For a large bricklaying job in New Zealand — think a full brick-veneer home, a substantial retaining wall, or a major commercial project — payment is almost never made in one lump sum. Instead, most contractors and homeowners agree on a progress payment schedule: a series of payments tied to specific stages of work being completed. This approach protects both parties and is standard practice across the NZ construction industry.
Why Progress Payments Matter
A progress payment schedule keeps cash flow fair for the bricklayer (who has materials and labour costs to cover) while ensuring you as the homeowner only pay for work that has actually been done. It also reduces your financial risk if something goes wrong mid-project. For any job running into tens of thousands of dollars, a well-written payment schedule is essential — not optional.
Under the Construction Contracts Act 2002, most residential and commercial construction contracts in NZ are governed by specific rules around payment claims and schedules. Both parties have legal rights and obligations, so it pays to understand the basics before you sign anything. MBIE Building Performance has useful guidance on construction contracts and your rights.
Typical Milestone-Based Payment Structure
While every job is different, a large bricklaying project will commonly follow a structure similar to this:
| Stage | Typical Payment (% of total) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit / Mobilisation | 5–15% | Covers initial materials order and site setup |
| Foundations / Base Course Complete | 15–20% | First courses laid, footings inspected |
| Mid-point / Wall Height Reached | 20–25% | Agreed mid-stage milestone |
| Structural Completion | 20–25% | All brickwork to full height, lintels in |
| Practical Completion | 15–20% | Job finished, ready for inspection |
| Retention Release | 5–10% | Released after defects period (often 3–12 months) |
These percentages are a guide only — your actual schedule should be negotiated and clearly written into your contract.
The Deposit: How Much Is Reasonable?
It is normal for a bricklayer to ask for a deposit before work begins, primarily to purchase bricks, mortar, ties, and other materials. A deposit of 5–15% of the total contract value is generally considered reasonable in NZ. Be cautious of any contractor asking for more than 20% upfront before a single brick is laid — this is a potential red flag. Never pay a large deposit in cash without a receipt and a signed contract.
Retention Money
Retention is a percentage of each progress payment (commonly 5–10%) that you hold back until the end of the defects liability period. This gives you security if minor defects appear after practical completion — for example, cracking mortar joints or misaligned courses that need remedying. The Construction Contracts Act has specific rules around retention money for larger contracts, so check with MBIE Building Performance or a solicitor if you are unsure how this applies to your project.
What Should Your Contract Include?
A solid bricklaying contract for a large job should clearly set out:
- Scope of work — exactly what brickwork is included
- Materials specified — brick type, mortar mix, ties, DPC membrane
- Payment milestones — each stage defined in measurable terms
- Payment due dates — how many days after a payment claim is issued
- Variation process — how changes to scope are priced and approved
- Defects liability period — typically 3–12 months after practical completion
- Dispute resolution — what happens if there is a disagreement
Consumer NZ has general advice on contractor agreements that is worth reading before you sign.
NZ Building Code and Consent Considerations
Large bricklaying projects — particularly structural brick walls or brick-veneer cladding on a new home — will almost certainly require a building consent. The work must comply with the NZ Building Code, including Clause E2 (External Moisture) for cladding and NZS 4210 (the masonry standard) for structural brickwork. Inspections by your local council are typically tied to construction stages, so it makes sense to align your payment milestones with these inspection points where possible. Always confirm consent requirements with your local council before work begins.
For brick-veneer cladding systems, your bricklayer should be familiar with the requirements of the substrate system used behind the brickwork, and products like cavity ties and DPC flashings from relevant suppliers.
Protecting Yourself as a Homeowner
- Always get two or three written quotes before committing
- Never pay ahead of the agreed milestone
- Keep a written record of all payments made
- Do a walkover inspection before approving each progress payment
- If you have concerns about quality, raise them in writing before releasing funds
- Consider having a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) or independent inspector review the work at key stages — find out more at Licensed Building Practitioners
When to Call a Professional
If you are unsure whether a proposed payment schedule is fair, or if a contractor is pressuring you to pay outside the agreed milestones, seek independent advice. A quantity surveyor can assess whether payment claims reflect the actual value of work completed. For any disputes under the Construction Contracts Act, adjudication is available as a relatively fast and cost-effective resolution pathway — MBIE Building Performance can point you in the right direction.
For the bricklaying work itself, always hire an experienced, reputable bricklayer. You can find qualified local bricklayers on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
