Selecting a Quote

The bricklayers quote or tender should provide:

• An accurate and dimensioned description of the work

• Clear and concise timetabling of work

• Confirmation of brick quantities and a rate for laying additional bricks if needed. Typically the client (you) will pay for and arrange delivery of the bricks separately, but the bricklayer may be happy to look after this and include it in the quote. Note that if you delay the bricklayer by not organising the bricks as required, you may be liable to pay some form of compensation to the bricklayer or lose his services.

• Provision for sand, cement, lime and hardware items to complete the work (D.P.C., ties, straps, etc).

• Indication of equipment provided as part of contract, e.g. mixer, bricksaw and scaffolding. Equipment not included may have to be hired at your expense.

• Statement of bricks, mortar and joint finishes to be used.

• Provision for cleaning the brickwork and cleaning up the site.

• Information on payment arrangements and the completion of the contract.

• Warranty period.

• Adequate insurance cover.

Note that some jobs such as footings below ground or repair work can be difficult to estimate, so you may have to settle for a base quote with rates for variations. This will require more supervision on your part and good communication with the bricklayer to ensure that both of you understand how the scope of work has varied as it progresses.

Payment

On a single storey cottage the work will probably last a week, weather permitting. Two bricklayers will lay about a 1000 face bricks per day. The average single storey on a level block has about 5000 bricks. A two‑storey will be built over two weeks, depending on the size of the bricklaying gang. For single storey work, if the bricklayer finishes within a week, he will require payment on completion.

Example:

5000 bricks @ $700 per 1000 = $3500.00

Progress payment less 10% retention

$3500.00 ‑ $350.00 = $3150.00

Cash payment of $3150.00

Balance of $350.00 to be paid one week later

The retention allows visual inspection of the work and satisfaction that work has been completed in agreement with the contract (i.e. the accepted quote).

Other agreements can be made as to the method of payment, but like all business agreements both parties should indicate their acceptance of the arrangement prior to work commencing.