Any bricklayer who has been in the masonry industry for very long has done the side job or 2 for extra money but the advantage of ownng your own business can be very lucritive and very personally rewarding.
All you need for a small masonry business is a small mortar mixer,a masonry saw, wheeelbarrow , shovel or 2 , mudboards, utility trailer and some insurance.The cost for the equipment (if bought new) is around $8,000.00. however if you check with your local rental store for used equipment.
Next you will need insurance for your new business, you will need to check with your homebuilders association for dicounted insurance. The cheapest way for start-up insurance coverage is through a payroll service, they provide workman’s comp, general liability and all payroll taxes for your business and this elminates alot of bookkeeping.
Now get about 500 business cards made and take them to builders, supply companies and best of all indivials or word of mouth.The amount you deciede to charge for you work will depend on you and the local job market. Check with local masons and get a idea of what the market is bring . Some contractor pay by the number of units, some by the square foot and some a flat rate depending on the size of the job. Remember the more help you hire the less you are likley to make on smaller jobs. Your new company can grow to what ever size you desire and can be a excellent home based business if managed properly. If not handle correctly it can become a nightmare.
The average one man bricklayer and one labor can net you around $60,000.00 a year . Remember you must treat it like a business and not a hobby if you want to succeed.
