Brick and block subcontractor for builders
Lead a small crew laying brick, block and stone on new homes and extensions for local builders.
- A$25k-100k
- Full-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small masonry team subcontracting to builders and developers, laying brick veneer, blockwork, retaining walls and stone features on new homes, extensions and small commercial jobs.
Your first three steps
- Confirm your trade qualification and the contractor licence your state or territory requires for building work
- Set up your ABN, insurance and a simple system for quotes, invoices and GST
- Contact local builders with your references and photos of past work, and offer to price their next job
Who pays
Builders, project managers and developers who sub out the masonry stage of a build.
How it makes money
Paid per 1,000 bricks laid, per square metre or per stage, with labourers' wages and materials handling coming out of your takings.
Skills that help
- Qualified bricklaying or blocklaying trade skills
- Leading and scheduling a small crew
- Quoting from plans
- Managing cash flow and invoicing
Watch out for
- State licensing and any limits on the work you can contract for, check your state's licensing body
- Workers compensation insurance for employees, and rules on whether workers count as employees or contractors
- Public liability and possibly contract works insurance, check what builders require
- Slow payment from builders can strain cash flow, check payment terms and any security of payment laws
- Site safety obligations, working at height and silica dust exposure
🔒 Full research report for Australia
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a bricklaying subcontract crew?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on equipment, vehicle, insurance and how large a crew you set up. Treat these as a guide only.
What rules should I check before subcontracting to builders?
Check state licensing and any limits on the work you can contract for. Also check workers compensation for employees, whether workers count as employees or contractors, and what insurance builders require.
How much can a masonry subcontract crew earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on crew size and the jobs you win. Slow payment from builders can strain cash flow, so check payment terms. Expect about 35 hours a week or more.
Other ways to run this business
Similar trades ideas
Fitted cabinetry maker with a workshop
Make and install kitchens, wardrobes and built-ins for homeowners, builders and renovators.
- A$20k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Machinery repair workshop
Run a small workshop where local businesses and farms bring machines and parts for repair, rebuilds and servicing.
- A$20k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local trade counter for fire alarm equipment
Stock panels, detectors and sounders in a small unit so local installers can pick up what they need on the day.
- A$20k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local pump shop and trade counter
Open a small shop or unit stocking pumps and fittings for installers, farms and homeowners in your area.
- A$30k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Trade counter for insulation and insulating materials
Run a small trade counter or unit stocking electrical and thermal insulation, with pick-up and local delivery for contractors.
- A$25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Lighting wholesaler with a small stocked unit
Hold popular lighting lines in a small unit so electricians and builders can order and collect or get next-day delivery.
- A$25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises