What Is a Blocklaying Contractor?

A Blocklaying Contractor is a trade professional who specialises in constructing structural or non-structural walls using concrete masonry blocks. These walls may form part of your foundations, retaining structures, or above-ground walls, depending on your build. For owner builders using the Build Buddy app, engaging a licensed Blocklayer ensures your walls are plumb, level, and built to last, using the right mortar mixes and reinforcement for your site.

What Does a Blocklaying Contractor Do?

Your Blocklaying Contractor will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.


Typically, a Blocklaying Contractor will:

  • Review construction drawings and site levels to prepare for blockwork
  • Supply and deliver concrete blocks to site (if included in quote)
  • Set out walls and apply mortar to lay blocks in accurate rows
  • Install control joints, expansion joints, and reinforcement (as per engineer’s details)
  • Use levels, stringlines, and trowels to ensure straight, even construction
  • Clean down work areas and prepare the wall for rendering, painting, or waterproofing


Blocklaying may also involve coordination with your plumber or electrician for wall penetrations.

Tip: Always Confirm Inclusions Like Supply and Footings

Some Blocklayers quote for labour only, while others include blocks, mortar, and reinforcement — always check.


If your block wall requires footings or starter bars, clarify whether your contractor handles excavation and concrete, or if that’s a separate trade.


Confirm if clean-up and rubbish removal are included — offcuts and mortar bags can accumulate quickly.



If you’re building retaining walls, make sure your blocklayer understands drainage and waterproofing requirements behind the wall.

What Makes a Good Blocklaying Contractor?

A good Blocklaying Contractor will:

  • Be licensed and experienced in structural blockwork and reinforced masonry
  • Work from accurate site levels and drawings to avoid costly rework
  • Provide a detailed quote that outlines inclusions (supply of blocks, mortar, sand, mesh, etc.)
  • Be familiar with engineer’s details and install control joints or reinforcement correctly
  • Work cleanly and efficiently, keeping your site safe for other trades


They should also coordinate with you on timing — especially if blockwork must cure before waterproofing or rendering begins.

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Blocklaying Contractors, you’ll need:

  • Finalised construction drawings, including wall locations and dimensions
  • Engineering details for any reinforced blockwork
  • Your preferred type of block (e.g. standard grey, core-filled, or split-face)
  • Site access information, especially if pallets of blocks need to be delivered
  • Timeline for when blockwork needs to start (especially if following slab pour)

Glossary

Below is a breakdown of the Blocklaying process. It's designed to help you understand what needs to happen, who's involved and how to stay on top of your project!

Term Definition
Procure Reach out to blocklayers (bricklayers who lay concrete blocks) and ask for pricing to complete the basement wall work.
Blockworks & Reinforcement Works (Basement) Blockworks & Reinforcement Works (Basement) Oversee the installation of the concrete blocks and any steel reinforcement rods that go inside the wall for strength.
Blockworks Core Filled (Basement) Coordinate the final step of filling the hollow blocks with concrete (called “core filling”) to make the basement walls solid and strong.
eview and finalise this task Check that all blocklaying work is finished to standard, sign off on the job, and move on to the next construction step.

Average Timeframe

For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within 7-10 business days.

When Can I Expect Quotes?

Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

 

Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).

 

If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What’s the difference between bricklaying and blocklaying?

    Blocklaying uses larger concrete masonry units (blocks), often for structural or retaining purposes. Bricklaying usually involves smaller clay bricks for decorative or external walls.



  • Are blocks supplied by the contractor or separately?

    It depends. Some contractors quote labour only — always check your quote for supply of blocks, mortar, and delivery costs.

  • How long does blockwork take to complete?

    Time depends on wall size and site access, but most contractors lay around 100–150 blocks per day under normal conditions.

  • Do I need to waterproof block walls?

    Yes — especially for retaining walls or wet areas. Waterproofing typically happens after the blockwork has cured and before backfilling.

  • Can I paint or render straight onto blockwork?

    Yes, once it's cured. Make sure your contractor finishes joints neatly and leaves the wall clean, especially if it will remain exposed or be rendered later.

How to Complete this Task?

STEP 1

Review and Adjust the Scope of Works

Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

STEP 2

Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded

Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:

STEP 3

Update the Quality Assurance Checklist

Go to the Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.

STEP 4

Request Quotes

Click the orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.

STEP 5

Review the Quotes

Once you receive quotes:

  • Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
  • Download attached quote documents for detailed review
  • Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews

STEP 6

Communicate with the Pro

If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.

STEP 7

Accept a Quote

Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.

STEP 8

Complete the Tasks In Your App

New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your contract and final Scope of Works whenever needed.

NEED HELP?

Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro

If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.


If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.