Why asking the right questions matters
Brickwork is one of those trades where poor workmanship can be expensive to fix later. A wall that’s out of plumb, mortar that doesn’t suit local conditions, or flashing details that aren’t done properly can lead to cracking, moisture problems, and unfinished jobs that drag on for weeks.
In New Zealand, it also pays to think about the wider context: coastal exposure, seismic movement, weather delays, and whether your project needs building consent from your local council. The right bricklayer should be able to talk confidently about all of that, not just lay bricks.
Before you hire, use the questions below to compare tradespeople on more than just price.
First: be clear about what kind of brickwork you need
Not every bricklayer does every type of job. Before you start ringing around, define your project as clearly as possible:
- New brick veneer on a new build - Repairs to cracked or damaged brickwork - Repointing or mortar replacement - Retaining walls or boundary walls - Chimney repairs - Decorative brick features or paving - Masonry around windows, garages, or landscaping
This matters because the questions you ask a bricklayer will be different for a small repair than for a full exterior cladding job. It also helps the tradie give a more accurate quote and timeline.
What experience do you have with this type of brickwork?
This is the first question worth asking. A bricklayer may be excellent at one type of work and less experienced in another.
Ask:
- How long have you been bricklaying? - What similar jobs have you completed recently? - Have you worked on homes like mine, such as brick veneer, blockwork, or repairs on older houses? - Do you have experience working in coastal areas, high-wind zones, or seismic areas?
A good bricklayer should be able to describe the methods they use and the types of projects they do regularly. For example, brick veneer on a timber-framed home is different from structural blockwork or a repair job on older mortar joints.
If your home is older, ask whether they have experience matching existing brick, mortar colour, and bond pattern. Matching repairs well can make a big difference to the final look.
Can you show me examples of recent work and references?
Photos are useful, but references are even better.
Ask for:
- Photos of completed jobs similar to yours - Contact details for recent clients - Before-and-after examples of repair work - Addresses of visible jobs you can inspect from the street, if appropriate
When speaking with references, ask whether the job was completed on time, whether the site was kept tidy, and how the bricklayer handled any issues. If possible, check whether the result still looks good months later, not just on completion day.
You can also look for online reviews, but treat them as one part of the picture rather than the whole story.
Are you licensed, qualified, or a member of any trade organisations?
Bricklaying itself is not a licensed trade in the same way as electrical work through the EWRB, or plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying work under the PGDB. However, that does not mean credentials don’t matter.
Ask:
- Do you have formal training or an apprenticeship? - Are you a member of any industry body or trade association? - Do you hold any site safety or specialist qualifications? - Who will actually be doing the work — you, your employees, or subcontractors?
For building work, remember that some projects may need a building consent from your local council. A competent bricklayer should understand the parts of the job that affect compliance, such as structural support, veneer ties, weep holes, cavity requirements, flashing, and movement joints. If the work forms part of a consented build, ask who will be responsible for coordination with the builder, designer, or consent authority.
If a bricklayer seems vague about compliance, that’s a warning sign.
Is my project likely to need building consent?
This is a very practical question for New Zealand homeowners.
A bricklayer is not usually the person who decides whether consent is needed, but they should know when to flag it. Depending on the scope, you may need council approval for:
- New structural walls or retaining walls - Changes that affect the structure of the house - Major alterations to an exterior wall system - Chimney work that affects the building envelope or stability - Work tied to a wider renovation that already requires consent
Ask the bricklayer:
- Do you think this job will need a building consent? - Have you worked on consented jobs before? - Will you follow the plans and specifications from my builder/designer/engineer?
If there is any doubt, check with your local council before work begins. Getting this right early can prevent delays and expensive rework.
What materials will you use, and are they suitable for NZ conditions?
The quality of the materials matters almost as much as the labour.
Ask:
- What bricks, blocks, mortar, ties, and accessories do you recommend? - Are the materials suitable for my area’s weather, coastal exposure, or frost risk? - Will the mortar colour and finish match the existing work? - Do you supply materials, or do I need to organise them? - Are there options at different price points?
In New Zealand, exposure conditions can vary a lot from one street to the next. A bricklayer working near the coast may need to consider corrosion resistance and detailing more carefully than someone working inland. For colder areas, drainage and moisture management matter too.
If you are repairing older brickwork, ask whether they can match the original materials closely enough to avoid obvious patchwork.
What exactly is included in the quote?
Never compare quotes based only on the final number. Make sure you understand what is included and excluded.
Ask for a written quote that clearly shows:
- Labour - Materials - Site setup and cleanup - Scaffold or access equipment - Removal of old materials or waste - GST - Any subcontractor costs - Travel charges, if applicable - Any provisional sums or allowances
A useful comparison table might look like this:
| Quote item | What to check | |---|---| | Labour | Is it fixed price or hourly? | | Materials | Are bricks, mortar, ties, and sealants included? | | Access | Is scaffold or machinery included? | | Cleanup | Will rubbish removal be charged extra? | | GST | Is the total price including GST? | | Extras | What counts as a variation or additional cost? |
Ask what is not included so there are no surprises later. If a quote seems much cheaper than the others, check whether something important has been left out.
How do you handle variations and unexpected issues?
Brickwork often uncovers surprises once the job starts — damaged foundations, rotten framing behind veneer, hidden dampness, or out-of-square walls.
Ask:
- How do you handle unexpected issues once work has started? - Will you stop and ask before doing any extra work? - How do you price variations? - Will I get written approval before extra costs are added?
A good bricklayer should never assume you are happy to pay for extras without your agreement. The best approach is to have a process in writing for variations, including approval before work continues.
What is the timeline, and how will the job be scheduled?
Bricklaying can be affected by weather, delivery delays, and the availability of other trades. In New Zealand, rain and cold conditions can slow work, especially for mortar curing.
Ask:
- When can you start? - How long will the job take? - How many days on site will you need? - What weather delays should I expect? - Will you be working continuously, or fitting my job around others?
It’s also smart to ask whether they have enough capacity to finish your job promptly once started. A bricklayer with a crowded programme may leave your project half-done while they move on to another site.
If your project has knock-on effects for other trades, ask how the sequence will be managed so everyone stays coordinated.
Who will be on site, and who supervises the work?
On a small job, the person quoting may be the person doing the work. On larger jobs, a team or subcontractors may be involved.
Ask:
- Will you personally do the work, or will others be on site? - Who is the main contact if I have a question? - Who supervises quality control? - Will the same crew stay on the job from start to finish?
This matters for accountability. You want to know who is responsible if there is a problem and how often the site will be checked.
What insurance do you carry?
Insurance is one of the most important questions to ask any tradie.
Ask for proof of:
- Public liability insurance - Contract works insurance, if applicable - Vehicle and tools insurance, if relevant - Employer cover for any staff, where needed
Public liability insurance is especially important if the work could damage your property or a neighbour’s property. If the job involves access equipment, scaffolding, or working near driveways and landscaping, the risk of accidental damage goes up.
If the bricklayer hesitates or can’t provide evidence of cover, think carefully before hiring them.
Do you offer a workmanship guarantee or warranty?
Bricklaying should be done to a standard that lasts, but not every problem shows up immediately.
Ask:
- Do you offer a workmanship guarantee? - How long does it last? - What does it cover? - What is excluded, such as movement from ground settlement or storm damage? - How do I make a claim if something goes wrong?
Be realistic: a guarantee is only as good as the person behind it. Written terms are better than vague promises. Also remember that different materials may come with manufacturer warranties that are separate from the bricklayer’s workmanship warranty.
How will you protect the site and keep it tidy?
Bricklaying can be messy. Mortar splashes, dust, debris, and pallets of materials can all affect the rest of your property.
Ask:
- How will you protect existing paths, gardens, and driveways? - Will you clean up daily? - How will waste be removed? - Will access to the house be kept safe and clear?
If your home is occupied during the job, this is worth discussing early. Good site care is often a sign of good workmanship overall.
What should I expect around payment?
Most reputable bricklayers won’t ask for full payment up front. The payment terms should be clear before work starts.
Ask:
- Do you require a deposit? - When are progress payments due? - Is there a final payment after completion and inspection? - What payment methods do you accept? - Will I receive an invoice with GST shown separately, if applicable?
For bigger jobs, a staged payment schedule linked to milestones is often sensible. Avoid paying in full before the work is complete unless you have a very clear reason and strong trust in the contractor.
Final checklist before you decide
Before hiring, make sure you can answer these questions confidently:
- Have I compared at least two or three written quotes? - Has the bricklayer done similar work before? - Have I checked references or recent examples? - Is the quote detailed and easy to compare? - Do I understand the timeline and likely weather delays? - Have I confirmed insurance and guarantee details? - Do I know whether consent or council input is needed?
If you can’t get clear answers, keep looking. The cheapest quote is not always the best value, especially when brickwork affects the structure, appearance, and weather-tightness of your home.
A careful conversation before you hire can save a lot of stress later — and help you choose a bricklayer who will do the job properly the first time.