A masonry contract protects both you and the contractor by spelling out exactly what work will be done, when, and for how much. Without clear terms in writing, you're vulnerable to scope creep, surprise costs, and incomplete work. Here's what you need to demand in any masonry contractor agreement before work begins.
Scope of Work and Materials Specification
Your contract must describe the exact masonry work being performed—don't settle for vague language like "repair brick wall." Instead, specify:
- Square footage of area to be repointed, laid, or repaired
- Brick, stone, or concrete block type and color (with photos if possible)
- Mortar type and ratio (e.g., Type N, Type S, or Type O)
- Pattern or bond style (running bond, Flemish bond, etc.)
- Whether existing material will be salvaged, removed, or disposed of
A well-written scope also identifies what's not included—such as interior painting, grout cleanup, or structural permits.
Payment Schedule and Total Cost Breakdown
Masonry jobs typically cost between $15 to $40 per square foot for standard repairs, though complex restoration can run higher. Your contract should itemize costs by phase:
- Labor per square foot or hourly rate
- Material costs (delivered and on-site)
- Equipment rental or scaffolding
- Permit and inspection fees (specify who pays)
- Cleanup and debris removal
Require a payment schedule tied to project milestones—never pay the full amount upfront. A standard structure is 30% deposit, 40% at mid-project completion, and 30% on final inspection. This protects you if the work stops partway through.
Timeline and Completion Date
Specify a start date and estimated completion date, including weather contingencies. Masonry work can't happen in freezing temperatures (below 32°F) or heavy rain, so the contract should clarify that delays due to weather aren't the contractor's responsibility but should be communicated in advance.
If the project extends beyond an agreed-upon window, include a daily delay penalty—typically $50–$150 per day—to incentivize timely completion.
Insurance, Licensing, and Permits
Your contractor must carry:
- General liability insurance ($1–$2 million minimum coverage)
- Workers' compensation insurance
- A valid state mason license
Request proof of all three before signing. Also clarify who obtains and pays for required building permits. In most cases, the contractor handles this, but it should be explicitly stated to avoid confusion later.
Warranty and Defect Responsibility
Masonry work should include a workmanship warranty of at least one year. This covers issues like:
- Mortar joints that crack or crumble
- Brick or stone that shifts out of plumb
- Water infiltration due to poor installation
Material warranties (manufacturer defects in brick or stone) typically run longer—often 5–10 years—but the contractor isn't always responsible for these. Separate the two clearly in your contract.
Change Order Process
Job scope changes happen, but they shouldn't happen casually. Your contract must require written change orders that specify:
- What's being added or removed
- Revised cost
- New timeline adjustments
- Both parties' signatures before work proceeds
This prevents the contractor from charging you $3,000 extra "because we found more damage than expected" without your approval.
Site Conditions and Cleanup
Specify who's responsible for protecting surrounding areas (landscaping, vehicles, windows) and define what "clean" means at the end. Does the contractor remove all debris, sweep the area, or leave cleanup to you? Clarify whether power washing of adjacent surfaces is included.
Dispute Resolution and Lien Rights
Include a process for addressing disputes—many contracts require good-faith negotiation first, then mediation before legal action. Also address mechanics' lien rights: in most states, contractors can place a lien on your property if unpaid, so your contract should outline payment protections for both parties.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if the contractor finds additional damage once work starts? A: The contract should require them to stop work, document the issue with photos, and submit a change order for your approval before proceeding. Never let them assume additional work is automatically included.
Q: Can a contractor charge extra for weather delays? A: No—weather is typically considered a "force majeure" event, meaning delays are excused. However, the contractor should notify you promptly and adjust the timeline accordingly.
Q: What's the difference between repointing and tuckpointing? A: Repointing removes old mortar and replaces it; tuckpointing is repointing plus filling the joint with contrasting mortar for a finished look. Your contract must specify which you're paying for.
Get all terms in writing before the first brick is laid.