Masonry in Billings, MT: Hiring and Permit Planning

Define the masonry job before requesting bids

Describe what you want a mason to inspect: deteriorated mortar joints, damaged bricks, a chimney, steps, a freestanding wall, or a retaining wall. Send an overview photo and close views of the affected area. Ask the contractor to explain whether they propose joint repair, replacement of individual units, rebuilding, or further assessment before work.

For repair work, request a description of the proposed mortar and replacement brick or stone. Ask how the contractor will assess compatibility with the existing masonry and agree on a sample area before approving appearance. Include joint shape, color, and cleanup expectations in the scope rather than relying on a promise to match.

If you see leaning masonry, loose pieces, or changing cracks, keep people away from the affected area and request an assessment before agreeing to a cosmetic repair. Ask the contractor who will evaluate the need for structural work and what that assessment will cost.

Resolve retaining-wall engineering before construction

Billings requires a Montana licensed engineer to design retaining walls four feet or more in height, and walls of any height that support a surcharge or slope. The city also requires a building permit, a stamped design, and a site plan for Planning Department review. Its guidance specifies a wet stamp and wet signature. [1]

Before requesting a final price, give the contractor and engineer photos of the ground above and below the proposed wall. Identify nearby driveways, buildings, slopes, and intended changes to the yard. Ask the city or engineer how to measure the wall height and whether the proposed conditions trigger the requirement.

Ask bidders to separate design, demolition, excavation, construction, drainage work, disposal, and permit responsibilities. Specify who will obtain the engineer’s documents and handle revisions. Do not treat a wall below four feet as exempt without checking what it supports. [1]

Check credentials and name the permit applicant

Montana’s Construction Contractor License Program states that construction contractors must hold a state license effective January 1, 2026. The state converted active registrations held on December 31, 2025 to licenses. Its published contractor definition references statutory exceptions, so ask the program to clarify any exemption a bidder claims. [2]

Ask for the business name and license number, then use the license lookup linked from the state program page. Montana identifies that lookup as its primary source for credential verification. Also request proof of insurance and references for work similar to your project; ask those references about scope changes, cleanup, and follow-through. [2]

For planning applications, Billings directs applicants to CityView to submit documents and manage the application. Staff do not begin reviewing an application until it contains the required documentation. Name the applicant in your agreement and ask who will respond to review comments before setting a construction date. [4]

Arrange excavation and site access

Montana 811 requires utility-location information before digging or placing an object in the ground. Its guidance applies to homeowners and professional excavators, and assigns the request to the person doing the excavation. It also prohibits using someone else’s locate marks. [3]

For wall footings or drainage trenches, ask the contractor to identify the excavation area and explain how they will confirm readiness before digging. Discuss private underground lines and ask whether the locate arrangement covers them. Include equipment access, material storage, protection of nearby surfaces, and restoration of disturbed ground in the agreement.

Compare the complete price and work plan

Use project-specific written quotes to set your budget. Ask each bidder to price the same area and describe removal, replacement materials, access equipment, protection, disposal, and cleanup. For a retaining wall, include engineering and approval responsibilities so you can compare the complete proposed job.

Ask how the contractor will handle unsuitable working conditions and protect new work during curing. Agree on start conditions, interruption procedures, and responsibility for protection costs. Request written approval before the contractor expands the repair after opening up damaged masonry.

Before signing, define the payment stages and completion check. Ask for a walkthrough covering the agreed repair area, appearance, cleanup, and any remaining work. Keep the approved scope, change orders, permit documents, and warranty terms together.

Published Billings height rules to check before masonry work

Choose the next step for your project

Your hiring checklist

1. Photograph the whole structure and the areas you want assessed.
2. Describe the proposed repair or construction in the same terms for each bidder.
3. Request the contractor’s license number, insurance documentation, and relevant references.
4. Ask the city to confirm approval requirements for your address and proposed scope.
5. Name who will arrange engineering, submit applications, and answer review comments.
6. Confirm who will request utility locates for excavation.
7. Compare materials, access, disposal, site restoration, and concealed-damage terms.
8. Agree on weather protection, payment stages, completion checks, and warranty terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a retaining wall below four feet need a permit?

It can. Billings requires engineering and a building permit for retaining walls of any height that support a surcharge or slope. Ask the city about the proposed wall and site conditions before treating height alone as an exemption. [1]

Can I rely on an old Montana contractor registration?

Check the current license. Montana transitioned to construction contractor licensing effective January 1, 2026 and converted registrations that were active on December 31, 2025. Request the license number and verify it through the state program’s lookup. [2]

Can the mason use utility marks already in my yard?

Montana 811 says excavators cannot use someone else’s locate marks. The person doing the excavation must request the locate for the work they plan to perform. [3]

How should I compare repair prices?

Give bidders the same repair area and ask for written descriptions of materials, removal, access, disposal, and cleanup. Ask each contractor to explain exclusions and how you will approve additional work. Compare the proposed scope alongside the total price.