Today, we are talking about the building block of your property- quite literally! Whether you’re a project owner, general contractor, supplier, subcontractor or an estimator like me- Masonry eats nearly twice as much of your time as it does your revenue.
9/10 trades can’t still come in until the walls are up- and so this lead-off move decides how fast the rest can go. I would not be exaggerating to say that the entire project timeline after the concrete and steel framing depends on how we move the needle on masonry.
And so, in this blog, we will visit in detail- the specifics of the trade.
- Why is masonry one of the most time-sensitive and detail-heavy trades?
- What are the masonry-specific time-blockers that are pulling you back?
- What is the estimator’s challenge with manual masonry takeoffs?
- How does a masonry takeoff software save time on site?
Once we have walked through this, we will see how the game is changing with masonry takeoff softwares. From scaffold planning to labor staging, each step is value-engineered to save time and cost. Lastly, if you find value in this game-changer- I will leave you with some tips to transition into the future of estimating!
Masonry-Specific Time Blockers
Masonry as a trade typically covers work with CMU (concrete masonry units), brick, stone, and sometimes elements of concrete like block walls or brick veneer- the trade is about building structures with those units and binding them with mortar.
Masonry is a unique trade because it involves unit counts as well as material volumes- this aspect makes manual measurements and calculations more complex and error-prone. Some of the things that kill your estimator’s time here are:
- Material complexity: Variations in block sizes, custom units, bond patterns.
- Brick and block counts: Tallying and verifying unit counts across multiple rounds is exhausting.
- Mortar and grout ratios: Small mistakes in ratio or volume snowballs into costly overruns.
- Structural details: Corners, arches, domes, or pilasters require detailed measurements.
- Change orders: Smallest design updates imply re-counting from the scratch.
- Plan navigation: Switching between structural, architectural and detail sheets wastes the estimator’s precious time.
Every hour spent on these steps delays your bid, reduces accuracy, and cuts into profit margins.
The Estimator’s Challenge
Maintaining accuracy and balancing capacity is the core struggle for estimators in masonry takeoffs. Let’s briefly see why:
- Accuracy: Masonry demands precision. Underestimating grout or missing a few hundred bricks- any minor overlook can inflate costs.
- Capacity: If estimators spend 20+ hours weekly on manual takeoffs, it means they can take fewer bids, will have to do rushed submissions and ultimately lose opportunities and money.
Instead of repetitive tasks, if estimators are allowed to focus on pricing strategies, client relationships or subcontractor collaboration- it would lead to many more bids and higher bid win rates.
How Masonry Takeoff Software Saves Time
A masonry takeoff implies quantifying the materials required for masonry work, including bricks, blocks, mortar, and reinforcement. It also encompasses associated tasks such as estimating labor and scaffolding requirements.
Masonry Takeoff Software automates brick counts, mortar volumes, and measurements directly from digital plans. Followed by a thorough verification by the QA team, automated masonry takeoff helps estimators:
- Conduct accurate counts in hours instead of weeks.
- Adjust instantly for design or addendum changes by reviewing and confirming scope updates, and resubmit for a takeoff refresh.
- Standardize outputs for clear, professional proposals.
- Free up time to bid more jobs and pursue higher-value work.
GCs use similar roofing takeoff software or paving takeoffs to get ahead of their competitors by faster estimating, reduced rework, and improved profitability.
With masonry takeoff software such as Beam AI, you can set up a takeoff in three simple steps:
- Upload Your Plan: Start by uploading the site plan in PDF format to Beam AI.
- Select and Define your scope: You can define specific quantities and categories you need to be taken off, ensuring accuracy in your takeoff.
- Hit Submit & Let AI do the rest: Hit the submit button, and let Beam AI analyze the plans and scope. Once the AI completes its takeoff analysis, an experienced estimator will validate it, and you’ll receive your detailed takeoff accordingly.
By saving 90% of the time spent on manual takeoffs, Beam AI empowers your team to bid on 30% more jobs. Ready to transform your masonry takeoffs? Let Beam AI help you bid faster and win more. Book a personalized demo with us to get your first AI takeoff!
