What Is a Bricklayer?
A Bricklayer constructs the brick and blockwork elements of your home’s structure. This includes external walls, boundary walls, retaining walls, columns, steps, and piers. They use materials like clay bricks, concrete blocks, and stone, following precise patterns and construction methods.
In your owner builder journey, bricklayers are one of the key trades during the structure phase, typically following slab or framing works.
What Does a Bricklayer Do?
Your Bricklayer will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.
Typically, a Bricklayer will:
- Interpret architectural and engineering plans to determine brick layout and dimensions
- Lay bricks or blocks in specified patterns and mortar joint thicknesses
- Install flashings, lintels, weep holes, and control joints
- Fit brick ties to connect brickwork to the structural frame
- Apply termite barriers and damp-proof courses (DPC)
- Incorporate expansion joints and articulation joints as require
- Ensure thermal, fire and acoustic performance compliance per NCC
- Build structural masonry as per engineer’s reinforcement specs
- Finish mortar joints (raked, flush, etc.) as per design
- Clean up excess mortar and leave the site safe and tidy
Tip: Check Bricks For Colour and Quality
Check bricks for colour and quality on delivery — mismatched batches are hard to fix once laid
What to Look For in a Bricklayer
You’re looking for someone who:
- Has residential experience with your chosen materials (e.g. face bricks, blocks, render finish)
- Understands structural requirements and works closely with engineers’ plans
- Pays attention to mortar colour matching and joint finishing
- Includes both labour and sundries (like lintels, ties, flashings) in their quote
- Works efficiently while maintaining the tolerances set in AS 3700
- Can manage waste and site cleanliness throughout the job
Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready
To get quotes from Bricklayers, you’ll need:
- Approved construction drawings and wall layouts
- Engineering plans showing any load-bearing walls or reinforcements
- Your chosen brick type and supplier (if already confirmed)
- Site access details, especially if scaffolding is required
- A construction timeline showing when slab, framing and brickwork should occur
Glossary
This glossary explains the key steps involved in managing Bricklaying.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Procure | Arrange quotes and book a bricklayer to supply and lay the bricks for your project. |
| Manage the Bricklaying Lower Works | Oversee the bricklaying of the lower section of your home — usually from the ground up to the bottom of your windows. |
| Manage the Bricklaying Upper Works | Coordinate the remaining brickwork, typically above window height up to the roof line. |
| Review and finalise this task | Do a final check to make sure all bricklaying is complete and up to standard before moving on. |
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
Do I need to provide the bricks, or does the Bricklayer?
Usually, the Bricklayer provides labour only, and you (the owner builder) supply the bricks. Make sure deliveries match your schedule — delays here can stop work from starting.
How long does bricklaying take?
It depends on the scale of the build and site complexity. A standard single-storey home might take 1–2 weeks. Weather and access conditions can cause delays, especially if scaffolding is needed.
Can I change brick type after quoting?
You can, but let your Bricklayer know early — some bricks need different mortars, cleaning processes, or expansion allowances. Changing later could impact your budget or delay start.
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.
