Find a local bricklayer

Bricklayers - what you need to know

Bricklayers build and repair walls, chimney stacks, tunnel linings and decorative stonework. They’re also the trade you turn to for any repointing work you need done on your home.Bricks are very durable and require little maintenance. They can withstand floods and fires, while insulating well against external sound.

There are a few different things you might require a builder for, with garden walls and repointing being the most common. If you’re having an extension or loft conversion done then you might need one then, but your builder or loft specialist will usually arrange the specific tradespeople needed to complete the whole job. Bricks are available in a variety of textures, sizes and colours, to get exactly the sort of look you’re after.

Repointing

Brickwork is held together using mortar, which is most commonly made from cement. The mortar plays several important roles in maintaining the structural integrity of your property. It keeps water out, but also lets moisture escape – essentially allowing your home to breathe. It’s flexible enough that any ground movement that occurs as a building settles, won’t affect the walls.

Over the years though, this mortar can decay, so it needs to be filled in, touched up and repaired. Choosing a light colour for the mortar can also completely revamp the exterior of your home, making it look fresh and new.

Bricklayers usually gain their experience through courses, apprenticeships or on-the-job training. By all means ask them about their experience, but you can also request references or photos of previous work to confirm their quality. 

Planning permission for bricklaying jobs

You don’t need to apply for planning permission for repairs, maintenance or minor improvements, such as painting your house or repointing.

If you live in a listed building, you’ll need listed building consent for any significant works whether internal or external.

Insurance for bricklaying work 

Your bricklayer should have public liability insurance which will protect you and your property should any damage occur.

Building regulations for external walls

If you want to re-render or replace timber cladding to external walls, building regulations may apply depending on the extent of the work.

Where 25 per cent or more of an external wall is re-rendered, re-clad, re-plastered or re-lined internally or where 25 per cent or more of the external leaf of a wall is rebuilt, the regulations would normally apply and the thermal insulation would normally have to be improved. See the planning portal for more detailed information.

Questions you should ask a bricklayer

• Do they have public liability insurance and what does this cover?
• How long have they been trading for?
• Can they give you up to 3 references of recent work they’ve completed?
• Will they give a guarantee/warranty for the work and how long does it last?
• Will they source all materials and equipment?

See the latest questions that homeowners have been asking bricklayers 

Bricklaying ideas

Have a look at the ins and outs of pointing, over on our blog. Also check out some reasons why repointing might make your house the best one on the street.