If you are embarking on your first major construction project, and you find yourself stymied at the thought of selecting a professional bricklayer without knowing much about the profession itself, there’s no need to be ashamed. It’s completely understandable, and you wouldn’t be the first person to have this dilemma, either.
However, over time, and with increasing advancements in technology and its hand-in-hand association to advertising, it is becoming easier than ever to find bricklayers available at your budget. The only problem – in that case – lies only in choosing the right bricklayer. The first step to narrow your search criteria is to ensure that your bricklayer has been properly certified.
In most countries, a bricklayer needs to pass his/her apprenticeship before receiving a certification, which declares that they are competent enough to work as a professional within the industry. It’s rare that someone will claim to be a bricklayer without having done an apprenticeship or received certification, but just to avoid any future mishap, it is best to confirm that they have all of their papers in order before moving forward.
Qualities to Look Out for Among Bricklayers
The criterion for choosing the right bricklayer varies depending on what the project needs, but there are certain universal criteria that every bricklayer should possess. The following are just some general qualities that you – as the client – can use to find the right bricklayer for your needs among the list of candidates:
- Physically Capable: Bricklaying may not necessarily require heavy lifting (this depends on the particular job), but being reasonably fit is almost a must in any specialty in the construction industry, and bricklaying is no exception to that. If the candidate does not seem to be physically capable to do manual labor, then you might have to consider striking them off the list of candidates.
- Meticulous: This is often overlooked, but due to the delicacy and subtlety that bricklaying actually requires, a meticulous eye for detail is one of the most important qualities one should search for in a candidate. If a bricklayer’s measurements when layering mortar are off, or if their mixture density is inconsistent, then the structure may literally fall apart.
- Law Abiding: It may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but before starting any major renovations, you should take into account that there are building regulations, and they may be specific to your specific area. A “law abiding” bricklayer should know about all those pesky regulations, and will know how to work within the system, and get the necessary permits for the project.
To reiterate, the qualities you should look out for in a bricklayer varies depending on the project, but these are just some examples of qualities that every bricklayer should possess. Keep these suggestions in mind, and you’ll surely choose the right bricklayer.
