Getting a quote from a bricklayer is an exciting step — it means your project is moving forward. But not all quotes are created equal, and in New Zealand it pays to know exactly what should be itemised before you sign anything. A well-structured quote protects both you and your tradesperson, and helps avoid the budget blowouts that can sour an otherwise great build.
What a Complete Bricklayer's Quote Should Include
A thorough quote will clearly separate — or at least account for — the following components:
- Labour: The cost of the bricklayer's time, including any labourers or apprentices on site.
- Materials: Bricks or blocks, mortar, ties, lintels, damp-proof course (DPC) membrane, and any reinforcing steel (reo bar) if required.
- Scaffolding: For work above 3 metres, scaffolding is generally required under WorkSafe NZ guidelines. Ask whether this is included or quoted separately.
- Site preparation and clean-up: Excavation for footings, disposal of waste materials, and final site tidy.
- Delivery and freight: Bricks and blocks are heavy — delivery charges from your supplier can add up, especially in rural areas.
- Building consent fees: If your project requires consent (more on this below), who is responsible for lodging and paying for it?
- GST: All quotes should state whether GST is included or excluded. In NZ, consumer-facing quotes typically include GST.
Fixed-Price vs. Estimate: Know the Difference
One of the most important things to clarify upfront is whether you are receiving a fixed-price quote or a rough estimate.
- A fixed-price quote locks in the total cost for a defined scope of work. If the scope doesn't change, neither does the price.
- An estimate is an educated guess and can change as the job progresses — particularly if ground conditions, material availability, or design details shift.
Always ask your bricklayer to confirm which type of pricing they are providing, and get it in writing.
Ask These Questions Before Accepting Any Quote
Don't be shy about asking for clarification. A professional tradesperson will welcome the conversation. Key questions include:
- Is scaffolding included? This is one of the most common hidden costs.
- Who supplies the materials? If the bricklayer is supplying, are they getting trade pricing and passing savings on to you?
- What happens if material costs rise? Some quotes include a price-variation clause for materials — understand when this applies.
- Are footings and foundation work included? Bricklayers often work off existing foundations; if yours need to be poured, that may be a separate concrete or builder's quote.
- What is the payment schedule? Progress payments are normal on larger jobs — make sure milestones are clearly defined.
- Is waste removal included? Brick offcuts and mortar bags need to go somewhere.
Building Consents and the NZ Building Code
Many brickwork projects in New Zealand require a building consent from your local council. Under the Building Act 2004, most structural work — including new brick walls, retaining walls over 1.5 metres (confirm the current threshold with your local council, as exemption criteria can vary), and brick veneer cladding — will need consent. Some minor work may qualify as Schedule 1 exempt work, but you should always confirm this with your local council before proceeding. MBIE Building Performance has useful guidance on what requires consent.
Brick veneer construction in NZ must comply with NZS 3604 (Timber-framed buildings) and the Building Code clauses E2 (External moisture) and B1 (Structure). Your bricklayer should be familiar with these standards. If they are a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP), they are legally authorised to carry out and sign off restricted building work — always check their licence status.
Comparing Multiple Quotes
It's good practice to get at least two or three quotes for any significant brickwork project. When comparing them, don't just look at the bottom line — compare what's actually included. A useful approach is to create a simple comparison table:
| Item | Quote A | Quote B | Quote C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labour | Included | Included | Included |
| Materials | Included | Excluded | Included |
| Scaffolding | Included | Separate | Included |
| Waste removal | Included | Included | Excluded |
| GST | Included | Excluded | Included |
| Consent fees | Excluded | Excluded | Included |
This kind of side-by-side view quickly reveals which quote is genuinely the best value — and which might look cheap but leave you exposed to extra costs.
Red Flags to Watch For
- A quote with no itemisation — just a single lump sum with no breakdown.
- Requests for a large upfront deposit (more than 10–20% is unusual for residential work).
- No mention of GST or licensing.
- Pressure to sign quickly without time to review.
- No written quote at all — verbal agreements are very hard to enforce.
Consumer NZ has solid general advice on dealing with tradespeople and understanding your rights as a homeowner.
When to Call a Professional
Bricklaying is a skilled trade — structural brickwork, brick veneer cladding, and any work requiring a building consent should always be carried out by a qualified, experienced bricklayer. If the work is restricted building work under the Building Act, it must be done or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner. Check your tradesperson's LBP licence at lbp.govt.nz before work begins.
For peace of mind, find a trusted local bricklayer through tradedirectory.co.nz, where you can read reviews and compare professionals in your area.
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
