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Employing a professional bricklayer to repair or refurbish outdoor areas, repair a chimney or create a feature fireplace can be a daunting task especially if you are new to using tradesmen for renovation projects.

Often your choice is based on a gut feeling of the contractor you liked best, but it is important also to ask a few basic questions before you sign a contract and get started. Here are three key things you should cover before choosing a Wellington-based bricklayer.

1. Quotes

While it may seem silly to spend time getting more than one quote it can potentially save you money or reduce the likelihood of problems in the long run.

A good bricklaying company will be happy to provide you with a free quote either after discussing the details of you job via email or the telephone, or after a site visit during which the project is discussed. If you cannot arrange a site visit try to give as much detail as possible about the scope of the job and how you see the finished product to help them provide a realistic quote.

If you get more than one quote, don’t just opt for the cheapest at first glance. Make sure you look through the quotes carefully to see what they cover because the cheapest may not necessarily be the best value. Things to consider include:

• What is included in the quote? Does the quote include all the materials and equipment needed for the job or are you expected to provide these separately? Does the quote include everything involved such as clearing the site of debris afterwards?
• If the materials to be used are listed compare the quality. Look to see if you have heard of the brand or do some research to find out about the products to be used.
• Check whether the quote is for a fixed price or could be changed once the job starts. If the price is fixed, and the job takes longer than expected you will not have to pick up the cost, but if the quote is on an hourly rate or subject to change you may find your final bill is larger than you expected.

2. References

A reputable bricklayer should be able to provide you with references from satisfied clients either in written form or through an online testimonials page. If they have completed other bricklaying jobs in an easily accessible location such as a brick wall frontage for a house, you may even be able to view work for yourself.

Some bricklayers may also hold a formal qualification or be part of a professional organisation.

3. The nitty gritty

Don’t be afraid to go over a few details with your bricklayer before you finally agree to the job. Ask what insurance the firm has and whether they have any particular health and safety practices while on site. You should also work out in advance whether you will need to be onsite during the work and how you will provide access if you are not at home and whether the bricklayer requires a deposit up front.

These are simple tips but if you think about them, carefully it will help your bricklaying job be simple and successful.