensive issues like structural damage. Addressing small fixation avoids the need for major fixes later.
- Hire Locally: Hiring local contractors lowers the costs of transportation and material delivery. Local masons also understand area-specific needs, making the project smoother.
- Simplify Designs: Complex brick patterns or detailed stonework require more labor and materials. Opt for simpler designs to reduce costs.
FAQs
What are some signs that masonry repair is needed?
Cracks in mortar joints or bricks indicate that the structure may be weakening. Spalling, or flaking of the brick surface, is another sign. This happens when water seeps into bricks, freezes, and causes parts of the brick to break off.
Bowing walls, where a wall bulges outward, signal serious structural issues often caused by water or pressure. Additionally, efflorescence, a white, chalky substance on the brick surface, shows excess moisture, which can lead to further deterioration if not addressed. Identifying and correcting these indications early helps avoid bigger, costlier problems later.
What is the method of costing in brick work?
Brickwork costs are generally calculated per square foot or per brick. Most projects use the per-square-foot method, and the price ranges from $10 to $30, depending on the job’s complexity and brick type.
For minor issues, masons may charge per brick, typically $1 to $5 per brick, including labor. Additional costs, such as scaffolding, permits, or material delivery, can further impact the price.
