Bricklayer Insurance
Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane & Canberra

Bricklaying insurance should reflect the types of work performed and the sites where crews operate. New homes, extensions, boundary walls, retaining walls and commercial masonry can involve different heights, loading and design responsibilities. State whether the business supplies materials, erects access equipment or engages labour only subcontractors. Explain demolition, cutting and repair work where these are part of the service. Working beside an occupied property can introduce exposure to vehicles, gardens, glazing and members of the public that differs from an isolated construction area. The declared trade should match these practical conditions.

Consider how materials and equipment move through the site. Bricks, blocks, lintels, mortar and cutting equipment may be delivered before work starts and remain there between visits. Identify responsibility for storage, theft and damage, particularly when materials have been paid for but not installed. Falling objects, unstable incomplete work and access obstructions can lead to injury or property damage allegations. Damage to a wall being built or the cost of correcting its alignment is a different question from damage caused to a neighbour’s property. Public liability should therefore be considered alongside tools, materials and contract works arrangements where relevant.

Keep the accepted plans, relevant specifications and any instructions about reinforcement, ties, openings and supports. Record variations and the person authorising them before the work is covered or finished. Photographs at meaningful stages can help establish what was installed, particularly where later work by another trade conceals it. If there is uncertainty about a design or site condition, document how it was raised and resolved. The purpose is not to replace technical supervision; it is to retain a usable record of the instructions and work if cracking, movement or an alleged defect is raised later.

Review the subcontract for responsibility for scaffolding, site security, temporary protection and damage to completed work. Ask how the policy treats work at height, property being worked on and subcontractor liability. Contract works cover may be arranged by a builder or another party, but its existence should be confirmed rather than assumed. Establish whether your materials and work are included and what excess or exclusions could affect you. Rectification of defective workmanship and resulting damage can receive different treatment. A contractual promise to fix every issue or pay delay costs may go beyond the cover available under a liability policy.

If masonry falls or nearby property is damaged, secure the area and arrange appropriate assistance. Record the stage of construction, weather, access arrangements and activities of other trades. Photograph the affected area before cleanup or emergency stabilisation where safe. Keep delivery records and any relevant instructions about loading or access. Notify the broker when an allegation or demand may involve insurance. If the customer reports cracking after completion, preserve the original job file and avoid guessing at the cause before suitable assessment. The presence of a defect allegation does not itself determine whether the policy will respond.

Use renewal to review project size, maximum working height, crew arrangements and the types of walls now being built. Update tools and equipment values, including items stored in vehicles or site containers. Consider whether larger jobs create more materials at risk before installation. A change from labour only work to supplying complete masonry packages can alter contractual and property exposures. Review repeated complaints for issues such as undocumented variations or damage during cutting. Connecting the insurance description to the current work, and keeping useful construction records, makes the program more meaningful than renewing solely on last year’s turnover.