Common Mistakes Masonry Contractors Make (and How to Avoid Them)
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Dec 5, 2025
- 2 min read
Running a masonry contracting business takes more than craftsmanship. Estimating mistakes, safety gaps, weak contracts, and lack of insurance can quickly cut into profits.
1. Underestimating Project Costs
Many contractors underbid projects because they don’t account for fluctuating material costs, labor time, and jobsite issues. This leads to razor-thin margins or even losses.
How to Avoid It
Track historical job data
Add contingency margins
Include prep and cleanup time
Use reliable cost databases
For accurate estimating, tools like RSMeans Construction Cost Data provide trusted pricing benchmarks.
2. Ignoring Safety Requirements
Safety issues result in fines, injuries, delays, and higher insurance costs. Masonry work involves heights, heavy materials, respirable dust, and complex equipment.
How to Avoid It
Provide regular safety training
Use PPE and scaffolding correctly
Perform routine jobsite inspections
3. Weak Quality Control
Even experienced masons can produce inconsistent results without documented standards. Rework directly reduces profit margins.
How to Avoid It
Define quality standards
Inspect installations daily
Use proper curing and mixes
Train apprentices to consistent methods
Industry best practices are available through the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA)
4. Not Carrying Proper Insurance
Some contractors cut coverage to save money without understanding the risk. One injury or jobsite incident can lead to massive financial loss.
How to Avoid It
Carry coverage built for masonry trades
Review your policy yearly
Include insurance cost in pricing
Use a specialist who knows your industry
Recommended coverages include:
5. Poor Contract Documentation
Verbal agreements lead to disputes over scope, delays, and payment schedules. Without change-order procedures, additional labor becomes unpaid work.
How to Avoid It
Use written contracts every time
Define materials, timeline, and payment terms
Clarify change-order process
Document all communication
6. Weak Marketing Strategy
Relying only on referrals restricts growth. Even great craftsmanship needs visibility to attract consistent work.
How to Avoid It
Build a simple website showcasing past projects
Collect customer reviews
Create a Google Business Profile
Network with builders and designers
Post visual work on Instagram
7. Poor Financial Management
Many contractors struggle with accurate bookkeeping. Missing invoices, poor tax planning, and unclear job cost tracking are common issues.
How to Avoid It
Use accounting tools like QuickBooks or Xero
Track profitability per project
Separate business and personal finances
Plan taxes quarterly
Final Thoughts
Mistakes in estimating, safety, contracts, marketing, and insurance can hold back even skilled masonry contractors. The good news? Each mistake is avoidable with the right systems and support.
By using reliable cost data, following safety standards, documenting contracts, improving marketing, and protecting your business with proper insurance, you position your masonry company for long-term growth.
Need insurance designed specifically for masonry contractors?
Wexford Insurance works with masonry businesses nationwide.
Contact us today.
