Heritage stonework and brick repair

Owners of older homes, strata bodies, churches and community halls, councils and heritage groups, and builders who need a specialist subcontractor.

Quoted price per job or per square metre of wall, plus materials. Day rates for smaller repairs, and repeat work from builders and property managers.

• Bricklaying or stonemasonry experience
• Knowing traditional materials like lime mortar
• Quoting and job planning
• Working safely at height

• State or territory building licence rules, which often depend on the value of the job, so check before you quote
• Heritage-listed buildings may need council or heritage approval before work starts, so check with the council
• Older buildings can contain asbestos or lead paint, so check testing and safe handling rules
• Dust from cutting stone and masonry is a health risk, so plan for dust control and protective equipment
• Public liability insurance and safe scaffolding or access for work at height

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your tools, lime mortar materials, vehicle, safe access equipment and insurance. Costs vary with how much gear you already own.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on the size and type of jobs, your pricing and how steadily you find work. The estimate starts from about 20 hours a week.

Things to check include state or territory building licence rules, which often depend on job value, council or heritage approval for listed buildings, asbestos and lead paint handling, dust control, public liability insurance and safe scaffolding or access for work at height.