E 4 Estimators
Get a Quote

Masonry & CMU · CSI Division 04

Masonry and CMU estimating for masonry contractors.

CMU wall and retaining wall estimates with each wall thickness and reinforcement pattern measured separately, plus the footings, drainage and waterproofing that go with them.

CMU walls by thickness (8", 12") and reinforcement spacing (SF)

CMU and concrete retaining walls (SF / CY)

Wall footings, one line per width, depth and reinforcement (CY)

What you receive

An estimate you can check line by line.

Quantities measured in PlanSwift, priced by CSI division, with the marked-up drawings attached.

  • 01

    Bid summary by CSI division

  • 02

    Detailed estimate in Excel

  • 03

    Marked-up PDF of the drawings

Scope

What we measure.

The line items and units we use for masonry estimating, taken from our own estimates for this trade.

  • CMU walls by thickness (8", 12") and reinforcement spacingSF
  • CMU and concrete retaining wallsSF / CY
  • Wall footings, one line per width, depth and reinforcementCY
  • Waterproofing at retaining wallsSF
  • Perforated subdrain pipeLF
  • Drain gravel and geotextile fabricSF / LF
  • Excavation, backfill and soil import or exportCY

Method

How we handle masonry estimating.

01

Walls are measured by area for each thickness and reinforcement pattern, so a change in wall type is never averaged away.

02

Footings are listed by size with their reinforcement, next to the walls they support.

03

Drainage and waterproofing behind retaining walls are included, so the wall package is complete.

04

Assumed items are labelled on their line.

Deliverables

What every estimate includes.

  • Bid summary priced by CSI division, with material, labor, profit, contingency and sales tax
  • Detailed estimate: each line with quantity, unit, waste factor, material and labor cost and man-hours
  • Drawing sheet and detail reference on each line
  • Marked-up PDF of the drawings from PlanSwift, showing what was measured
  • Assumed items labelled on their line
  • Excel and PDF files

Who it is for

  • Masonry subcontractors
  • Retaining wall contractors
  • General contractors
  • Residential builders
See a sample estimate for this tradeHow our fees work

Projects

Masonry & CMU projects we priced.

Retaining walls measured and priced for Ross Residence, shown on a model of the hillside residence
E4P-015 · Carlsbad, CA · $436,725

Ross Residence

Residential · Carlsbad, CA

$436,725

Residential site and retaining wall estimate covering grading, excavation, drainage, waterproofing, and wall-related scope.

ExcavationRetaining WallsWaterproofing+2 more
Estimate value
$436,725
Project area
Residential site package
View project

Questions contractors ask us

How do you measure CMU walls?

By wall area in square feet, with a separate line for each thickness and reinforcement pattern shown on the drawings.

Do you include the footings and drainage?

Yes. Wall footings, subdrain pipe, drain gravel, geotextile and waterproofing at retaining walls are measured with the walls, so the package is priced together.

How long does it take?

Typically 1–2 business days. Larger or more complex drawing sets can take 7–15 days. We confirm the date with the fee before work starts.

How much does it cost?

Estimating is billed at $180–$250 per hour depending on project complexity. You confirm the fee for your scope before any work starts.

Masonry & CMU

Bid due soon? Send the drawings.

Send the drawings and the bid date, and we will quote the masonry estimating.

Get a QuoteSee all trades
Get a Quote