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01 · Ask
Repair, match or build new?
Spalling brick, dropped wall, want a new extension? Describe what you've got — the AI tells you whether it's a repointing job, a rebuild or a structural call.
A guide to hiring a bricklayer.
What to ask, what red flags to watch for, and the day-rate ranges you should expect in 2026.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
20,000+UK homeowners
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Hire a bricklayer. Match the wall, not just the brick.
Read the brief on bond, mortar and DPC — then let Three local bricklayers quote on the right spec.
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02 · Read the brief
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Stretcher vs Flemish bond, NHL lime, cavity ties, weep holes, DPC heights. Know what good looks like before the first course is laid.
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03 · Compare
Compare 3 bricklayer quotes
Three local bricklayers quote on the same spec — bricks, mortar, scaffold, finishing — so you can pick the right hand for the job.
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Top tips
Hiring a bricklayer, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Match the brick before they start.
On extensions and repairs, sourcing the right brick is harder than laying it. Insist on a sample wall — three courses, on-site, in your light — before they buy the pallet.
Get the mortar mix in writing.
Lime mortar, cement mortar, NHL grade — the wrong mix on the wrong brick spalls in five winters. Ask which mix and why.
Check the bond before pointing.
Stretcher, Flemish, English — the bond should match the existing wall, especially on period properties. Catch it at first course, not after pointing.
Insist on a damp-proof course.
Any external wall needs a DPC at the right height — 150mm above finished ground level. A missing or wrong DPC creates damp problems you'll be fixing for years.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Day rate
£200–£350/day
Brickwork (per m²)Inc. labour, ex. bricks
£80–£160/m²
Repointing (per m²)
£30–£70/m²
Garden wall (per linear m)1m high, single skin
£120–£280
Chimney rebuild
£1.8k–£4.5k
Brick arch (over opening)
£350–£900
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
InfographicThe Bricklayer briefing.
Infographic
Bricklayer quick-view
Most bricklaying disputes start before the trowel touches mortar — with poor briefing, the wrong tradesperson, or assumptions that should have been written contracts. This guide covers the questions to ask any bricklayer before hiring, the red flags that signal you're about to overpay or get poor work, and the verification steps that protect you.
Cheapest is rarely best. Pricing miles below other quotes signals corner-cutting.
The 10 Questions to Ask
- How many years' bricklaying experience do you have?
- Can I see 3 completed jobs in person — including one over 5 years old?
- Are you registered with FMB / TrustMark / Checkatrade?
- What's your foundation specification for this project?
- What mortar mix will you use, and why that ratio?
- What's your damp-proof course detail?
- Do you have public liability insurance? (Show the cert.)
- Is your quote inclusive of materials, labour, and disposal?
- What's your warranty? In writing?
- Who handles disputes if work isn't to spec?
Red Flags
- Cash-only quotes — VAT avoidance, no recourse.
- No fixed-price quote — costs will balloon.
- Very low quote — corners will be cut.
- Pressure to decide today — high-pressure tactics signal poor business practice.
- No proof of insurance — you're liable if accident on site.
- No portfolio — no track record.
- No references — refuses to share past clients.
- "Don't need planning permission" — they may be wrong; you'll pay.
- Large upfront deposit — 25%+ is risky.
- Vague specifications — leaves wiggle room.
How to Verify Quality
- Visit completed jobs — look at jointing, plumb lines, weathered areas.
- Speak to past clients about timeliness, communication, finish quality.
- Check accreditations (FMB, TrustMark, Guild of Master Craftsmen, etc.) at official sources.
- Verify insurance certificate authenticity.
- Read online reviews — look for patterns.
Pricing Sanity Check
| Job | Typical UK price | Cause for concern |
|---|---|---|
| Garden wall 10m × 1.2m | £1,500–£2,500 | Under £1,000 or over £3,500 |
| Single brick chimney repoint | £800–£2,000 | Under £500 or over £3,000 |
| 30 m² cement repointing | £1,200–£2,400 | Under £800 or over £3,500 |
UK Regulations
- Get a written contract — JCT minor works template available.
- Consumer Rights Act 2015 protects you against poor work.
- Listed properties: confirm bricklayer's heritage credentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a good quote look like?
Fixed price, itemised, named materials, agreed timeline, payment schedule (typically 30/40/30 or 40/40/20), warranty terms.
Should I always get 3 quotes?
Yes — variance helps identify outliers. Mid-range usually represents fair market price.
What deposit is fair?
10–20% maximum. Higher deposits are warning signs.
What if disputes arise?
FMB Find a Builder offers dispute mediation. Small Claims Court for under £10k.
How do I check insurance is real?
Phone the broker number on the certificate. Most fakes have fake numbers.
Is cash discount worth it?
No — usually means no VAT receipt, no recourse, and may be unethical.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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