Brick masonry looks simple, but poor preparation often leads to cracks, dampness, and weak walls. Therefore, before laying even a single brick, a proper checklist is essential. This blog provides an easy and practical checklist before starting brickwork, written for site engineers, supervisors, students, and contractors.
By following this guide, you can ensure safe, durable, and quality brickwork on any construction site.
Why a Brickwork Checklist Is Important
Brickwork depends heavily on preparation. If alignment, materials, or curing are ignored, defects appear very quickly. As a result, repairs become costly and time-consuming.
A checklist helps you:
- Avoid common site mistakes
- Maintain quality and uniformity
- Improve durability of brickwork
- Comply with construction standards
- Save time and money
Therefore, every site should follow a standard brickwork checklist before work begins.
1. Drawing and Layout Verification
Before starting brickwork, drawings must be checked carefully.
Ensure the following:
- Latest approved architectural and structural drawings are available
- Wall thickness and room dimensions are clearly understood
- Openings for doors, windows, and ducts are marked
- Centre lines are transferred correctly from foundation to slab
Without proper layout, brickwork may go out of alignment, causing rework later.
2. Foundation and Base Level Check
Brickwork should never start on an uneven or weak base.
Checklist points:
- Foundation or slab surface is clean and level
- All loose materials and debris are removed
- Damp Proof Course (DPC) is provided where required
- Starter bars or dowels are fixed as per drawings
This step ensures proper load transfer from brickwork to the structure.
3. Brick Quality Inspection
Not all bricks are suitable for structural brickwork.
Check the bricks for:
- Uniform size, shape, and colour
- No cracks or broken edges
- Proper burning (not over-burnt or under-burnt)
- Water absorption within limits
👉 As per IS 3495 (India) and BS EN 771 (UK), bricks should meet strength and absorption standards.
Good quality bricks directly improve brickwork strength and appearance.
4. Brick Soaking Requirement
Dry bricks absorb water from mortar, weakening the bond.
Before brickwork begins:
- Soak bricks in clean water for 6–8 hours
- Ensure bricks are wet but surface-dry while laying
- Avoid over-soaking
Proper soaking improves bonding and reduces cracks in brickwork.
5. Mortar Mix and Material Check
Mortar quality is as important as bricks.
Confirm the following:
- Correct mortar mix ratio (e.g. 1:6 for general brickwork)
- Fresh cement is used
- Clean sand without silt or clay
- Mechanical mixing for uniformity
Incorrect mortar reduces brickwork durability and causes early failure.
6. Tools, Equipment, and Safety
Before starting brickwork, all tools must be ready.
Essential tools include:
- Mason’s trowel
- Spirit level and plumb bob
- Line and pins
- Measuring tape
Safety checklist:
- Workers wearing helmets and gloves
- Scaffolding properly erected
- Clear working area
Safe working conditions improve productivity and brickwork quality.
7. Alignment, Level, and Bond Pattern
Brickwork must be straight, level, and structurally bonded.
Check these points:
- First course laid perfectly level
- Vertical joints aligned correctly
- Proper bond followed (English bond, Flemish bond, etc.)
- Line and level checked every course
Poor alignment affects both strength and appearance of brickwork.
8. Provision for Services and Inserts
Many brickwork failures occur due to late service cutting.
Before starting:
- Electrical conduits planned
- Plumbing lines marked
- Sleeves and openings provided
This avoids unnecessary hacking and damage to brickwork later.
9. Weather Condition Assessment
Brickwork is sensitive to weather.
Do not start brickwork when:
- Heavy rain is expected
- Temperature is extremely high
- Strong winds are present
In hot weather, bricks and mortar dry too fast, weakening brickwork.
10. Curing Arrangement
Curing should be planned even before brickwork starts.
Ensure:
- Water source is available
- Brickwork curing starts after 24 hours
- Curing continues for at least 7–10 days
Good curing increases brickwork strength and life.
Mini Case Study: Site Failure Due to Poor Checklist
On a residential project in Pune, internal brickwork developed cracks within three months. Investigation showed:
- Bricks were not soaked
- Mortar ratio was incorrect
- Curing was ignored
After repairs and proper checklist implementation, the brickwork performed well. This proves how critical pre-brickwork checks are.
Example of a Simple Brickwork Checklist (Summary)
- ✔ Approved drawings checked
- ✔ Base level verified
- ✔ Brick quality tested
- ✔ Mortar mix confirmed
- ✔ Tools and safety ready
- ✔ Alignment and bond planned
- ✔ Services coordinated
- ✔ Curing arranged
FAQs on Brickwork Checklist
Q1. Why is soaking bricks important before brickwork?
Soaking prevents bricks from absorbing water from mortar, improving bonding and strength.
Q2. What is the ideal mortar ratio for brickwork?
Generally, 1:6 cement-sand ratio is used for normal brickwork, unless specified otherwise.
Q3. How often should alignment be checked during brickwork?
Alignment and level should be checked after every course.
Q4. Can brickwork be done in rain?
No. Rain affects mortar strength and causes uneven joints.
Q5. How long should brickwork be cured?
Brickwork should be cured for a minimum of 7–10 days.
Final Thoughts
A proper checklist before starting brickwork is not optional—it is essential. From material checks to curing arrangements, every step affects the final quality. When followed correctly, brickwork becomes stronger, neater, and long-lasting.