Things to know
Repointing quotes live or die on mortar matching. If the property's old brick uses a lime mortar and you're quoting a standard cement mix, say so explicitly, and price a mortar analysis or sample-matching visit as its own line. Mismatched pointing on a period property is the single most common bricklaying complaint, and stating your approach upfront heads it off before it becomes a dispute.
Day rate versus per-m² pricing is a real choice, not a formatting preference. Day rate is simpler for irregular jobs, like extensions, repairs, and chimney work, where the scope doesn't break down cleanly into square metres. Per-m² reads as more rigorous for straight runs of new build or garden walling, where a customer can sanity-check your number against a builders' merchant's brick count. Pick per the job, not by habit.
Render repair is weather-dependent work, so don't quote a start date you can't guarantee. A line in the notes, such as "weather-dependent; may be rescheduled at short notice for frost or heavy rain," protects you without making the quote look uncommitted. It's a standard enough caveat that customers rarely push back on it.
Scaffolding or tower access for chimney and high-level work is worth its own line, priced separately from the bricklaying itself. Customers comparing quotes for the same chimney repair are sometimes comparing one figure that includes access and another that doesn't. A broken-out line makes clear your price is complete, not an underquote that's going to grow once access costs surface.
Typical bricklayer / stonemason line items and UK prices
Indicative ranges, excluding VAT. Rates vary by region (London and the South East run higher) and by job size.
| Item | Unit | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Brickwork laid (facing bricks)Labour only. | per 1,000 bricks | £700–£1,100 |
| Repointing (cement mortar) | per m² | £40–£70 |
| Repointing in lime mortar | per m² | £60–£100 |
| Garden wall, single skin (~1m high) | per linear metre | £120–£250 |
| Rebuild chimney stack above rooflineExcludes scaffold. | per stack | £1,500–£3,500 |
| Day rate, bricklayer | per day | £200–£300 |
| Brick matching / reclaimed brick sourcing | per job | £50–£200 |
Common bricklayer / stonemason jobs and how to price them
- Repointing
- Per m² with the mortar type and joint profile stated, plus scaffold for upper storeys.
- Garden and boundary walls
- Per linear metre including foundations, with a note on party wall where it applies.
- Extension brickwork (subcontract)
- Per thousand bricks or day rate, with CIS.
- Chimney repairs and rebuilds
- Fixed price with scaffold and flashing work itemised.
Regulations and certificates to reference
- Party Wall etc. Act 1996 — building on the boundary line, cutting into a party wall or excavating near a neighbour’s foundations needs notice. The owner serves it, but your quote should say whether it applies.
- Listed buildings and conservation areas — work affecting a listed building’s character needs listed building consent, and lime mortar is usually expected on pre-1919 solid walls. Note the mortar specification.
- Building Regulations Part A and C — new walls, chimneys and structural openings must meet structural and damp-resistance rules. Garden walls generally do not need approval, but retaining walls over a modest height should be engineered.
Payment terms bricklayer / stonemasons commonly use
- Domestic: deposit for bricks and materials, balance on completion.
- Subcontract gangs: weekly payment per thousand laid or per day, with CIS deducted.
Read more: Invoice payment terms explained · Payment methods to offer clients
VAT and CIS for bricklayer / stonemasons
VAT
Standard-rated at 20% once registered. Brickwork on a new dwelling built by the developer can be zero-rated when you subcontract to them.
Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)
Bricklaying is a core CIS trade. Many gangs work almost exclusively for builders, so gross payment status can make a large difference to cash flow.
General guidance, not tax advice — check your position with HMRC or an accountant.
Read more: Do I need to charge VAT on my invoices? · What must an invoice include? (UK legal requirements)
What this template includes
- Repointing priced per m² or per day
- Bricklaying day rate as its own line
- Render repair broken out separately
- Materials (sand, cement/lime, brick-matching sample)
- PDF download or shareable tracked link
Full guide
How to Start a Masonry Business as a Sole Trader
Frequently asked questions
Older solid-walled buildings, typically pre-1919, usually need lime mortar so moisture can escape. Cement can trap damp and damage soft bricks. State the mortar on the quote.
Under permitted development in England, walls up to 2m are usually fine, or 1m next to a road used by vehicles. Listed buildings and conservation areas have tighter rules.
Quote a sourcing allowance for reclaimed or matched bricks, with the customer approving a sample panel before the full job. Matching is where customers are most likely to be disappointed.
It can, if the wall is built on the boundary line or is a party fence wall. The owner serves notice, but flagging it on the quote avoids delays.
Day rate suits irregular jobs like repairs, extensions, and chimney work. Per-m² suits straight runs of new build or garden walling where a customer can check your figure against a brick count. Choose per the job, not as a fixed policy.
State the mortar type you're matching to (lime vs. cement) and price a sample-matching visit separately if the property is period or listed. Mismatched pointing is the most common complaint in bricklaying — a clear note about your approach prevents it.
Add a note that the work is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled at short notice for frost or heavy rain. It's a standard caveat for render work and protects you without making the quote look uncommitted.
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