How Do I Price My Masonry Services for Maximum Profit?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Dec 5, 2025
- 2 min read
Pricing your masonry services correctly is critical to profitability. Too low, and you risk losing money; too high, and you may lose clients to competitors.
From estimating labor and materials to factoring in overhead and insurance, this guide helps masonry contractors set competitive, profitable pricing while maintaining quality and client trust.
1. Understand Your Costs
To price services effectively, you must first understand all costs involved:
Labor Costs: Wages for masons, apprentices, and helpers
Material Costs: Bricks, blocks, mortar, stone, and cement
Equipment Costs: Tools, mixers, scaffolding, vehicles
Overhead Costs: Insurance, permits, office expenses, marketing
Profit Margin Goal: A percentage you want to earn above total costs
Read more: Estimating construction project costs
2. Choose a Pricing Method
Masonry contractors commonly use these methods:
Per Square Foot Pricing: Useful for paving, walls, or veneer
Per Project Pricing: Ideal for custom projects or unique designs
Hourly Rate Pricing: Best for repair or labor-only projects
Compare your chosen method against competitor pricing to remain competitive while covering costs.
3. Factor in Contingencies
Unexpected issues like weather delays, material shortages, or additional labor can impact profits. Include a contingency factor (usually 5–10%) in your quote to protect against unforeseen costs.
4. Consider Client and Market Factors
Pricing isn’t just about costs. Consider:
Local demand and competition
Client type (residential vs. commercial)
Project complexity and timeline
Seasonal variations in demand
Adjust pricing to balance competitiveness with profitability.
5. Incorporate Insurance and Risk Management
Proper insurance is part of your business overhead and should be included in pricing decisions:
6. Review and Adjust Regularly
Costs and market conditions change. Regularly review your pricing:
Track labor efficiency and material usage
Analyze project profitability
Adjust rates to reflect rising costs or new competition
Offer premium pricing for specialized skills or rush projects
Final Thoughts
Pricing masonry services for maximum profit requires understanding your costs, factoring in overhead and insurance, and staying competitive in your market. By applying a strategic approach, you ensure that your business remains profitable while delivering quality workmanship that attracts repeat clients.
Proper insurance not only protects your business but also enhances credibility when submitting bids and proposals. Wexford Insurance specializes in coverage for masonry contractors, helping you operate with confidence.
Contact us today.
