Bricklaying and Masonry in Baltimore: Hiring Guide

Define the repair before requesting bids

Photograph the full wall and close views of the areas that concern you. Mark missing joints, damaged bricks, stains, and cracks on copies of the photos. Tell the contractor whether you want a localized repair, a broader assessment, or new masonry. Ask each bidder to identify the exact areas included in the price.

If you see a bulging wall, loose overhead masonry, or a crack that appears to be changing, keep people away from the affected area and request an assessment before arranging cosmetic work. Ask whether the contractor recommends a structural engineer. Avoid asking a mason to quote repointing alone before someone has assessed the movement.

Check who will sign the contract

Maryland’s home improvement guidance lists bricklaying, masonry pointing, and chimney repairs among residential work usually requiring an MHIC license. The Commission states that only MHIC licensed contractors may enter into home improvement contracts with homeowners. Use the Commission’s license-status resource to check the business you plan to hire, and match that business to the name on your quote. [1] [2]

Ask for evidence of current liability insurance as well as the license number. The Commission states that Maryland home improvement contractors must maintain at least $500,000 in general liability insurance. Ask the contractor who will supervise the work and whom you should contact if you find a problem during the repair. [2]

Confirm the ownership and building arrangement before applying residential licensing guidance to a shared facade. MHIC includes work on individual condominium units within its scope, but excludes commonly owned condominium areas and buildings containing four or more single family units. For those situations, ask MHIC which requirements apply to your proposed contract. [2]

Resolve historic review before scheduling

Baltimore City’s code connects CHAP review to permit applications involving regulated alterations. The Building Official must forward the application and accompanying plans to the Commission within two days of receiving it. CHAP may request additional plans, elevations, or other information and cannot determine appropriateness until it has a complete application and the needed documents. [3]

Ask the city whether your property and proposed exterior masonry work fall under that process. Have the contractor describe the intended joint appearance, replacement bricks, mortar, and repair locations for your inquiry. Do not treat the two-day referral requirement as an approval deadline or assume that every repointing job requires the same review. [3]

Specify mortar and approve a sample

For historic masonry, choose a contractor who can explain material compatibility. The National Park Service describes historic mortar as sacrificial: it helps moisture move through joints while protecting the brick or stone. The agency warns that replacing historic mortar with harder, less permeable modern materials can force moisture into the masonry units and cause damage. [4]

Ask how the contractor will identify the existing mortar and whether sampling or analysis would help. NPS explains that analysis can guide a compatible replacement recipe, including the binder and aggregate. Request a written specification rather than choosing a mix by color alone. [4]

Include a small sample area in your agreement. Review its color, texture, and joint profile before approving the remaining work. Ask the contractor to explain the removal method, protection of surrounding brick, curing plan, and response to unsuitable weather. Record your approval and any changes in writing.

Compare the full scope and payment plan

Request separate descriptions for joint repair, brick replacement, and any rebuilding. Ask bidders to identify access equipment, debris removal, protection of windows and entrances, approval responsibilities, and excluded work. For a chimney or upper wall, discuss how the crew will reach the repair area and where equipment will stand.

Agree on how the contractor will document concealed damage and price additional work before proceeding. Request a payment schedule, completion criteria, and written warranty terms. For budgeting, obtain site-specific quotes for the same scope; the official sources used here do not establish Baltimore masonry prices.

Maryland MHIC insurance minimum and homeowner recovery cap

Choose the next step for your masonry project

Your hiring checklist

1. Photograph the full repair area and mark the locations you want assessed.
2. Match the contracting business name to its license record and insurance documentation.
3. Confirm any historic review and permit requirements for the address and proposed work.
4. Request a written mortar specification and agree on a sample area.
5. Compare bids using the same repair boundaries, access plan, and cleanup scope.
6. Agree on written approval and pricing for additional work.
7. Record payment stages, completion criteria, and warranty terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a residential masonry contractor need an MHIC license?

Maryland lists bricklaying and masonry pointing among work usually requiring MHIC licensing. For home improvement within its scope, only an MHIC licensed contractor may enter into the homeowner contract. Subcontractors may work under that licensed contractor without their own home improvement license. [1] [2]

Does CHAP approve a permit application within two days?

The two-day requirement concerns the Building Official’s referral to CHAP. It is not an approval deadline. CHAP must have a complete application and any additional documents it needs before determining whether the proposed regulated alteration is appropriate. [3]

Should I request the hardest mortar available?

Ask for mortar compatible with your masonry. NPS explains that harder, less permeable modern mortar can damage historic brick or stone by redirecting moisture into those materials. Ask the contractor how the proposed mix matches the existing construction. [4]

How can I compare two different repair quotes?

Ask both contractors to quote the same marked repair areas. Compare their mortar specifications, brick replacement allowances, access equipment, cleanup, and exclusions. Resolve differences in scope before comparing the totals, and require written approval for additional work.