Finding a good bricklayer in New Zealand is about more than comparing the cheapest quote. A quality bricklayer will build straight, durable work that suits our climate, site conditions and building requirements, while a poor one can leave you with cracks, drainage issues or expensive rework.
If you’re planning a new build, extension, retaining wall or brick cladding repair, this guide will walk you through how to find, vet and hire a reliable bricklayer with confidence.
What a bricklayer does in NZ
A bricklayer works with brick and block to build structures such as walls, piers, fireplaces, letterboxes, retaining walls and brick veneers or cladding. In New Zealand, bricklaying often sits alongside masonry work, and the best tradespeople understand more than just laying bricks neatly.
They should also know how to handle moisture management, movement joints, mortar selection, cavity systems, flashings and site drainage. That matters in our wet winters, high-wind areas and coastal environments where salt exposure can affect materials over time.
Common bricklaying jobs
• New house brick veneer or block work
• Extensions and additions
• Retaining walls and garden walls
• Repointing and small repairs
• Fireplace surrounds and decorative features
• Brick or block cladding repairs after weather damage
Where to look for a good bricklayer
Start with local, trade-focused sources rather than just a general search result. Bricklayers often work through small teams or subcontract to builders, so availability can vary by region.
Good places to search
• Trade directories and local business listings
• Recommendations from builders, plasterers or drainlayers
• Neighbours or friends who have had similar work done
• Local Facebook community groups, used carefully
• Building supply merchants who see which crews are active in the area
• Your builder or architect, if the brickwork is part of a larger project
Look for someone who has done work similar to yours. A bricklayer who is excellent at decorative garden walls may not be the best fit for structural block work or a full brick veneer package.
How to vet a bricklayer before you hire
A strong quote and a tidy website are not enough. You want evidence that the bricklayer is competent, insured and easy to work with.
Check qualifications and registration
In New Zealand, bricklaying is generally not a licensed trade in the same way as plumbing or electrical work. That means you should focus on experience, training and any relevant industry membership or credentials rather than expecting a mandatory licence.
Ask about:
• Trade qualifications or apprenticeships
• Years of experience in bricklaying or masonry
• Recent projects similar to yours
• Whether they work to NZ Building Code requirements
• Whether they understand council consent requirements if your job needs consent
If the bricklayer is working on a job that forms part of a consented build, make sure they understand the plans and the documentation requirements. For larger jobs, coordination with the main contractor is important.
Ask for references and recent photos
A reliable bricklayer should be able to provide references from recent clients and photos of completed jobs. Don’t just look at glamour shots—ask to see clean close-ups of mortar joints, corners, terminations and any detailing around windows or openings.
When speaking to referees, ask:
• Was the work finished on time?
• Was the site kept reasonably tidy?
• Did the bricklayer communicate well?
• Were there any issues, and how were they handled?
• Would you hire them again?
If possible, visit a finished job in person. Brickwork can look very different up close, and workmanship quality is easier to judge on site.
Check insurance
Always confirm that the bricklayer has appropriate insurance for their business. Depending on the size of the job, you may want to ask about:
• Public liability insurance
• Contract works insurance, if relevant
• Cover for accidental damage to existing property
• Whether subcontractors are also insured
Ask for a current certificate of currency rather than relying on verbal reassurance.
How to compare quotes properly
It’s normal to get at least three quotes so you can compare price, scope and professionalism. The cheapest quote is not always the best value, especially if it leaves out key items.
A proper quote should be clear about materials, labour, timeframes and exclusions. If a quote is vague, ask for it to be broken down before you commit.
What a quote should include
• Bricklaying labour and any labourers
• Materials supplied by the bricklayer, if applicable
• Mortar type, ties, reinforcing and fixings
• Scaffolding or access requirements
• Waste removal and site cleanup
• GST status
• Start date and estimated duration
• Exclusions, such as excavation, waterproofing or painting
Indicative NZ cost guide
Bricklaying costs vary by region, access, material choice and job complexity. As a broad guide:
• Bricklayer labour: about $55 to $95 per hour
• Small repair jobs: about $300 to $1,500
• Brick or block garden wall: about $250 to $600 per square metre
• Retaining wall or structural block work: about $400 to $900+ per square metre
• Brick veneer or larger new-build work: often quoted per square metre or as a package, with total costs varying widely by design
These are indicative ranges only. Difficult access, coastal conditions, high walls, complex detailing and urgent work can increase the price.
How to spot a risky quote
Be cautious if a quote is:
• Significantly lower than the others without explanation
• Missing a scope of work or materials list
• Based on vague allowances only
• Pressuring you to pay a large deposit upfront
• Full of exclusions that shift risk back to you
Questions to ask before hiring
A short phone call or meeting can tell you a lot about professionalism. Good tradespeople should be able to explain their process clearly.
Useful questions
• How long have you been bricklaying in NZ?
• Have you done work like this before?
• Who will actually be on site each day?
• What materials do you recommend and why?
• How do you handle wet weather delays?
• What deposit do you require?
• How do you deal with variations if the job changes?
• Will you provide a written contract?
Their answers should be specific and practical, not vague or defensive.
Put everything in writing
Even for smaller jobs, a written agreement helps protect both sides. It should clearly state what is being done, what is included, and how changes will be handled.
Your contract should cover
• Full scope of work
• Materials and who supplies them
• Price and payment schedule
• Start and completion estimates
• Site access, storage and cleanup responsibilities
• Any required council consent or inspections
• Warranty or workmanship guarantee terms
• How variations will be approved and priced
• What happens if weather delays the job
For larger jobs, avoid paying most of the money upfront. A modest deposit is normal, with staged payments tied to agreed progress.
Final tips for hiring well
Choose the bricklayer who offers the best mix of experience, communication, clear pricing and proven workmanship—not just the cheapest number.
Before you sign, make sure you have:
• At least three comparable quotes
• Recent references you’ve actually contacted
• Proof of insurance
• A clear written scope
• Agreement on payment terms and timing
• Confidence that they understand your site and project type
A good bricklayer will be upfront, organised and willing to answer questions. If something feels rushed or unclear early on, that’s often a sign to keep looking.
Taking the time to check the details now can save you a lot of stress, money and maintenance later.