How do I assess the skill level of a masonry company’s bricklayers before buying?

Begin with the work itself. Visit completed jobs, with permission, and look at the courses, joint depth, colour consistency and how corners and arches are handled. Compare older work with newer. Weathering can reveal poor mortar or poor flashing details long after the crew has left.

Then check people. Ask for each bricklayer’s credentials and how long they have worked for the company. Ask who is the best at detailed work, and who trains the apprentices. A company with strong tradespeople and a steady line of apprentices is better placed than one that relies on a single star.

Finally, ask about rework. How many jobs needed fixes, what caused them, and who paid? Compare the answers with what builders and architects say. Look at productivity too, since slow, careful work may or may not fit how the company prices jobs. Your accountant can help you read the job costing, and a lender may ask about the crew too. If you are not a mason yourself, bring someone who is, such as a trusted tradesperson or an independent inspector. A second set of trained eyes will notice flashing, weep holes and joint tooling that a general buyer would walk past without a thought. Take photos of what you see, so you can compare notes later with your advisor.

Key takeaways

• Visit finished work, including older jobs, and look at the details.
• Check credentials and who trains the apprentices.
• Ask how much work was redone and who paid.