At USA Estimating Solutions, we provide highly detailed and trade-specific masonry estimating services for residential, commercial, and industrial projects across the United States. Our team of expert masonry estimators is well-versed in all aspects of brick, block, stone, CMU, and structural masonry systems. Whether you’re bidding a large-scale development or a custom residential build, our estimates ensure clarity, accuracy, and a competitive edge.
We break down all cost components, including labor, materials, equipment, productivity, staging, and waste. From load-bearing walls to decorative stonework, we calculate everything from scratch using the latest digital takeoff software like Planswift and Bluebeam, combined with up-to-date national pricing databases. Every estimate is prepared with a focus on reducing project risk and optimizing profitability for contractors and builders.
đź“§ Email: info@usaestimatingsolutions.com
📞 Phone: (716) 226-1302 / 800
Our estimates provide a full breakdown of required masonry materials such as bricks, blocks (CMU), stone veneers, mortar, grout, rebar, ties, flashing, anchors, insulation, control joints, and expansion accessories. We include all required finishes, trims, and sealants as specified in the architectural and structural plans. Material takeoffs are quantified with attention to detail, considering wall height, bond patterns, coursing, wall thickness, and reinforcement types.
Whether it’s a basic foundation wall or a highly customized architectural façade, we ensure all material requirements are captured precisely, helping contractors order with confidence and minimize wastage on-site.
Labor estimation in masonry work is often underestimated, which leads to missed profits. We base our labor projections on proven masonry productivity rates, adjusted by project scale, complexity, location, access, and environmental conditions. Our experience allows us to account for overhead labor like cutting, lifting, scaffolding setup, rework, and delays due to weather or staging issues.
By evaluating man-hour requirements per square foot, per linear foot, and per item, we provide a realistic labor estimate that empowers you to win the project while still meeting your profit goals.
We provide expert-level estimates for structural masonry systems, including load-bearing CMU walls, shear walls, multi-wythe systems, retaining walls, and reinforced block assemblies. These elements often require additional consideration for rebar placement, grouting, lintels, bond beams, and concrete fill. Our estimates take all these structural components into account, and are fully compliant with IBC, ASTM, and local seismic/wind-load requirements.
In addition to structural block and brickwork, we offer precise estimating services for decorative masonry elements. This includes natural stone veneers, cultured stone, cast stone trims, masonry columns, arches, fireplaces, stone walls, and paving. Specialty work like basket-weave or herringbone patterns, soldier courses, or multi-color layouts are considered in detail. We also factor in stone-cutting labor, adhesive selection, sealants, and moisture barriers.
Masonry jobs require not only labor and materials, but also specialized equipment like mortar mixers, scaffolding systems, saws, forklifts, buckets, wheelbarrows, and more. We include all rental or owned equipment in your estimates, along with provisions for safety compliance such as fall protection, fencing, dust control, and PPE.
For multi-story projects, we account for vertical transport of materials, staging platforms, and additional labor for confined or elevated spaces. This level of detail helps avoid underestimating the true scope of the project.
We provide masonry estimates for a wide range of project types, including but not limited to:
Each estimate is tailored to the client's needs—whether you're submitting a formal RFP bid, budgeting a design-build proposal, or negotiating a lump-sum contract. We also assist subcontractors with scope-specific pricing to support general contractor coordination.
All estimates follow CSI Division 04 – Masonry formatting and can be delivered in Excel, PDF, or your custom template. We use RSMeans, Craftsman, or your preferred pricing database to align with local wage and material costs. Adjustments for union vs. non-union labor, prevailing wage zones, and local supply chain variables are made as needed.
Our goal is to give you a bid-ready, defensible estimate you can submit with confidence, knowing it reflects current market conditions and trade-specific accuracy.
Need it fast? We offer 24–48 hour turnaround on most masonry takeoffs, depending on project size and complexity. If needed, we can also provide post-estimate support such as bid clarifications, RFIs, value engineering options, and change order pricing.
Our clients appreciate the combination of speed, accuracy, and reliability we bring to every estimate—and we’re committed to being an extension of your team.
Masonry projects often face budget overruns due to unforeseen complexities, such as substrate preparation, reinforcement changes, or weather delays. Our detailed masonry estimating approach minimizes these risks by thoroughly reviewing project specifications, structural drawings, and scope details before finalizing estimates. We proactively identify potential cost drivers—like specialty finishes, complicated bonding patterns, or waterproofing requirements—and incorporate contingencies to ensure your bid remains competitive and profitable.
Our masonry estimators work closely with clients to explore cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or code compliance. Through value engineering sessions, we analyze alternative materials, mortar mixes, and installation methods that could reduce labor intensity or material waste. For example, substituting face bricks with architectural CMU in non-exposed areas or selecting pre-fabricated masonry panels may significantly cut costs while maintaining aesthetic appeal. These insights help contractors submit smarter bids and clients maximize ROI.
Masonry work must comply with a range of codes and standards, including ASTM standards for masonry units and mortar, local building codes, and ADA requirements. Our estimators ensure that every takeoff and cost projection accounts for compliance-related expenses such as testing, inspection fees, and quality control labor. This reduces the chance of costly change orders and project delays due to non-conformance, giving you confidence that your bid is aligned with regulatory expectations.
We believe estimating is not just about numbers but about communication and collaboration. We encourage ongoing interaction with your project managers, architects, and engineers to clarify scope details and resolve ambiguities early. This collaborative estimating process helps uncover hidden requirements or special site conditions—such as seismic reinforcements, expansion joints, or custom lintels—that can significantly impact cost and schedule.
Our masonry estimating services are fully compatible with Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows. We can import BIM models or CAD drawings directly into our estimating software to automate material quantities and improve accuracy. This integration reduces manual entry errors, saves time, and allows for real-time updates as designs evolve. Using these cutting-edge tools also enables more accurate clash detection and sequencing, reducing onsite conflicts between masonry and other trades.
Modern masonry projects increasingly prioritize sustainable practices and green building certifications like LEED. Our estimating process includes evaluation of environmentally friendly masonry materials, such as recycled-content bricks or low-VOC mortars, and their associated costs. We also factor in labor and equipment requirements for implementing sustainable construction techniques, helping contractors align bids with client sustainability goals.
Beyond traditional walls and veneers, we estimate specialty masonry applications such as:
Our estimators possess the technical knowledge to accurately price these complex, high-value projects that require specialized skills and materials.
Our commitment extends beyond providing a single estimate. We offer ongoing post-estimate services including: