Masonry contractors specialize in concrete, brick and stone work. This can be anything from laying a brick pathway, to installing a driveway or building a fireplace surround and hearth. If you are a freelance masonry contractor or if you work for a company, you will have to estimate how much to charge a customer for the masonry job requested. In order to get the best idea of what work and materials will actually be required for the project go to the work site and see the work in person. This will allow you to calculate a more accurate estimate for the job.

Ask the customer what their budget is for the project. You can then tailor the materials you decide to use to the customer's budget.

Calculate the cost of materials for the project. Include the cost of transporting any necessary equipment to the job site.

Calculate the time that it will take to complete the job. Then using that time determine how much this project will cost you in terms of labor.

Add the cost of the materials to the cost of labor.

Take your hard costs of labor and materials and add your overhead costs related to your business. These include vehicles, an office, advertising, employee benefits, insurance and other administrative costs. This will give you a true picture of your costs. Some estimators use a formula to increase a bid to cover overruns in labor or materials. Now factor in a profit margin. Are you satisfied with 10 percent profit? Twenty percent? Now increase your bid price which you will quote to your customer.

Quote your price you calculated to the customer. If this number is above the customer's budget you must speak with them about raising their budget or you may not be able to complete the job. Discuss terms, work warranty and guarantee that you may offer. You do not want to do a job that will lose you money.