Masonry Renovations
Get up to 3 free quotes on your masonry project from the best contractors near you
Renovation Process
How to start planning a masonry renovation project
Is the bulging wall on your newly acquired fixer-upper giving you pause? Maybe you’d like to incorporate decorative stones into your landscaping project or install granite countertops in your kitchen. From how to find a masonry contractor to an overview of what you can expect once construction is underway, Smart Reno can help you through your masonry renovation planning process in three simple steps:
Plan ahead
Use this guide to learn more about masonry projects and determine whether you will require masonry repair, new construction, or a combination of both.
Define a realistic budget
Ensure that you set aside sufficient funds for your masonry renovation. Masonry work is complex and utilizes more expensive materials than many other home renovations.
Compare several contractors
Finding the best bricklayer or mason for the job isn’t just about the price tag. Look into the years of experience your contractor has under their toolbelt, as well as the masonry work they have done in the past. Talk to your prospective mason about providing you with a revised estimate after making a home visit.
How much does a mason cost?
The cost of a mason can range widely, depending on the nature of your renovations. Maintenance work like brick sealing or brick repointing will cost less than repairing a bulging wall or replacing deteriorating bricks. The cost of bricks is only a small part of the price for building a retaining wall. You will be paying for materials used in masonry as well as bricklaying skill, knowledge, and expertise. A more experienced and specialized mason will charge a higher rate than a bricklayer just out of an apprenticeship.
| Type of work | Predictable budget |
|---|---|
| Repointing | $12 – $23 sq.ft. |
| Bowing | $25 – $50 sq.ft. |
| New brick installation | $25 – $50 sq.ft. |
Average cost for materials and labour
What kind of projects can a mason do?
Masons are trained to work with clay bricks, concrete blocks, and natural stones. Many masons start out as bricklayers learning the craft by building brick walls and chimneys before further specializing as a mason where they work with natural stones and learn more advance techniques. Masons can do a wide variety of projects including laying bricks and blocks, repairing chimneys, tuckpointing and repairing failed mortar joints, building stone retaining walls, and laying natural stone paths.
Tips and tricks
How to choose the best masonry contractor for your home renovation
The question isn’t just how to find a masonry contractor, but how to find the right masonry contractor. A masonry renovation can be more expensive than other forms of home renovations due to the skilled labour and higher materials cost involved. Sorting through masonry contractors requires you to consider your budget, the masonry repair or renovations required, any additional factors provided on their professional website, as well as customer reviews.
Years of experience
Masons go through an apprenticeship before becoming certified professionals. While a verified mason just out of apprenticeship should be qualified to perform masonry work, you may feel more comfortable with a more experienced masonry contractor. For brick repointing, brick resealing, or most repairs of masonry joints, a bricklayer with only a few years of experience can confidently be expected to perform the job well. If you require specialized cutting of slate for load-bearing stone walls, a mason with decades on the chisel is your best bet.
Materials used
The materials used in masonry construction work include stone, concrete, and brick, or any other substance that can be shaped into modular, even units and formed into a structure using a binding agent. Each type of material has different properties and requires a specialized professional to complete the masonry work. Mason companies may employ specialists in brick, granite, marble, and concrete to cover projects that require a variety of materials.
Time to complete work
Ask your prospective masonry contractor about an estimated time for completing your masonry work. If one contractor quotes a much shorter or much longer timeline than the others, you might consider striking them from the list.
Debris disposal
Qualified bricklaying contractors and masons will not leave a pile of broken concrete on your front lawn. Older homes may have bricks or ceiling tiles contaminated with harmful chemicals that require special care to remove and destroy. Ask your masonry contractor about how they handle debris disposal both during and after the completion of work on your home.
Tools & Calculators
Find out how much home equity you have to finance your renovation using the RBC Home Value Estimator.
Not sure what your renovation should cost you? Use the Renovation Cost Estimator to find out.
All our contrators
are verified 
Plan your renovation with expert guidance,
and let our vetted contractors compete
to win your project.
License Review
Background Check
Valid Insurance
Clients Review
See what our clients have to say
Saves a lot of searching
Very pleased with the service you provide. Saves me a lot of searching.
Bonnie
Calgary, AB
Made us feel secure
This service helped us find a reliable and accredited contractor, and made us feel more secure working with them.
Mark
Westmount, QC
Helpful
Very helpful!
Luis
North York, ON
