Some common bricklaying problems and defects are:
- Improperly mixed mortar
- Improperly filled bed joints
- Cracking
- Shrinkage
- Displacement and spalling
- Efflorescence
- Mold growth
- Staining
- Bulging walls
- Damaged bricks
- Mortar deterioration
How Much Does Bricklaying Cost?
Bricklayers typically charge an average of $40 - $100 per hour for their services. Bricklaying involves a wide scope of jobs, as such, you can pay as low as $400 or as high as $15,000 for a bricklaying project. This amount is dependent on the type of job that you want done and the amount of materials that will be required for it.
Some common bricklaying cost estimates are:
Cost estimates by type of job per square foot:
Cost estimates by type of brick:
What Are the Factors That Affect the Cost of Bricklaying?
The cost of bricklaying is affected by the type of brickwork that has to be done. Bricklaying involves a wide range of jobs, and bricklayers typically charge per hour. Therefore, jobs that are labor-intensive like building brick walls and fixing foundation cracks will invariably cost more than jobs that do not require a lot of labor. Note that the size and location of the area that has to be worked directly influence the labor-intensity of the job. The type of brick used for the bricklaying also affects the cost of the job. For example, burnt clay bricks and hollow bricks are generally cheaper than fire bricks and antique bricks. It is recommended to hire contractors near you to limit travel, carriage, and other logistic costs associated with labor-intensive works like bricklaying.
What Qualifications Should Bricklayers Have?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there are about 60,650 brick masons and block masons currently employed in the United States. Bricklayers typically have a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, some bricklayers also attend technical schools that offer masonry-related programs. Many bricklayers grow their skills through on-the-job training and apprenticeships from more experienced bricklayers. Bricklayers can also obtain professional certifications from organizations like the Mason Contractors Association of America, the Home Builders Institute, and the International Masonry Institute.
Do You Need a Handyman or a Bricklayer?
Hiring a handyman near you instead of a professional bricklayer may seem like the cheaper option, but in reality, it is not. Handymen typically handle minor household repairs and other odd jobs, and they do not have the necessary training or experience to perform brickwork. As such, hiring a handyman will very likely exacerbate the initial problem, thereby costing you more money. However, employing the services of a professional bricklayer to handle any brickwork you have ensures that the job is done properly the first time, saving you time and money. In addition, a professional bricklayer is also usually bonded and insured, thereby insulating you from any expenses related to unforeseen job defaults and on-the-job injuries.
What Are the Common Post Bricklaying Expenses?
The cost of maintaining your brick structure is the most common post-bricklaying expense. This usually involves cleaning and sealing it. Brick cleaning and sealing cost an average of $4 - $8 per square foot. You should find out whether your bricklayer also provides this service, and whether it is included in your warranty.
You may also decide to paint your newly built brick wall to improve its aesthetic appeal. The cost of painting is not typically included in the cost estimate for your bricklaying job, and you may have to hire a separate contractor for this. It is a good idea to ask your bricklayer for recommendations on professional painters. Painting a brick wall will cost you an average of $1.50 - $4.50 per square foot.
Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Bricklaying Expenses?
Homeowner's insurance is a form of insurance that covers the cost of unexpected losses and damages to your property. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 98.1% of the insurance claims filed in 2018 in the United States were due to property damages caused by fire and lightning damages, wind and hail damages, water damages, and theft. As such, if a previously existing brick structure in your home or on your property is affected by any of these, then your homeowner's insurance policy will probably cover the cost of repairing or replacing it. However, if the damage to your brick structure is due to old age or lack of maintenance, then your insurance company will not cover your bricklaying expenses.
Note that the total amount a homeowner's insurance policy will pay to cover bricklaying expenses depends on the insurance company. As such, you should always have a clear understanding of an insurance policy's terms and conditions before purchasing one.
Can I Use Digital Payment to Pay My Bricklayer?
Yes, you can. There has been an increased use of digital payments to carry out transactions because of the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition to reducing physical contact between people, digital payments also have the advantage of being faster, more transparent, more secure, and more convenient than many other forms of payment. Nevertheless, you should confirm that your bricklayer accepts payments via digital methods before you initiate a digital payment. It is also advisable to collect a receipt of payment from your bricklayer if you conduct any cash transactions.