It can be easy for a commercial building owner to skip basic maintenance on their building. After all, they might seem like small problems in the grand scope of things, or the budget might need to stretch in order to afford a fix. Commercial construction and repair requires professionals who are experienced in tackling large projects with more advanced issues, and their rates also reflect this. However, repairing commercial masonry is one of the most valuable processes an owner can invest in, keeping the building safe and in good repair for many years.
One of the biggest sticking points that stops people from reaching out for quotes is the fear of what the final price tag will be. To alleviate that worry, here are the details of how commercial masonry work is estimated. If you understand the average cost of materials and labor, you can feel more confident and prepared when it’s time to have work done on the building.
The Factors That Impact Commercial Masonry Estimation
Each structure is unique, and there will always be some variance to exactly what a building will need to have done and how much it will cost. However, there are certain areas that you can be sure will be factored into the cost of commercial masonry work. These include:
- The surface area – The larger the area that needs to be worked on, the higher the cost. This is a straightforward way to start estimation. If repairs only address a single flat surface, you can calculate the total surface area and determine how much material is needed. However, if a repair needs to work on more than just a single plane (say a wall and also support beams), then the total square footage of the area will become a more accurate predictor.
- The coverage rate – If you’re working with materials that come in standard sizes, like bricks, it’s fairly simple to figure out how much it will cost to cover an area. Simply divide the square footage of the project by how much coverage your material of choice provides; that’s how much material will be needed for the project (plus some extra to cover breakage and other issues).
- Labor – It’s no surprise that labor should be factored into the cost. It takes years of experience to work with skill on commercial masonry, so understand that rates for these professionals may be on the higher end of the range. However, the experience is worth the price tag, as competent repairs or construction will last for years.
Average Prices in the Industry
Next, you’ll need to know what sort of prices you can expect. This depends on the material or service.
Stone
Stone can range anywhere from $20 to more than $100 per square foot. The difference will come down to the type of stone you select, how it’s cut and how big each slab is. Some people opt for stones that are smooth and similar in size to bricks, while others appreciate the varied aesthetic of natural stone slabs.
Brick
Bricks are generally the cheapest option, starting at about $15 per square foot. Though they can range up to about $70 per square foot with specialty and unique bricks, most projects will stick to the lower end of the range unless you have very specific needs.
Concrete blocks
Those who like the visual appeal of concrete or who need additional reinforcement for their building can acquire this material starting at about $25 per square foot. The upper limit of around $50 per square foot is lower than other materials, and the top of that range should be anticipated if you think you’ll need reinforced concrete or special construction.
Labor
It can be difficult to estimate labor because it depends on where your commercial building is located. However, in general, masons will charge between $45 and $85 per hour, with highly experienced professionals potentially charging more. Their expertise is typically worth the extra cost so that you don’t have to commit to future repairs prematurely. Most masons will set a minimum limit on spending (e.g., the project must be at least $450), but given the scope of a commercial building, this is not usually a problem like it may be in a residential setting.
Trust the Experts with Your Commercial Masonry Work
Commercial masonry should last for years, and achieving that effect requires the knowledge and skill of a professional. The experts at Waterproof Caulking & Restoration have years of experience helping commercial building owners maintain their structures with minimal repairs. Reach out to learn more about how we can help or to schedule an appointment to discuss the vision that you have for your next project.