Why Auckland Homeowners Choose Brick and Block Construction

When designing your new home, extension or renovation in Auckland, your mind may first jump to the floor plan, kitchen design and budget. Yet how we treat our outside walls is also important. Selecting the best brick, block or cladding system can do more than just add visual appeal – it can help to reduce costs down the track.

As building costs continue to be a major consideration for homeowners in New Zealand, you want to ensure your home is built to last using quality materials. Brick and concrete block have been the building material of choice in homes across NZ for many years because of their strength, robustness and aesthetics. However, it's not just about using these materials but also the right system and skilled tradespeople to deliver the finished product.

Why Auckland Homeowners Still Love Masonry

Our brick and block work speaks for itself. You will see us in new residential or commercial builds, boundary walls, retaining work, and renovations throughout New Zealand.

For one, brickwork provides your home with a traditional yet welcoming look. Of course, if you're looking for a more contemporary feel, there are many colour options and laying styles to choose from. Whether you're after a modern or traditional look, brickwork can suit a house of any style, including the most popular architectural homes and townhouses.

Concrete block has its own appeal. It is the most popular material used for structural walls, garages, retaining walls, foundations and landscaping structures. Blockwork can be finished in many ways – it can be left bare, rendered and mixed with other materials, or used solely on your home for texture and appeal.

You don't need to add extra decorative finishing features to add character to your home. Both brick and blockwork can be beautifully finished through accurate setting out, consistent joints, level courses and careful detailing around openings and corners.

Durability Matters in Auckland's Conditions

Auckland's climate puts everything from rain, wind and humidity right through to temperature changes at your home. Even with quality building materials, poor workmanship can cause issues. Courses that are not straight, sloppy joints, incorrect flashing or poor drainage can allow water in, cause cracks or accelerate ageing.

This is why, when it comes to construction, the construction method is just as important as the material you choose. A team of professional masons will take into account the location, proposed type of wall, product selection, movement requirements and the connection of your brickwork or blockwork to the building.

The work should also meet New Zealand Building Code standards and your consented plans.

“Regardless of whether building work is consented or not, it still needs to meet the Building Code standards,” says the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

The Code applies to structural integrity, moisture management, fire resistance, and the health and safety of the building's occupants. Learn more at building.govt.nz.

Brickwork Can Reduce Ongoing Maintenance

Unlike many other types of exterior wall material, brickwork does not usually need to be finished with paint. Brickwork also tends to require repainting far less often than painted cladding. If you want a durable exterior, brickwork could be just what you need.

Keep an eye on your building, of course. Every now and then, walk by a brick wall to see if you can spot cracked or damaged mortar joints, signs of dampness, and clogged drainage openings. It's better and cheaper to correct minor issues at the outset.

As with all types of walling, concrete block walls require appropriate detailing, drainage and finishing based on the type of wall you want. There's a difference between a retaining wall, a garden wall and a structural block wall. If you treat all of them as if they're just a feature, you may have trouble further down the track.

Retaining Walls Require More Than Pretty Blocks

Retaining walls are common throughout Auckland properties – particularly on sloping sections, driveways and gardens where changes in level are required. Well-considered retaining walls can enhance the function, accessibility and outdoor entertainment space of a site.

But what you see is just the beginning. Underneath the wall, you will need backfill, proper drainage, reinforcement and foundations. A wall should be compatible with the actual soil, its height, loading conditions and nearby developments.

A visually appealing wall may collapse because of water pressure behind it or if the foundation is not strong enough.

Proper Planning Can Manage Renovation Expenses

Hidden problems can inflate renovation budgets. Even a few feet of brickwork or blockwork can cost thousands to complete, so it's important to check wall measurements, site access, building materials, surface finish, drainage and structural requirements before you begin.

The advantage of a site visit is that it gives the contractor an insight into potential problems that they can deal with early. Access for delivery could be tight, existing walls might have to be carefully removed, ground conditions might change the design of your retaining wall, and joining new masonry to old masonry might be more expensive and difficult.

Our planning process at Mr. Singh Brick & Block Laying Ltd begins with a discussion about your aims, site, budget and project requirements. We then work out the materials, design and structural specifications before building.

This preparation helps you understand what work is included in the project and reduces surprises during construction.

Choosing the Right Auckland Bricklayer

Price shouldn't be the only consideration when selecting a bricklaying or blocklaying contractor, but it can be a factor. Look for:

• Experience with residential and commercial projects of a similar scale
• Understanding of brick, block and different types of mortar
• Proof of completed work
• Clear written quotes
• Understanding of drainage and structural requirements
• Good communication during the project
• Relevant registration and licensing
• Quality materials and finishes

Mr. Singh Brick & Block Laying Ltd provides residential and commercial brickwork, plastering, finishing, renovation and other masonry services across Auckland.

Bricklaying, blocklaying and associated work are carried out by experienced bricklayers and blocklayers. See more at singhbrickblock.co.nz.

If you would prefer to communicate in Chinese, our team can also assist you during the building process. 

Build for Durability

Looking to construct a brick wall, block wall or retaining wall? When you build a wall, you're not only upgrading the look of your property – you're giving it a sense of cohesion and balance. A little bit of planning, a little bit of labour, and you'll have a wall that can help protect your investment for years to come.

Speak to an experienced masonry contractor about your new build or extension project. They can discuss how you can make the most of your building site and choose the right approach for your property.

We are here to help. We offer brick and block laying services across the Auckland area.

Call us on 020 410 79568 or email [email protected] to discuss your project.