Bricklaying and Masonry in Columbus, GA

Define the repair before comparing contractors

Start with photographs of the whole wall or chimney and close views of the joints, damaged bricks and adjoining surfaces. Describe what you have noticed: loose material, a crack, staining or water indoors. Include when you first noticed it and whether you have seen a change. Ask the contractor to explain what they can assess during the visit and what needs further investigation.

Request a scope that identifies each repair area and distinguishes mortar-joint work, brick replacement and rebuilding. Ask the contractor to record measurements, access needs and any proposed investigation before quoting the finished repair. If someone proposes covering a crack without explaining its cause, request that explanation before accepting the offer.

Check historic review before choosing materials

Columbus requires a Certificate of Appropriateness for changes to exterior materials or appearance on a designated historic property before construction begins. Ask Planning whether your property has that designation and whether your proposed brick replacement, mortar finish or other exterior work needs review. Describe the actual change rather than asking whether masonry work in general needs approval. [1]

Prepare photographs and a description of the proposed materials with your contractor. Ask Planning which supporting documents and review route apply before ordering materials. For a board hearing, the city requires the applicant or an appointed representative to attend; it will not hear the case without a representative. [1]

Keep the approved material choices with the contract. Ask the contractor to flag any proposed substitution before using it, and confirm with Planning whether a change needs further review. Agree on a sample area for brick and mortar appearance before extending the repair across a visible wall.

Confirm the permit process and who handles it

Contact Columbus Inspections and Code at (706) 225-4126 with your address, photographs and proposed scope. Its permits page lists building-permit forms and residential plan-review documents, but does not establish which masonry repairs need a permit. Ask the department to confirm requirements for your particular project before work starts. [2]

Since January 1, 2026, the department has limited in-person submissions. Residential alteration permits remain among the documents it accepts in person; new residential and commercial plans must go through its online portal. Have the contractor identify the submission category and name the person responsible for filing, answering review questions and arranging any required inspections. [2]

Compare the complete price and working arrangements

Ask each contractor to quote the same scope. Request separate descriptions of joint preparation, replacement materials, access equipment, waste removal and protection of adjacent surfaces. Have the contractor state exclusions and explain how they will price additional damage discovered during the work. Require your approval before they expand the scope.

Columbus lists a $20 staff approval request fee, a $50 board review fee and a $100 demolition permit submission fee for its historic-district application process. These are application charges. Ask Planning which category applies and whether you need to budget for other charges; obtain contractor quotes for labor and materials. [1]

Before hiring, request proof of insurance and examples of comparable completed work. Ask who will supervise the job, how the crew will protect doors and landscaping, and how you will inspect the finished repair. Put payment stages, cleanup and the process for reporting concerns into the agreement.

Include weather protection in the schedule

The National Weather Service reports 63.00 inches of precipitation at its Columbus climate site in 2024, compared with the report's normal benchmark of 46.75 inches. Those figures describe that climate site and year. They do not measure rainfall at your house or predict conditions during your project. [3]

Ask the contractor how they will protect the work area and materials during rain, what conditions would cause them to pause, and how they will communicate a revised schedule. If you have water entry, ask them to include an assessment of the surrounding drainage and adjoining surfaces rather than assuming the visible joints explain the whole problem.

Columbus historic-review application fees

Choose your next step before accepting a quote

Your hiring checklist

1. Photograph the full affected area and close views of the damage.
2. Describe changes you have observed and any water entry.
3. Ask Planning to confirm historic designation and the review route.
4. Ask Inspections and Code to confirm requirements for the proposed scope.
5. Compare written quotes using the same measurements and material choices.
6. Agree on a visible sample area and a process for approving substitutions.
7. Record access, weather protection, payment stages and cleanup in the contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every masonry repair need a Columbus building permit?

The city's permits page does not define masonry repair exemptions. Contact Inspections and Code at (706) 225-4126 with your address and proposed scope, and ask for confirmation before starting. [2]

Can I change the mortar appearance on a designated historic property?

The city requires a Certificate of Appropriateness before construction that changes exterior materials or appearance on a designated historic property. Ask Planning to review your proposed mortar appearance before authorizing the change. [1]

How much should I budget for the masonry work?

Request an inspection and an itemized quote for your project. The published fees in the chart cover historic-review application categories. They do not establish contractor prices, material costs or a total project budget. [1]

What should I ask about matching existing brickwork?

Ask the contractor to identify the proposed brick, mortar color and joint finish, then agree on a sample area. Request examples of comparable repairs and a written process for approving changes if the selected materials are unavailable.