Masonry Scope of Work: Template and Checklist for Commercial GCs

Masonry is one of the few trades on a commercial project that is simultaneously structural, enclosing, and finished — which makes a complete masonry scope of work critical to project cost control. Whether you're scoping a single-wythe CMU backup wall, a full brick veneer system, a reinforced masonry shear wall, or a natural stone feature, the distinctions between structural and non-structural masonry, responsibility for accessories, and coordination with the structural engineer must be spelled out before the RFP. This template covers the key line items, package requirements, and coordination checkpoints every PM and estimator needs.

Masonry scopes must define the wall system completely — unit type, mortar, reinforcing, accessories, and ties. Omitting any one of these elements opens the door to scope disputes.

Masonry Unit Types and Specifications

• Concrete masonry units (CMU): Specify nominal size (8"×8"×16" standard; 4", 6", 8", 10", or 12" widths), weight category (normal, medium, or lightweight per ASTM C90), compressive strength (minimum 1,900 psi net area per ASTM C90), and texture (smooth, split-face, ground-face). For exposed exterior CMU, specify whether units are to be factory-sealed or painted.
• Brick veneer: Specify modular brick size (3-5/8" × 2-1/4" × 7-5/8" standard), absorptance and color, compressive strength (per ASTM C216 Grade SW for severe weathering exposure), and whether brick is machine-made or hand-made. Define coursing height and bond pattern (running bond, Flemish, English, stack bond).
• Natural stone: Granite, limestone, marble, or sandstone. Specify species, finish (honed, polished, thermal, sawn), thickness, unit size, and ASTM standard (C503 for marble, C615 for granite, C568 for limestone). Natural stone varies significantly in physical properties — do not spec stone type without confirming with the structural engineer for anchored systems.
• Glass masonry units (glass block): For decorative or light-transmitting applications. Specify unit size, pattern, and ASTM C1272 for exterior applications. Glass block panels require expansion joints at specific intervals — confirm with the manufacturer's technical requirements.

Mortar, Grout, and Reinforcing

• Mortar: Specify mortar type per ASTM C270 — Type S (most common for below-grade and exterior masonry requiring high strength) or Type N (for interior non-load-bearing partitions). Do not use Type M above grade on brick — it is too rigid and causes cracking. Portland cement-lime mortar is preferred for brick; masonry cement mortar for CMU.
• Grout: Required for all reinforced masonry cells containing vertical reinforcing per ASTM C476. Specify coarse grout (for cells ≥3" × 3") or fine grout (for smaller cells). Grout slump must be 8"–11" to ensure cells are fully consolidated. Require grout lift and pour height per ACI 530.1 Section 3.5.
• Horizontal joint reinforcing: Ladder or truss wire reinforcing per ASTM A951. Required in CMU backup walls at maximum 16" vertical spacing. Define wire gauge and width to match the wall thickness. Horizontal joint reinforcing is not the same as bed joint reinforcing in structural masonry — distinguish between the two in the scope.
• Vertical reinforcing and dowels: Define rebar size, spacing, and lap requirements per the structural drawings. Vertical bars must be set before the masonry is laid — coordinate with the concrete or framing sub for base plate or slab dowels.

Anchors, Ties, and Flashing

• Masonry anchors and ties: For brick veneer or stone veneer on a CMU or frame backup, specify the tie type (corrugated wire, adjustable two-piece, seismic-rated), spacing (maximum 2.67 sf per tie per TMS 402), and material (304 or 316 stainless steel for exterior applications). Adjustable two-piece ties are required where coursing alignment between veneer and backup is uncertain.
• Flashing and weep holes: Base flashing at all shelf angles, above lintels, and at grade must be included in the masonry scope (or explicitly assigned to the waterproofing sub). Without flashing and weep holes at every cavity drainage point, water infiltration into the cavity is guaranteed. Specify flashing material: copper, zinc, or self-adhering modified bitumen membrane. Weep holes at 24" maximum spacing.
• Lintels: Steel lintels over masonry openings must be specified by size (L3×3×¼" is a common minimum for single-wythe CMU) and protective coating (hot-dip galvanized ASTM A123 for exterior; shop-painted for interior). Lintels are frequently excluded from masonry bids — assign this responsibility explicitly.

Tip for PMs: Flashing and weep holes at cavity base conditions are the most consistently missed item in masonry scopes. Water infiltration through unprotected masonry cavities is the primary cause of masonry-related construction defect claims. If this is not explicitly in someone's scope, it will not be installed correctly.

Masonry is a field-fabricated assembly — quality depends on mix design compliance, installer qualification, and inspection. Build these requirements into the package from the start.

Required Submittals

• Product data for all masonry units: ASTM compliance certificates for CMU (C90), brick (C216), or stone (applicable ASTM standard)
• Mortar mix design or pre-bagged mortar product data — confirming mortar type and conformance with ASTM C270
• Grout mix design per ASTM C476 — 28-day compressive strength test results (minimum 2,000 psi)
• Anchor and tie product data and approval documentation
• Mock-up panel: a minimum 4'×4' mock-up in a visible location, to be approved before production begins. Mock-up must show coursing, joint tooling, color blending (for brick), and tie installation.
• Control joint locations: shop drawing showing location and spacing of all control joints (for CMU, maximum 25 ft horizontal spacing; for brick, coordinate with structural expansion joint locations)

Quality Control and Inspection

• Special inspection for masonry per IBC Section 1705.4 is required for most structural masonry applications. Specify the required special inspection level (Level 1 or Level 2) and confirm that the special inspector is retained by the owner, not the contractor.
• Prism testing per ASTM C1314 is required to verify the specified masonry compressive strength (f'm). Require the masonry sub to construct test prisms at the beginning of production and whenever mix design or unit source changes.

Best Practices from Leading GCs

• Require the masonry sub to submit a cold-weather and hot-weather masonry plan before mobilization. Masonry work below 40°F requires heating, insulation blankets, and accelerated mortar mixes; above 90°F requires wetting, shading, and windbreaks. Cold-weather masonry work that is not protected properly will result in mortar freeze damage and structural failure.
• Define joint tooling type in the scope — concave, rodded, vee, or grapevine. Joint tooling affects water resistance, and different profiles have very different performance in wet climates. Do not leave this to the mason's discretion on an exterior application.
• Confirm scaffold requirements before the masonry sub prices the work. Scaffolding for masonry on a multi-storey facade is a significant cost item and may be provided by the GC (company-furnished, sub-installed) or the masonry sub. Make this explicit.

Masonry coordinates most closely with the structural engineer, waterproofing sub, and the window/door installer.

Structural Coordination

• Shelf angles for brick veneer or stone veneer must be designed by the structural engineer and included in the structural steel scope. The masonry sub sets the shelf angle bearing pad and lays brick from the shelf — confirm who supplies and installs the shelf angle bearing plate and any isolators.
• For reinforced masonry shear walls, confirm that vertical rebar dowels are in place at the slab or foundation wall before masonry begins. Coordinate dowel locations, diameter, and embedment with the structural drawings.
• Lintels, bond beams, and pilasters must be located per the structural drawings, not the architectural drawings — the two often show different reinforcing requirements. Use the structural drawings for all structural masonry requirements.

Window and Door Coordination

• Masonry rough opening dimensions must match the window sub's frame dimensions. Provide the window schedule to the masonry sub before they begin and require them to field-verify rough opening sizes before window installation. CMU coursing is difficult to adjust after the fact.
• For curtain wall and storefront systems set into masonry, the masonry sub must leave correct sill and jamb clearances (typically ½" to ¾" sealant joint). Define who provides and installs sill flashing at masonry window openings.

Pre-Installation Coordination Checklist

• Structural drawings confirmed as IFC before masonry begins
• Vertical rebar dowels set and inspected at slab or foundation
• Shelf angles fabricated, galvanized, and confirmed for size per structural engineer
• Mock-up panel built, reviewed, and approved
• Control joint locations shown on shop drawing and approved
• Window schedule issued to masonry sub for rough opening verification
• Cold/hot weather masonry plan submitted and approved
• Special inspector retained and inspection schedule confirmed with building authority

Tip for Estimators: When reviewing a masonry bid, verify that lintels, shelf angles, flashing, weep holes, and control joints are included. These items collectively represent a meaningful percentage of the masonry scope value and are frequently listed as excludes. A masonry bid without these items is not a complete price.