CMU block takeoff
Requested output: Net wall quantities by block size and type, with special units identified.
Confirm in your quote: Openings, bond beams, lintels, pilasters and unit conversion rules.
CSI 04
CSI Division 04 • Masonry Estimating & Takeoffs
Precision Masonry Estimating & Takeoff Services
Comprehensive material takeoffs for masonry subcontractors and general contractors. We calculate measured CMU block piece counts, face brick, mortar bag quantities, core grout cubic yards, bond beams, ties, and architectural cast stone.
Request a project quote for masonry estimating
Send the drawing set, required trade scope, project location and bid deadline. We will review your documents and confirm the estimating fee, deliverables and delivery date in a written proposal.
Masonry: quantities, checks and quote requirements
Masonry takeoffs count CMU, brick and stone by wall area and unit, then add grout, reinforcing, ties, lintels, control joints and scaffolding.
Measurement and reporting basis
- CMU and brick by wall area and unit count
- Grout-filled cells and bond beams (CY / LF)
- Vertical and horizontal reinforcing
- Anchors, ties, flashing and weeps
- Lintels, control joints and scaffolding
Documents to include
- Architectural elevations and wall sections
- Structural masonry notes and schedules
- Masonry specifications
Also identify the current revision, addenda, project ZIP code, requested trades and bid deadline.
A scope check before pricing
Separate net wall area, unit counts and grouted cells. Identify opening deductions, bond beams, lintels, flashing and weeps before applying a mortar or grout allowance.
Scope limits: Reinforcement and grout spacing follow the supplied details; structural design and site inspections are excluded.
Worked estimating example
Keep wall deductions and accessories visible
A wall with 1,000 SF gross area and 100 SF of deducted openings has 900 SF net area under that stated deduction basis.
- What the estimate should record
- Record the opening deduction rule, then measure lintels, bond beams, flashing and other specified accessories separately. Net wall area alone does not quantify every masonry item.
- Resolve before pricing
- Which opening deduction convention and reinforcement details apply to the requested package?
Masonry takeoff services for brick, block and CMU contractors
Request a masonry takeoff service with wall types and accessories separated for supplier pricing and installation bids. Brick veneer and structural CMU need different measurement and reinforcement breakdowns.
Brick takeoff and veneer accessories
Requested output: Face areas, corners, returns, sills and specified veneer accessories.
Confirm in your quote: Module size, coursing assumptions, opening deductions and pattern waste.
Grout and reinforcement scope
Requested output: Reinforced cells, bars, ties and grout quantities from the details.
Confirm in your quote: Fully versus partially grouted walls, lap assumptions and structural revisions.
A block or brick count alone is not a complete masonry package. Identify flashing, weeps, cavity insulation, scaffolding and temporary support ownership before comparing subcontract bids.
Request this estimating scopeUS project coverage for masonry
For US projects, include the ZIP code and the location-sensitive inputs below.
- Include locally specified block, brick or stone products and delivery quotations where available.
- Identify scaffold access, lifting requirements and weather protection so installation allowances are separate from units, mortar and grout.
The proposal records the pricing date, cost sources and unconfirmed allowances. Explore US service area information or send your project details for a scope quote.
Use the document checklist above to request quantities only, a priced estimate or a review of an existing bid.
Request a masonry scope quote Masonry Scope Breakdown
What Are Masonry Estimating Services?
Masonry estimating services provide itemized digital quantification of all concrete masonry units (CMU), architectural brick, mortar, structural grout fill, rebar reinforcement, and flashing required for masonry construction. An expert takeoff converts architectural elevations and structural wall sections into precise piece counts—preventing costly material shortages or surplus waste on bid day.
Delivery timing
Confirmed after review
Quantity Accuracy
Scope defined in quote
Standards Code
TMS 402/602
Deliverables
Excel & Bluebeam PDF
CSI MasterFormat Coverage
Complete CSI Division 04 Masonry Scope
Our senior masonry estimators quantify all aspects of structural block, veneer brick, and architectural stone:
04 05 00
Common Work Results for Masonry
Mortar types (M, S, N, O), grout mixes, horizontal joint reinforcement, wall ties, and seismic anchorages.
04 21 00
Clay Unit Masonry (Brick)
Modular, king-size, and utility face brick, glazed brick, brick pavers, ties, weep vents, and lintels.
04 22 00
Concrete Unit Masonry (CMU)
Standard, lightweight, architectural split-face, burnished, and ground-face CMU block partitions.
04 40 00
Stone Assemblies
Natural cut limestone, granite panels, dimensional stone cladding, rubblestone, and anchor hardware.
04 70 00
Manufactured Masonry
Cast stone window sills, architectural wall caps, pier caps, decorative banding, and adhered stone veneer.
04 01 00
Maintenance of Masonry
Tuckpointing, mortar joint raking, brick replacement, masonry chemical washing, and water repellents.
Sample Masonry Quantity Takeoff Sheet
Interactive preview of our formula-driven, itemized Excel deliverables with waste factors & block counts:
Worked estimating example. Quantities show the stated scope and format; this is not a client project or a project-specific price quote.
| Material / Scope Item | Base Qty | Unit | Waste / Lap Factor | Estimator Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8x8x16 Lightweight Standard Gray CMU (ASTM C90) | 24,800 | EA | 5% | Includes standard stretcher blocks, corner units & jamb blocks |
| 8-Inch U-Block Knockout Bond Beam Units | 2,150 | LF | 5% | Includes 2-#5 continuous rebar reinforcement & lap splices |
| 3000 PSI Coarse Core Grout Fill (Grouted @ 32in OC) | 185 | CY | 10% | Volume calculated per structural cell schedule with cleanout allowances |
| Pre-Blended Type S Masonry Mortar (80 lb Bags) | 1,240 | BAGS | 12% | Calculated for 3/8-inch tooled concave mortar joints per TMS 402/602 |
| Modular Red Clay Face Brick (3-5/8 x 2-1/4 x 7-5/8) | 48,200 | EA | 8% | Includes stainless steel corrugated brick ties @ 16in OC & weep hole inserts |
| 2-Inch Rigid Polyiso Cavity Wall Insulation (R-13.1) | 7,400 | SF | 8% | Includes taped foil seams & self-adhered flexible through-wall flashing |
| 9GA Ladder-Type Wire Joint Reinforcement (10ft lengths) | 8,200 | LF | 10% | Installed horizontally at every second block course (16in OC) |
Our 4-Step Forensic Masonry Methodology
How we eliminate bidding blind spots and protect your profit margins on bid day:
01
Wall Section Audit
We review structural wall elevations, bond beam schedules, control joint intervals, and cavity insulation details.
02
Digital QTO Measure
Using PlanSwift & Bluebeam, we calculate gross wall SF, deduct window/door openings, and determine measured block piece counts.
03
Grout & Mortar Calc
We model structural rebar cell spacing to compute core grout volume, mortar bags, ladder wire, ties, and 5-12% waste.
04
Pricing & QA Review
We apply documented labor assumptions and supplier quote sheets. A senior estimator audits the entire takeoff package.
Frequently Asked Questions About Masonry Estimating
What is included in your masonry estimating and takeoff services?
Our masonry estimating deliverables include piece counts for standard and lightweight Concrete Masonry Units (CMU - 4", 6", 8", 10", 12"), face brick / architectural brick veneer SF, mortar bag counts (Type S, N, M), core grout fill volume (cubic yards), bond beam units, lintels (precast & steel), horizontal ladder reinforcement (Duro-O-Wal), vertical rebar poundage, wall ties, weep vents, and continuous cavity insulation/flashing.
How do you calculate core grout volume and mortar bag requirements?
We never guess rough volume. We calculate core grout fill based on structural bar spacing (e.g. 16", 24", 32", 48" OC or fully grouted cells), accounting for bond beam troughs and block hollow percentages. Mortar is calculated per 100 square feet of wall area with localized 10-15% waste factors.
Do you quantify architectural stone, precast sills, and granite caps?
Yes. We quantify manufactured stone veneer, natural cut limestone, cast stone window sills, wall coping stones, pilaster caps, and stainless steel anchor hardware with detailed cut lists.
How do you handle masonry restoration and repointing estimates?
For historic preservation and restoration projects, we quantify tuckpointing square footages, individual spalled brick replacements, chemical masonry wash, lintel replacement, and structural heli-tie masonry anchoring.
What is your turnaround time for a masonry takeoff?
Delivery depends on the drawing set, requested trade scope, pricing requirements and bid deadline. The delivery date, scope and revision coverage are confirmed in the written quote after document review.
What software do you use for masonry quantity takeoffs?
We use PlanSwift with custom masonry assemblies, Tradesmens Software, On-Screen Takeoff (OST), and Bluebeam Revu, delivering fully editable, formula-driven Excel spreadsheets structured by CSI Division 04.
How do you price masonry labor and material rates?
We apply documented client or supplier pricing inputs or your supplier price quotes (e.g., Acme Brick, Oldcastle, Forterra), factoring in mason-to-tender crew ratios, scaffold mobilization, winter tenting/heating, and daily lay-rates per crew.
Can general contractors use your masonry estimates for bid leveling?
Yes. General contractors use our independent takeoffs to verify subcontractor block counts, ensure core grout fill matches structural notes, and avoid costly scope omissions before submitting tenders.
Masonry estimating services for contractor bids
Masonry estimating services help masonry subcontractors price wall assemblies by material and location. Use a separate masonry takeoff for block, brick veneer and stone rather than one blended wall quantity.
Define your bid package
- Identify wall types, thicknesses and heights from plans and elevations. Record gross area, opening deductions and net measured area on a consistent basis.
- Separate reinforcing, grouted cells, bond beams, lintels and accessories. Flag wall details that do not match the structural reinforcement schedule.
- List veneer ties, flashing, weeps and movement joints where shown. Keep scaffolding, cleaning and protection scope visible for contractor pricing.
Documents to send for a scope quote
Send architectural elevations, wall sections, structural masonry details, schedules, specifications and the bid deadline. Identify alternates and material supply responsibilities.
Unit counts and waste depend on unit dimensions, bond patterns and project details. Structural design and field inspection are separate from the takeoff; missing reinforcement information requires clarification.
Related estimating scope
Bid-Risk Management
Ready to Win More Profitable Masonry Bids?
Upload your structural masonry blueprints today. Receive a comprehensive, formula-driven MasterFormat takeoff and marked-up PDF drawings on the delivery date agreed after document review.
Request Masonry Estimate
Project scope and delivery are confirmed in the written quote.