How to choose a bricklayer

Start with recommendations

Word of mouth is still the most reliable way to find a good bricklayer. Ask neighbours, friends or local Facebook groups if they can recommend someone whose work they have seen in person. A recommendation from someone who has watched the job start to finish — and seen it hold up over a year or two — is worth far more than any online badge.

Check their work, not just their words

Ask to see photos of completed jobs, and ideally visit a completed job in person if the customer is willing. Things to look for:

• Are the courses (rows of bricks) level?
• Are the vertical joints (perpends) consistently aligned?
• Are the mortar joints a consistent width and neatly finished?
• Does the brickwork match existing brickwork on the property?
• Are there any cracks, staining or efflorescence?

Good brickwork looks even, consistent and clean. Poor brickwork is obvious even to an untrained eye once you know what to look for.

Get three quotes

Always get at least three quotes before committing. This helps you understand what a fair price looks like for your job. Quotes should be itemised — labour and materials listed separately — so you can compare like with like.

Questions to ask before hiring

• Can I see photos of similar jobs you have completed?
• Can you provide a reference from a recent customer?
• Do you have public liability insurance? (Ask to see a certificate.)
• Will you provide a written, itemised quote?
• How long will the job take and when can you start?
• Will you be doing the work yourself or using subcontractors?
• If matching existing brickwork, how will you source the bricks?

Red flags to watch for

• Asks for a large cash deposit upfront (a small materials deposit is normal; 50%+ is not)
• No written quote — only a verbal estimate
• Cannot provide photos of previous work
• Gives a quote suspiciously lower than all others
• Pressures you to decide immediately
• Is not registered for VAT but claims to be
• Uses unmarked vans and refuses to give a business address

Insurance and liability

Any bricklayer working on your property should have public liability insurance. This covers damage to your property or injury to a third party caused by their work. Ask for a copy of the insurance certificate and check the level of cover — for a domestic job, £1 million cover is a reasonable minimum. For larger jobs or work on listed buildings, higher cover is preferable.

Written contract and payment terms

For any job over £500, insist on a written quote or contract. It should cover: what work will be done, what materials will be used, start and finish dates, payment schedule, and what happens if there are unforeseen complications. A staggered payment schedule — for example, materials deposit upfront, a progress payment midway, and the balance on completion — is standard and protects both parties.

Frequently asked questions

Should a bricklayer be registered or accredited?

There is no statutory registration requirement for bricklayers in the UK. However, CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) cards show that a tradesperson has passed a health and safety test. Membership of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) or similar bodies involves a vetting process and is a positive sign.

How far in advance should I book a bricklayer?

Good bricklayers are often booked 4–12 weeks in advance, particularly during spring and summer when demand is highest. If you need work done quickly, ask for a callout — a short slot between larger jobs — but expect to pay a premium for very fast turnaround.

What should I do if I'm unhappy with the work?

Raise any concerns in writing as soon as you notice them. Good tradespeople want to know about problems and will normally return to address genuine defects. If you cannot resolve the issue directly, the Federation of Master Builders and Trading Standards offer dispute resolution services.