Yes, in most cases you can take down a freestanding brick barbecue structure yourself — it's generally considered minor demolition work that doesn't require a building consent or a licensed tradesperson. That said, there are a few important checks around gas connections, structural concerns, and safe disposal before you swing the first sledgehammer.
Check for Building Consent Requirements First
Most freestanding brick barbecues are small, non-structural garden features and their removal falls under Schedule 1 exemptions to the New Zealand Building Act 2004 — meaning no building consent is required. However, this isn't a blanket rule. If your barbecue is built into a retaining wall, attached to a pergola or deck structure, or forms part of an outdoor kitchen with a roof, the situation may be more complex.
Always confirm with your local council before starting work. Requirements can vary by region, and it's a quick phone call or online enquiry that could save you a headache later. You can find general guidance on what requires consent at MBIE Building Performance.
Gas and Electrical Connections — Stop Here First
This is the most important safety check. If your barbecue has a piped LPG or natural gas connection, you must have a licensed gasfitter disconnect it before you do anything else. Interfering with gas fittings is restricted work under the Gas Act 1992 and must only be carried out by a registered professional. Find a licensed gasfitter through the Plumbers Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board.
Similarly, if there's any electrical wiring — for lighting, an outdoor power point, or a rotisserie motor — a registered electrician must disconnect and make safe the supply before demolition begins. This is restricted electrical work under New Zealand law. Check the Electrical Workers Registration Board to find a qualified sparky.
Once utilities are safely disconnected, the physical demolition is yours to tackle.
Tools and Safety Gear You'll Need
Brick demolition is hard, dusty, and physically demanding. Set yourself up properly:
- Safety glasses or goggles — flying brick chips are a real hazard
- Dust mask (P2 rated minimum) — older mortar may contain materials that produce harmful dust; see WorkSafe NZ for guidance on construction dust
- Heavy-duty gloves — bricks have sharp edges
- Steel-capped boots
- Sledgehammer and cold chisel — for breaking mortar joints
- Angle grinder with masonry disc — useful for cutting through stubborn mortar (use with care and appropriate PPE)
- Wheelbarrow and heavy-duty rubble bags for debris
A Note on Older Structures
If your barbecue was built before the late 1980s, there is a chance that materials used in construction may contain asbestos. If you're unsure of the age or materials, have a sample tested before demolishing. WorkSafe NZ has clear information on identifying and managing asbestos safely. When in doubt, get a professional assessment.
How to Demolish a Brick Barbecue Step by Step
- Disconnect all utilities (gas and power) via licensed tradespeople if applicable.
- Clear the area — remove grates, ash trays, and any loose items. Keep bystanders and children well away.
- Start at the top — work from the highest point downward, removing bricks course by course. This is safer than attacking the base first.
- Use a cold chisel and hammer to break mortar joints, or a sledgehammer for larger sections. Work methodically rather than randomly.
- Sort your rubble as you go — clean bricks can sometimes be reused or given away; broken brick and mortar goes to a skip or transfer station.
- Check the base or slab — if there's a concrete pad underneath, decide whether to remove it or leave it. Removing a slab is more labour-intensive and may require a concrete saw or jackhammer (available for hire from most tool hire shops).
- Reinstate the ground — fill any voids, level the area, and re-grass or pave as needed.
Disposing of Brick Rubble
Brick and mortar waste is classified as inert fill and is generally accepted at most council transfer stations or by private skip hire companies. Check your local council's website for accepted materials and any fees. Clean, uncontaminated bricks can sometimes be sold or listed free on community platforms — recycled bricks are popular for garden projects.
When to Call a Professional
Consider hiring a qualified demolition contractor if:
- The structure is large, heavy, or connected to other built elements like walls or decks
- You suspect asbestos-containing materials
- Gas or electrical disconnection is needed (always required for licensed trades)
- You're not confident working safely with heavy masonry
- The barbecue is on a slope or near a boundary where falling debris could cause damage
A professional demolition contractor will have the right equipment, insurance, and experience to get the job done safely and efficiently. You can find qualified local demolition contractors on tradedirectory.co.nz.
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