The Cost of Masonry Work in 2024 | Toronto vs Montreal

house with red bricks

It can be hard to cost out masonry or brick work. With all the reasons for requiring masonry or bricklaying, the cost can be difficult to figure out. We’ve put together this handy little guide to help you determine the 2024 costs of common repairs:

Masonry Work

Average Cost 
(materials & labour)

Toronto

Average Cost 
(materials & labour)

Montreal

Repointing $18 to $28 / sq.ft. $18 to $25 / sq.ft.
Bowing $38 to $60 / sq.ft. $35 to $48 / sq.ft.
New brick installation $38 to $60 / sq.ft. starts at $50 / sq.ft.
Ledges $600 to $750 / each $500 to $800 / each
Lintels $1,200 to $2,400 / each $960 to $2,500 / each
Plastered foundation approx. $9 / sq.ft. approx. $14 to $16 / sq.ft.

Consequences of COVID-19 on the construction and renovation sectors*

Many factors can influence the total cost of renovations, including, but not limited to, the type of work to be done, the required labor, the needed materials, the protective measures, the length of the project (faster=higher cost) and contingencies.

Keep in mind that certain unforeseen events due to COVID-19 may affect the cost of renovation projects without notice. For example, the industry has come across a treated lumber shortage since the first lockdown, resulting in a massive fluctuation of prices. Other construction materials are likely to experience similar issues. For more details, read our article: Rising Lumber Prices: Another COVID-19 Effect?

What is the hourly rate of a mason/bricklayer?

The average going hourly rate is about $144 per hour. The rate takes into consideration several important factors like a vacation, employment insurance, association fees, profits, etc. So, don’t be surprised if you’re being quoted a price in this range. But be cautious if the quote you receive is substantially lower or higher. Higher means you’re paying too much and lower could mean that the mason is inexperienced.

Price to repair a bowing brick wall (bulging brick)

Bowing is a common problem for brick-building facades. As for price, bowing repair can be quite expensive and can potentially lead to an even bigger repair of the entire facade. That’s why it’s important to deal with this kind of issue as soon as possible. On average, we estimate the price for this kind of repair to be between $38 and $60 per square foot.

bulging brick wall

Cost for repointing

Repointing needs to be done when the mortar holding your bricks together disintegrates and the joints that connect each brick are no longer holding. The consequences of neglecting this problem can be dire –  like a crumbling facade that leaves you with a pile of rubble!

Several factors influence the price for repointing, but the types of joints used for the work is actually the most important element. The general cost for repointing brick is in the vicinity of $18 to $28 per square foot.

brick wall with deteriorating joints

Repairing a facade

Repairing an entire facade is understandably one of the most expensive masonry jobs out there. If you have just a few bricks that need repairing in one specific area and you have no obstacles like a window, then the cost is around $30 to $36 per square foot. In certain instances, you can even reuse the original bricks if they just need a good cleaning. In this case, you’re looking at a cost of $38 to $60 per square foot. If you use new bricks or have to redo some insulation work, then it would come out to about $30 to $42 per square foot for the brick and $6 to $12 per square foot for the insulation.

cracked brick wall

The cost of foundation repairs

Finally, if you need foundation plastering you’re looking at a price of $7.2 per square foot. Below window ledges cost around $480-$600 dollars and lintels for above windows are around $960-$1,920.

How do get quotes from the best masons

If you have a masonry project and are looking for brick masons or bricklayers, contact us at 1-888-670-9742 or fill out the form. A renovation consultant will be happy to help you with your project and refer you to the thousands of Verified Contractors we work with. They have our stamp of approval and have worked on thousands of projects for our valued customers!

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