Bricklaying and Masonry in Colorado Springs

Give contractors a repair question they can answer

Describe what you want repaired or built and send photographs of the whole area plus close views. Include approximate dimensions, height above ground, access through gates, and any damage you have noticed. For a new wall, explain whether you want a boundary, privacy screen, or structure that holds back soil.

Ask the mason to identify which areas need mortar removal and repointing, which units need replacement, and which portions they propose to rebuild. Request an explanation before accepting a surface repair for a leaning wall, loose masonry, or a crack you have seen change. Ask whether you need a structural assessment before the contractor prices the final work.

Resolve wall dimensions before accepting a bid

Colorado Springs regulates fences, walls, and retaining walls through its Unified Development Code. Its fence guidance limits fences forward of the building's front facade to four feet and requires a Pikes Peak Regional Building Department building permit for fences exceeding seven feet. The city also imposes location and sight visibility standards. [1]

Send your proposed wall location, dimensions, and site photographs to Development Review Enterprise for zoning questions at 719-385-5982. Ask Pikes Peak Regional Building Department at 719-327-2880 about permitting for the specific design. Do not treat the fence height threshold as proof that a retaining wall or structural masonry project needs no permit. [1]

Ask bidders to identify the dimensions they used and who will resolve approval questions. If the design changes during review, request an updated scope before authorizing materials or excavation.

Compare materials, access, and total scope

Request a written description of the brick or stone, mortar, joint finish, and proposed match to the existing work. Ask for a sample area before approving visible repairs. For older masonry, ask the contractor how they will select a compatible mortar and whether they need further assessment of the existing material.

Have each bidder list demolition, debris removal, access equipment, protection of adjacent surfaces, and cleanup. For new walls, request details of excavation, footings, drainage, and any design work the contractor proposes. Ask for separate allowances for unresolved items and a written process for approving additional work.

Use site-specific quotes to set your budget. Ask bidders to explain differences in quantities and repair methods before comparing totals. Request proof of insurance, examples of comparable masonry work, payment milestones, and written warranty terms.

Prepare excavation and schedule the work

Colorado Springs Utilities says the person doing the digging must request locates and contact 811 at least three business days before excavation. The excavator must premark the dig area or provide an electronic delineation. You should arrange access through locked gates and secure pets while locators work. [4]

Confirm whether you need private locating as well. Colorado Springs Utilities marks infrastructure it owns, operates, and maintains, and excludes privately owned utilities. Ask the contractor how they will address private lines within the proposed excavation area. [4]

Within the municipal boundary, excavators must review positive response information and keep that documentation onsite. They must use hand tools or soft digging within the utility tolerance zone and expose and visually verify a utility where excavation crosses it. Ask the bidder to include this work in the excavation scope. [5]

Ask for a schedule that distinguishes approval work, locating, construction, and the contractor's curing and weather protection plan. Agree on who will communicate delays and how you will approve any added protection costs.

Two published fence height thresholds to check before wall design

Choose the next step for your masonry project

Your hiring checklist

1. Photograph the whole work area and close views of damage; note dimensions and access.
2. Ask for separate quantities for repointing, unit replacement, and rebuilding.
3. Confirm proposed wall location and dimensions with the relevant city offices.
4. Check hillside and historic overlay status before agreeing to alterations or excavation.
5. Assign approvals, utility locating, and any private locating in the written scope.
6. Approve the material and mortar match through a sample area.
7. Compare inclusions, allowances, payment milestones, cleanup, and warranty terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a masonry wall under seven feet need no approvals?

Confirm the specific project. The city requires a building permit for fences exceeding seven feet, but also regulates placement, front-yard height, and visibility. Its guidance includes walls and retaining walls; the seven-foot fence threshold alone does not establish the approval requirements for your design. [1]

Should I call 811 when I hire a masonry contractor?

Colorado Springs Utilities says the person doing the digging must request the locates. If your contractor will excavate, assign that responsibility to them and confirm they have reviewed the utility responses before work begins. [4]

How should I compare masonry repair quotes?

Ask each contractor to quote the same areas and quantities, identify the repair method, and list materials, access equipment, debris removal, and cleanup. Resolve differences in proposed work before choosing by total price.

Can I schedule work while historic review remains unresolved?

Ask the city what review your proposed alterations require before committing to materials or a construction date. The city provides a dedicated contact for modifications, new structures, and demolition within the Historic Preservation Overlay. [3]