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With modern use of concrete, wood and other building materials, bricklaying could be thought of as a dying profession, but there are plenty of ways a bricklayer can help you add value to your Auckland property and make it more pleasant to live in. If you are thinking about renovations, these are four areas where a bricklayer may be useful:
Driveways and Paving
Instead of choosing a typical concrete driveway, why not do something different and opt for a block paved or bricked driveway? High-quality bricklayers can create an attractive brick pattern in a range of colours to bring new life to your driveway. You could also use brickwork for paths or as decorative edging to complement concrete in other areas.
Creating attractive outdoor entertaining areas
If you spend a lot of time outdoors either around the pool or the barbecue, think about redoing these areas with brickwork to create an attractive surround for a swimming pool or seating area. You could even create a permanent barbecue structure with matching bricks to bring a cohesive look to your garden. Bricklayers can also create beautiful walls as an alternative to fencing around the boundary of your home.
Fireplaces and indoor features
Indoors, bricklayers can help add interest to elements of your home such as a fireplace or even create a brick feature wall in one room of the house. If the rest of your house is more modern materials, a brick fireplace can add interest and warmth even if not regularly used. If you have doorways you no longer use, for example between a house and garage, you could consider getting these bricked up to prevent draughts and give more wall space for paintings or pictures.
Fixing problems with roofs and chimneys
If you have an older house, you may have a brick chimney that is in need of repair. A professional bricklayer can help restore your chimney to its former glory, undertake repairs to make it safe in the face of high winds or earthquakes or remove and cap an unused chimney.
Finding the right bricklayer
While they would traditionally work in red bricks, modern building materials have increased the range of colours and textures bricklayers can use, giving you more flexibility over the finish of your paved areas.
Before you settle on a contractor ask two or three stonemasons to visit you at home to discuss the best way forward for your job and what materials would best suit your home. Most contractors will offer a free quote service to give you an idea of the cost and may be able to suggest a range of options to suit different budgets so you can choose the most cost-effective solution.
Ask the bricklayer if they can provide references from other satisfied customers and whether they offer any guarantee on the work. While bricks may seem old fashioned, they can still add something to your property so talk to a professional brickie before you discount them from your next building project.
Builderscrack has a fresh approach to finding great Bricklayers. You tell us what you need done and we tell our trusted independent tradies about your job. In no time you've got great pros to choose from.
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