Start a brick repair and repointing business

Homeowners, landlords, real estate investors, and property managers with older brick buildings.

Quoted price per job or per square foot of wall, plus materials. Many jobs are one to three days, so steady quoting and referrals matter.

• Brick and mortar work
• Matching old brick and mortar colors
• Estimating labor and materials
• Working safely at height

• Check whether your state or city requires a contractor or masonry license, and what job size limits apply
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire anyone
• Chimney and structural repairs carry real risk, so know when to refer work to a structural engineer or specialist
• Heavy physical work and falls from height, so plan safe access and rest
• Written estimates and contracts to avoid disputes over scope and materials

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your tools, equipment and insurance. These are estimates, so list what you need before you begin and price each item locally.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the jobs you take, the hours you work and local demand. The estimates assume at least about 15 hours a week, and the work is physically heavy.

Check whether your state or city requires a contractor or masonry license, and what job size limits apply. Also check general liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire anyone. Know when chimney or structural repairs should go to a specialist.