Factors to Consider When Hiring a Commercial Masonry Contractor

Overview

Why choosing the right contractor matters

Masonry work is a long-term investment in durability, safety, and aesthetics. A qualified contractor helps ensure structural integrity, timely completion, and adherence to project specifications.

How to use this guide

Use the sections below to define your project scope, shortlist candidates, verify credentials, compare bids, and finalize a contract with clear terms.

Experience and qualifications

Relevant projects and capacity

Look for contractors with demonstrated experience on projects similar in size, type (brick, block, stone), and scope (structural walls, veneers, restoration). Confirm crew size, equipment, and geographic familiarity to handle the job efficiently.

Verifications: references and portfolios

Ask for a portfolio of past work and contact 3–5 references. If possible, visit completed sites to assess workmanship, cleanup, and on-site professionalism. Verify licenses and any professional certifications.

Licenses, insurance, and permits

Licenses and bonding

Ensure the contractor holds the required licenses for your location, with active status. Confirm bonding if required by your municipality or project type.

Insurance coverage to request

Request current certificates for general liability, workers’ compensation, and any subcontractors. Consider additional insured status if the contract requires it.

Bids, contracts, and change orders

Itemized bids and clear scope

Require detailed, itemized estimates that align with a defined scope of work. Look for unit costs, material allowances, exclusions, and any assumptions.

Change orders, delays, and dispute resolution

Establish a process for changes in scope, including written change orders, price adjustments, and a defined method for resolving disputes. Tie changes to revised schedules and budgets.

Project management, timeline, and supervision

Roles, responsibilities, and communication

Identify the on-site supervisor, project manager, and primary contact. Set expectations for regular updates, meetings, and reporting cadence.

Scheduling, milestones, and site coordination

Agree on a realistic timeline with milestones. Coordinate with other trades, material deliveries, and access to utilities to minimize delays.

Materials, workmanship, and warranties

Materials standards and sources

Specify the types of bricks, blocks, natural stone, mortar mix, sealants, and any specialty finishes. Address sustainability, sourcing, and lead times for materials.

Warranty and maintenance

Clarify warranty terms for workmanship and materials, including duration and what is covered. Include a basic maintenance plan and guidance for long-term care.

Safety, site practices, and compliance

Safety plans and compliance

Ensure adherence to applicable safety standards (e.g., OSHA). Require a site safety plan, incident reporting procedures, and regular safety briefings.

Cleanliness, security, and disruption

Define expectations for waste removal, dust control, storage of materials, and minimizing disruption to surrounding tenants or neighbors.

Final checklist and next steps

Shortlist and interview

Narrow candidates based on credentials, references, and fit. Conduct in-person interviews to assess communication and approach.

Verify documents and sign contract

Review licenses, insurance certificates, and references. Ensure the contract includes scope, schedule, payment terms, warranties, and change-order procedures.

Start date and project kickoff

Agree on a mobilization date, site access, and kickoff meeting to confirm roles, responsibilities, and initial tasks.