any builders/bricklayers about ?

Question

we have been given a quote for some brick work, basically we need half a patio door filled in (approx 4ft by 8ft) and then half a wall where the old back door was, as a window will be going in at the top (3ft x 4ft) both walls will consist only of one wall being built (ie only 1 brick thick) if that makes sense ?

Hubby is doing all the mixing up/labouring and we are supplying all the bricks etc.

We have been quoted a price of £300 and we do not know if this is realistic, as it would only be a days work (if that)

any thoughts would be appreciated ~ Thanx

To add this is someone who is employed but does private jobs on the side, so no real overheads, just a days work cash in hand !

Thank you everyone, am in Tadley Hampshire, if anyone wants to give us a quote ?

No he's not putting the windows in - just brick laying

and no rendering or anything (Hubby's doing the rest)

Answer 1

you are being ripped off ..a reasonable bricky will do it in half a day ..that's only 250 bricks max its not worth half of that ..make sure whoever does it that they tooth out the brickwork ..nothing worse than straight joints

Answer 2

To do this work properly and make a job that looks intended
and with vertical connections which are staggered rather than a straight line you will need spec. a bit like the following
1: Remove existing glazing / door.
2: If brickwork is returned at the edge of the existing door
there will most likely be a vertical dampcourse here. This will need taken out and the cavity wall ( I assume it is a cavity wall) continued to the new jamb of the opening.
The new leaves of brickwork forming the wall should be keyed in to the existing brickwork, either by removing every fourth brick to give a toothed profile to build in to or by using a proprietary fixing bar such as "Furfix". The latter provides a vertical bond which would emphasise the joint whereas the former method (toothing) will help to give a more homogenous effect and is recommended although more labour intensive.
3] At the new opening the brickwork or blockwork is to be returned to the outer leaf and a vertical dampcourse inserted.
4] The cavity wall is to have wall ties at min 900 horizontal
and 450 vertical centres minimum. Ensure no mortar droppings on to the cavity ties which would provide a bridge for dampness.
If there is insulation in the existing cavity, continue this in the new wall to match existing.
5] Continue any horizontal dampcourses and /or cavity trays
through the new section of wall.
5] You may wish to consider insulated cavity closers such as
"Thermabate " and give consideration to how the window will be fixed as fixing ties can be incorporated in to the brickwork to give a fixing for timber frames.
6] All brickwork to be pointed.
7] You do not say whether there is an exposed lintel above the the patio door, but if this is left it will be a bit odd looking.
8) You can make alterations using Building notice (not Scotland)to notify Building control department of the local council so you do not need to submit drawings .It` is not expensive and the building control surveyors can often provide useful advice.Windows and doors with glass have regulations to be adhered to.
I suggest the following as a time plan
Remove existing brick return/s including DPC and form toothed profile to accept new brickwork
3 N0 @ 2 Metres high each 5 Hours
Install new brickwork /block work in double skin with
cavity ties as described to 2 No openings
Approx 5M2 in 2 leaves 7 hrs
Install cavity closer, point brickwork. clean up etc 3 hrs
Total ...............................................................15 hours
You say that the wall is one brick thick : This means 215 or 230mm thick and such a wall would probably not have a cavity nor vertical dpc`s therefore. Conequently there would not be a need to install cavity ties and I suggest a time reduction of three hours. approx. on the above figures.
If you engage someone with a sound knowledge of building construction theory, then they will be aware of best practice construction techniques.
If you get it wrong and water comes in through the brickwork,
further work will be damaged at a later date and the consequences will be expensive

Answer 3

You have approx 450 bricks to be laid, Toothing in takes time and you can end up breaking additional bricks whilst cutting out for tieing. It could well take 1 1/2 days so the bricklayer would have to charge 2 days @ £150.00 per day. If you know of the bricklayer then try to bait him down a touch because he works for a company and this is a private job should give you a bit of negotiating power.

Answer 4

Thats a rip off especially as its as cash in hand job, should be around £100 - 150 depending were you live.

Answer 5

its about half a days work , but as a mason/bricky its standard to charge a day as its a waiste of time doing the job else , even tho it still would not cost £300 , i would only charge £150 for the day as it is cash work , ask around for someone else is my advice

Answer 6

it depends if the brickie is fitting the window? and is he going to render the inside and skim, plus it may take him two days realisticly;if your not happy with the price have a go yourselves its a giggle plus an easy job , i would charge abot 450 for complete job

Answer 7

i think you need too ask for a reduction as you are doing lots of labouring work £160 to £180 seems fair.

i do like your flag logo (as hard as the ROCK)

Answer 8

about a days work if that should be around £80 to £100

Answer 9

If he is legitemate, it is not too expensive, if a weeks wage is £500, then business insurance, advertising (company I work for just paid £3,000 for yellow pages), telephone, vehicle upkeep and deisel, telephone, tools, holiday pay, employers tax and insurance, all the things you take for granted in your job, actually cost your employer a lot more than they pay you, if you are self employed, you pay it yourself, this bloke will still be in business in 5 years, if he charged less, he probably won't.

Answer 10

firstly- get more than one quote.

secondly- your filling in a space (lines to follow) D.i.Y. it's not as hard as you think.But take your time

last- it ain't a days work this would equate to £1500+ week