Brick and stone repair specialist

Homeowners, landlords, property managers and small businesses with worn or damaged masonry.

Quoted price per job or day rate, based on materials plus labor. Repeat work comes from referrals, realtors and property managers.

• Bricklaying and pointing skills
• Mixing mortar and matching old materials
• Estimating jobs accurately
• Physical stamina

• Contractor license rules vary by state and sometimes by city or county, so check with your state licensing board
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire anyone
• Falls from ladders and scaffolding, and silica dust, so look into proper safety gear and training such as OSHA guidance
• Chimney and structural work may need permits or an inspection, so check with your local building department
• Weather can delay jobs and cash flow

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your tools, vehicle, safety gear and insurance. Treat this as a rough estimate and price your own kit before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on the jobs you take, their size and how weather affects your schedule. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check contractor license rules with your state licensing board, as they vary by state and sometimes by city or county. Also check local permits or inspections for chimney and structural work, liability insurance, and OSHA safety guidance.