Masonry bidding requires precise quantity calculations, understanding of productivity factors, and knowledge of material specifications. This guide helps masonry contractors win profitable commercial projects.
Understanding Masonry Bid Documents
Architectural Drawings
Key Drawing Types
- Exterior elevations
- Wall sections
- Masonry details
- Foundation plans
- Partition plans
Information to Extract
- Wall areas
- Opening locations
- Bond patterns
- Control joint locations
- Flashing requirements
Specifications
Division 04 Sections
- 04 05 00 - Common Work Results
- 04 20 00 - Unit Masonry
- 04 22 00 - Concrete Unit Masonry
- 04 43 00 - Stone Masonry
- 04 70 00 - Manufactured Masonry
Critical Details
- Unit specifications
- Mortar requirements
- Reinforcing requirements
- Grout requirements
- Quality standards
Masonry Types
Clay Brick
Categories
- Face brick (veneer)
- Structural brick
- Pavers
- Glazed brick
Specifications
- Size and type
- Color and texture
- Grade and exposure
- Bond pattern
Concrete Masonry Units (CMU)
Types
- Standard block
- Lightweight block
- Split-face block
- Ground-face block
- Glazed block
Considerations
- Core configuration
- Reinforcing requirements
- Grouting requirements
- Finish specifications
Natural Stone
Categories
- Limestone
- Granite
- Marble
- Sandstone
- Slate
Applications
- Veneer panels
- Ashlar patterns
- Rubble
- Trim and sills
Quantity Takeoff
Area Calculations
Process
- Calculate gross wall area
- Deduct openings
- Add returns and reveals
- Account for patterns
Unit Conversions
- Standard brick: 6.75 per SF
- Modular brick: 7.0 per SF
- CMU 8": 1.125 per SF
- CMU 12": 1.125 per SF
Mortar Estimation
Rule of Thumb
- Brick: 8-10 bags per 1,000 brick
- CMU: 3-4 bags per 100 block
Factors
- Joint size
- Tooling method
- Weather waste
- Experience level
Reinforcing and Grout
Components
- Horizontal reinforcing
- Vertical reinforcing
- Joint reinforcing
- Grout quantities
Calculations
- Linear feet of rebar
- Square feet of wire
- Cubic feet of grout
Pricing Components
Materials
Major Items
- Masonry units
- Mortar and grout
- Reinforcing
- Flashing
- Through-wall items
- Sealants
Quote Management
- Multiple suppliers
- Lead time verification
- Delivery scheduling
- Price validity
Labor
Production Rates (per mason per day)
- Face brick: 400-500 units
- CMU: 80-120 units
- Stone veneer: varies widely
Productivity Factors
- Wall height
- Pattern complexity
- Weather conditions
- Access and staging
- Reinforcing density
Equipment and Scaffolding
Equipment
- Mortar mixers
- Material handlers
- Forklifts
- Cranes/hoists
Scaffolding
- Type and height
- Rental vs. owned
- Assembly/disassembly labor
- Move frequency
Common Bidding Mistakes
Takeoff Errors
Frequently Missed
- Reveals and returns
- Soldier courses
- Lintels and sills
- Control joints
- Flashing
- Weep holes
Labor Underestimation
Watch For
- Complex patterns
- Height factors
- Weather impact
- Scaffold moves
- Coordination time
Specification Oversights
Check Carefully
- Sample panel requirements
- Mock-up costs
- Testing requirements
- Color selection process
- Special cleaning
Special Masonry Work
Reinforced Masonry
Requirements
- Engineered design
- Reinforcing placement
- Grouting procedures
- Inspection requirements
Cost Factors
- Additional materials
- Slower production
- Quality control
- Documentation
Cavity Wall Construction
Components
- Inner wythe
- Air space
- Insulation
- Outer wythe
- Wall ties
Coordination
- Flashing installation
- Weep placement
- Insulation timing
- Through-wall items
Restoration Work
Scope
- Repointing
- Cleaning
- Unit replacement
- Crack repair
Challenges
- Matching existing
- Access limitations
- Weather sensitivity
- Hidden conditions
Quality Requirements
Sample Panels
Purpose
- Establish standards
- Approve colors
- Verify workmanship
- Reference for project
Cost Considerations
- Panel construction
- Approval time
- Revision potential
- Documentation
Testing
Common Tests
- Prism testing
- Mortar testing
- Grout testing
- Unit sampling
Budget Items
- Testing costs
- Wait time
- Re-testing potential
Weather Considerations
Cold Weather
Requirements
- Heated materials
- Protection measures
- Temperature monitoring
- Extended curing
Cost Impact
- Material heating
- Enclosures
- Extended time
- Quality risk
Hot Weather
Requirements
- Wetting units
- Shade structures
- Timing adjustments
- Curing protection
Working With GCs
Coordination
Key Interfaces
- Structural frame
- Flashing installation
- Window installation
- Sealant work
- MEP penetrations
Schedule
- Access requirements
- Weather windows
- Cure time needs
- Protection duration
Subcontract Issues
Review Carefully
- Scaffolding responsibility
- Clean-up scope
- Protection requirements
- Quality standards
Public Project Requirements
Prevailing Wage
Classifications
- Bricklayers
- Laborers
- Hod carriers
- Pointer-cleaners
Compliance
- Correct rates
- Certified payroll
- Apprenticeship
Buy America
Requirements
- Domestic materials
- Documentation
- Certification
Documentation
Submittals
- Product data
- Samples
- Mock-up approval
- Test reports
- Certifications
Technology in Masonry Bidding
Estimating Software
Options
- iSQFT
- PlanSwift
- StackCT
- Custom databases
Features
- Digital takeoff
- Unit conversion
- Labor databases
- Report generation
Digital Tools
Applications
- BIM modeling
- Quantity extraction
- Layout assistance
- Documentation
Competitive Strategies
Differentiation
Beyond Price
- Quality reputation
- Schedule reliability
- Workforce availability
- Safety record
Value Engineering
Options
- Unit alternatives
- Pattern simplification
- Construction methods
- Phasing options
Conclusion
Successful masonry bidding requires accurate quantities, realistic productivity estimates, and comprehensive scope understanding. Calculate areas carefully. Include all accessories. Account for weather impacts. Plan scaffolding properly.
The masonry contractors who win profitable work combine estimating accuracy with quality craftsmanship and reliable execution.
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