Jeffrey Paul (Jef) Luke — Licensed Bricklayer (Queensland)
Licence Details
| Licence Number | 1073620 |
|---|---|
| Licence Class | Bricklaying and Blocklaying |
| Status | Active |
| Financial Category | Self Certification - Trade |
| Source | QBCC |
This data is sourced from public government registers and may not reflect real-time changes. Always confirm licence details with Queensland Building and Construction Commission directly. Full disclaimer.
What a Bricklayer Licence Means in Queensland
Bricklayers construct walls, facades, fences, retaining walls, chimneys, and other masonry structures using bricks, blocks, and stone. In Australia, bricklaying remains one of the most visible trades — the quality of mortar joints, coursing alignment, and bonding patterns directly affects both the structural integrity and street appeal of a building. Bricklayers work with clay bricks, concrete blocks, limestone blocks, and natural or manufactured stone veneer. They are responsible for reading plans, setting out string lines, mixing mortar to the correct consistency, and laying each course to precise levels and plumb. Homeowners most commonly engage a bricklayer for new home brick veneer cladding, boundary and retaining walls, letterbox and BBQ constructions, fireplace surrounds, and repair of cracked or deteriorating brickwork.
Hiring a licensed bricklayer means you are protected by the state's regulatory framework. Licensed tradespersons must comply with industry standards, maintain appropriate insurance, and can be held accountable through the licensing body's complaint and disciplinary processes.
The Self Certification - Trade financial category assigned to this licence determines the maximum value of work the licensee can have under contract at any one time. This category is set by Queensland Building and Construction Commission based on the licensee's assessed financial capacity.
Hiring a Licensed Bricklayer in QLD
Before hiring any bricklayer in Queensland, use this five-point checklist to protect yourself and ensure you're working with a properly licensed and insured professional.
- Ask to see examples of their mortar joint finishing — Mortar joint style (ironed, raked, flush, or struck) dramatically changes the look and weather resistance of a brick wall. Ask the bricklayer which joint profile they recommend for your application and request photos of completed walls using that profile. Inconsistent jointing stands out immediately on a finished wall.
- Confirm they understand the structural requirements for your wall — Retaining walls over a certain height (typically 800 mm–1 m depending on the state) require engineering design, and masonry fences in wind-prone areas need core-filled and reinforced piers at specific intervals. Ask whether the bricklayer will work from engineer-supplied specifications and whether they have experience with reinforced blockwork.
- Check they hold a QBCC or equivalent bricklaying licence — In Queensland, bricklaying and blockwork over $3,300 (inc. GST) requires a QBCC licence. NSW requires a licence for masonry work over $5,000. Verify the licence is current on the state register. Unlicensed bricklayers cannot be pursued through the state licensing body if defects emerge.
- Ask about mortar mix and brick compatibility — Different bricks require different mortar mixes. Soft heritage bricks require a lime-rich mortar, while modern clay bricks use a standard cement-sand mix. Using too-hard mortar on soft bricks causes the bricks to spall and crack. A knowledgeable bricklayer will specify the mortar mix to suit your bricks.
- Confirm they will install adequate weep holes and damp-proof courses — Brick veneer walls require weep holes at the base of each storey to allow moisture to drain from behind the brickwork, and a damp-proof course to prevent rising damp. A bricklayer who does not install or spaces these elements incorrectly is creating a moisture problem that may not become apparent for years.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Mortar joints visibly inconsistent in thickness and alignment — Standard mortar joints should be 10 mm thick and consistent throughout the wall. Joints that vary from 5 mm to 20 mm, bricks that are visibly out of level, or courses that wander indicate a lack of care that affects both appearance and structural integrity. Check examples of the bricklayer's previous work before engaging them.
- No weep holes at the base of brick veneer walls — Weep holes are required at the base of every brick veneer wall to allow trapped moisture to escape. Missing weep holes cause water to pool behind the brickwork, leading to timber frame rot, mould, and eventually structural damage. A bricklayer who skips weep holes is violating the National Construction Code.
- Builds retaining walls without engineering input when required — Masonry retaining walls over approximately 800 mm in height generally require engineering design specifying footing depth, reinforcement, drainage, and construction method. A bricklayer who builds a tall retaining wall "by feel" without engineering drawings risks wall failure, which can damage neighbouring property and endanger lives.
Typical Bricklayer Costs in Queensland
| Hourly Rate | $65 – $110 |
|---|---|
| Callout Fee | $70 – $120 |
| Brick retaining wall (per sqm) | $300 – $600 |
| Brick letterbox construction | $500 – $1200 |
| Brick repair and repointing (per sqm) | $60 – $120 |
Your Rights — Complaints & Disputes in Queensland
Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC)
How to Lodge a Complaint
- 1 Write to the tradesperson detailing the issue and requesting rectification within a reasonable timeframe (usually 14 days)
- 2 If unresolved, lodge a complaint online via the QBCC website or call 139 333
- 3 QBCC will assess the complaint and may arrange an inspection