Why guarantees matter when hiring a bricklayer
A well-built brick wall, pier, patio or veneer should last for decades, but only if the work is done properly from the start. In New Zealand, a good bricklayer should stand behind both the quality of their labour and the products they use.
Guarantees and warranties are important because brickwork faults can be expensive to fix later. Common problems include cracked mortar, poor drainage, leaching, efflorescence, out-of-plumb walls, loose cappings, or brick veneers that do not meet building requirements. In a climate with heavy rain in many regions, strong UV, salt air in coastal areas, and freeze-thaw conditions in some southern and inland locations, poor workmanship can show up quickly.
Before you hire anyone, get multiple written quotes, check references, and ask exactly what is covered if something goes wrong.
Workmanship guarantees: what a bricklayer should offer
A workmanship guarantee is the bricklayer’s promise that their labour will be carried out to a reasonable standard and that defects caused by poor workmanship will be put right within a set period.
There is no single standard guarantee in the trade, but a professional bricklayer should be clear about:
- the length of the guarantee
- what work is covered
- what is excluded
- how to make a claim
- whether they will repair, replace, or refund defective work
A workmanship guarantee for bricklaying should ideally cover issues such as:
- mortar joints failing because of poor mix, curing, or joint finishing
- bricks or blocks laid out of level or out of plumb
- inadequate control joints or movement joints where required
- poor tie fixing, flashing, or cavity detailing on veneer work
- sloppy cuts, poor alignment, or visually uneven finishes
- damage caused by poor handling or installation during the job
It should not be a vague “we stand by our work” statement. Ask for the guarantee in writing, even if it is only a short clause in the quote or contract.
What a reasonable workmanship guarantee might look like
A practical workmanship guarantee often lasts 12 months, but longer periods are not unusual for certain jobs. The right timeframe depends on the type of work and the contract value. For larger or more structural work, you should expect something more substantial than a quick handshake promise.
A good guarantee should also explain whether the bricklayer will cover labour only, or labour plus the cost of removing and replacing affected work. Clarify whether access costs, scaffolding, or disposal are included if remedial work is needed.
Product warranties: bricks, mortar additives and accessories
Product warranties are different from workmanship guarantees. They come from the manufacturer or supplier, not the bricklayer, and cover defects in the materials themselves.
Examples can include:
- bricks or blocks that are manufactured incorrectly
- proprietary wall ties, fixings, sealants, or flashings with defects
- mortar additives or construction chemicals that fail to perform as specified
Product warranties usually do not cover mistakes in installation. If a wall fails because the bricklayer used the wrong mix, omitted flashings, or installed materials incorrectly, that is typically a workmanship issue rather than a product defect.
Ask your bricklayer to tell you:
- which products they intend to use
- whether they are from reputable NZ suppliers
- whether any products carry a manufacturer’s warranty
- what steps are needed to preserve that warranty, such as correct installation or maintenance
Keep all product labels, delivery dockets, and invoices. If there is a claim later, you will need them.
The Consumer Guarantees Act and what it means for brickwork
For most homeowners, the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA) is one of the most important protections when hiring a bricklayer.
If you are a consumer and the bricklaying service is supplied in trade, the CGA implies guarantees that the work will be carried out:
- with reasonable care and skill
- fit for the particular purpose you told the bricklayer about
- within a reasonable time, if no time is agreed
- for a reasonable price, if no price is agreed
In plain terms, the work must be done properly. Even if the bricklayer does not offer a written guarantee, the CGA may still give you rights if the work is faulty.
Important limits
The CGA does not replace good documentation. It is much easier to rely on your rights when you have:
- a written quote
- a clear scope of work
- photos before, during, and after the job
- emails or texts confirming what was agreed
The CGA also does not help much if the problem is caused by something outside the bricklayer’s control, such as:
- changes made by another contractor
- hidden site conditions not reasonably foreseeable
- poor maintenance by the homeowner
- settling or movement caused by a wider building issue, unless the bricklayer’s work contributed to the fault
How guarantees and warranties should be written into the quote
Do not rely on verbal promises. The quote or contract should spell out what you are getting and what happens if the work is defective.
At minimum, it should include:
- the full scope of work, with plans or specifications if relevant
- the materials to be used, including brand or product type where known
- start and completion dates, or a clear timeframe
- the workmanship guarantee period
- any manufacturer warranties that apply
- who is responsible for maintenance and cleaning after completion
- how defects will be assessed and remedied
- payment stages linked to progress, not just upfront deposits
Be cautious if a contractor will not put their guarantee in writing or refuses to explain exclusions.
Common exclusions to look for
Most guarantees have exclusions, but they should be reasonable and clearly stated. Typical exclusions can include:
- normal wear and tear
- damage from earthquakes, storms, flooding, or other natural events
- movement due to structural defects outside the bricklayer’s work
- damage caused by third parties
- lack of maintenance, such as failing to keep weep holes clear or allowing soil or paving to bridge a cavity
- alterations made after completion by other trades or by the homeowner
For exterior brickwork, maintenance matters. Homeowners should know whether washing, sealing, repointing, or checking for drainage issues is required, and at what intervals.
When building consent or other compliance issues matter
Some bricklaying jobs are straightforward, but others may form part of work that needs building consent or must meet specific building code requirements. For example, brick veneer wall systems, retaining walls, or work affecting structure or weather-tightness may involve consent and inspection requirements depending on the design and the local council rules.
Bricklayers are not generally carrying out work regulated in the same way as plumbing, gasfitting, drainlaying, or electrical work, which are separately controlled trades in New Zealand. However, their work still needs to comply with the Building Code and any relevant consented plans.
If the brickwork is part of a consented project:
- make sure the builder or project manager confirms who is responsible for the consent
- ask whether the bricklayer is working to approved plans
- keep copies of council documents, inspections, and producer statements if applicable
A guarantee does not replace compliance. A brick wall can be “guaranteed” by the installer and still be non-compliant if it was built incorrectly.
What to ask before you hire
Before accepting a quote, ask each bricklayer the same questions so you can compare them properly.
Useful questions
- How long is your workmanship guarantee?
- What exactly does the guarantee cover?
- Do you provide the guarantee in writing?
- What product warranties come with the materials you use?
- Have you done similar work in NZ conditions, such as coastal sites or high-rainfall areas?
- Who is responsible for any remedial work if a defect appears?
- Are you insured for public liability and contract works, if relevant?
- Can you provide references from recent local jobs?
A professional bricklayer should be comfortable answering these questions clearly.
How to protect yourself as the homeowner
You can reduce risk before work starts by treating the job like a small project, even if it is only a garden wall or a porch repair.
Practical steps
- Get at least three written quotes.
- Compare the scope, not just the price.
- Check the bricklayer’s experience with the type of job you need.
- Ask for their NZ Business Number and proof of insurance.
- Keep all messages, invoices, and product details.
- Photograph the site before work begins.
- Pay by progress stages only when each stage is complete.
- Make sure any variation to the job is confirmed in writing.
If you are dealing with a winter job, ask how the bricklayer will manage cold, wet, or frosty conditions, because weather affects mortar curing and surface quality. In some parts of New Zealand, winter work may need more allowance for delays or protection of fresh work.
What to do if the brickwork is faulty
If you notice a problem, act quickly but calmly. Early communication often helps fix issues before they get worse.
Step-by-step recourse
- Document the problem. Take dated photos and note when you first noticed it.
- Check the paperwork. Review the quote, contract, warranty terms, and any emails.
- Notify the bricklayer in writing. Describe the defect and ask for a site inspection.
- Ask for a remedy. Under the CGA, a consumer can generally expect the service provider to fix the issue if it is capable of being remedied.
- Set a reasonable deadline. Give the bricklayer a fair chance to respond and repair.
- Get an independent opinion if needed. Another qualified builder, engineer, or bricklayer can help identify whether the issue is workmanship, materials, or something else.
- Escalate if necessary. If the issue is not resolved, you can use dispute resolution or seek legal advice.
If the fault is serious, a homeowner may be able to recover the cost of getting the work fixed by someone else, depending on the circumstances and the amount involved. Keep receipts for any remedial work.
Disputes, payment, and practical enforcement
If a bricklayer will not fix defective work, your options may include:
- mediation or a trades dispute service
- the Disputes Tribunal, for eligible smaller claims
- a formal complaint to your lawyer or insurer, if relevant
Avoid withholding all payment without advice unless the defect is significant and the contract clearly supports it. Sometimes a staged approach works better: pay the undisputed amount and hold back an agreed portion until defects are fixed.
If the work is part of a larger building project, tell the main contractor or project manager immediately. Coordination matters because one trade’s mistake may affect several others.
The bottom line
A trustworthy bricklayer should offer more than a price. They should provide a clear workmanship guarantee, explain any manufacturer or product warranties, and be willing to stand behind their work if something goes wrong.
As a homeowner, your best protection is simple: get everything in writing, compare multiple quotes, check credentials, and know your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act. If the brickwork is faulty, act quickly, document the issue, and ask for a remedy in writing.
Good bricklaying is an investment. The right guarantee helps make sure it stays that way.
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
