A solid brick or block wall is only as good as the person laying it—poor craftsmanship leads to water infiltration, structural weakness, and expensive repairs down the line. Finding a block laying contractor who combines skill, reliability, and fair pricing requires knowing what to inspect, ask, and verify before work begins. This guide walks you through the hiring process so you can confidently select someone who'll deliver durable, level masonry.
Assess Credentials and Experience
Start by confirming the contractor holds the right qualifications. Most regions require a masonry or block laying license; verify this through your local building department or trade board. Ask how many years they've worked specifically with block and brick—someone with 10+ years in structural masonry typically brings better technique than a general builder who occasionally lays blocks.
Request references from jobs completed in the past 2–3 years, ideally commercial or residential builds similar in scope to yours. Call at least three references and ask about alignment to schedule, quality of finish, and how the contractor handled site cleanup and changes.
Check Insurance and Bonding
Never hire an uninsured contractor. At minimum, they should carry general liability insurance ($1–2 million coverage is standard) and workers' compensation if they have employees. Ask for a certificate of insurance naming you as an additional insured, and verify it directly with the insurer—don't rely on a photocopy alone.
For larger jobs (typically $10,000+), confirm the contractor holds a performance bond or payment bond to protect you if they abandon the project or fail to pay suppliers.
Understand Pricing Structure
Block laying costs typically range from $8–18 per square foot of finished wall, depending on:
- Block type (standard concrete, decorative, fire-rated)
- Mortar complexity (standard grey, colored, specialty mixes)
- Wall height and accessibility (ground-level work costs less than scaffold work)
- Regional labor rates (urban areas generally cost 20–40% more)
- Site conditions (tight spaces, existing demolition, or difficult access increase cost)
Request itemized quotes breaking down labor, materials, and equipment rental. Compare at least three bids; if one is significantly lower, ask why—it may indicate cheaper materials or corner-cutting on technique.
Review Their Plan and Method
A professional will provide:
- A written scope of work detailing block type, mortar mix, joint finish (flush, concave, raked), and cleanup
- Timeline with start and completion dates
- Plan for weather protection (rain can damage fresh mortar)
- Specification for mortar strength (typically Type N or S for most residential applications)
- Details on base preparation and any flashing or waterproofing work
Ask whether they use modern equipment (laser levels, power mortar mixers) or rely entirely on hand methods—both work, but equipment improves precision and speed.
Site Readiness and Communication
Before hiring, confirm:
- The base is properly prepared (level, compacted, moisture-barrier installed if needed)
- You've agreed on access points, material delivery zones, and dumpster location
- Payment schedule is clear (typically 30% upfront, 50% at mid-point, 20% upon completion)
- They'll provide a warranty (most offer 1–2 years on workmanship)
Ask how they prefer communication—email, phone, or in-person—and establish weekly check-in meetings if the job runs longer than two weeks.
Compare Contractors on Mercoly
Rather than juggling phone calls and scattered quotes, use Mercoly to find and compare trusted brick and block laying contractors in your area side-by-side, complete with verified reviews, credentials, and transparent pricing.
Final Inspection Before Signing
Schedule a site visit with the top contenders. Observe:
- Are their existing job sites tidy and organized?
- Do they ask detailed questions about your expectations?
- Do they offer solutions (e.g., "We recommend a rubberized base membrane here") or just quote a price?
- How do they respond to your concerns?
Trust your instinct—you'll be working closely with this person for weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does a typical block wall take to build? A: Most crews lay 300–500 blocks per day, so a 1,000-block wall takes 2–4 days of actual work, though curing time and weather delays often extend the timeline to 2–3 weeks total.
Q: What's the difference between mortar types, and does it matter? A: Type N is general-purpose and weather-resistant; Type S is stronger for load-bearing walls; Type M is heavy-duty for foundation work. Using the wrong type weakens the wall or causes cracking, so confirm your contractor specifies the correct mix for your application.
Q: Should I watch the work in progress? A: Yes—spot-check plumb and level weekly, inspect mortar joint consistency, and confirm blocks aren't being laid too fast (mortar needs time to set properly between courses).
Get quotes from vetted contractors today and move forward with confidence.