How to Start a Bricklaying Business in Australia: Your Legal and Compliance Checklist

Starting a bricklaying business in Australia is not just about stacking bricks with precision. You’ll need to build a secure foundation for your business through the right qualifications, licences, contracts, insurance, and accounting systems. 

With the right framework, a bricklaying business can be highly profitable and stable. Whether you aim to work solo as a subcontractor or establish a company with multiple apprentices, taking the time to structure your business properly will ensure steady growth and protection against risks.

This is where Lawpath can help. From obtaining your ABN or ACN, drafting legally binding contracts, ensuring compliance, and setting up bookkeeping software, Lawpath provides the legal and financial tools to manage your bricklaying business professionally.

To begin with, we’ll walk you through every step of how to start a bricklaying business in Australia through this comprehensive guide.

Get qualified and understand licence requirements

To run a professional bricklaying business, you need more than just experience on job sites; you’ll need the appropriate qualifications and licences. Most bricklayers enter the industry through a Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying combined with an apprenticeship. This pathway demonstrates practical skills, safety knowledge, and technical competence.

Besides educational certification, you’ll also need a bricklaying license in Australia. The requirements differ across the country, and compliance will directly impact your eligibility for contracts. 

For example:

• New South Wales (NSW): Bricklayers must apply through NSW Fair Trading. A building or trade licence ensures you can legally contract for bricklaying projects.
• Queensland (QLD): The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) oversees bricklaying licences. Without one, you cannot carry out or advertise bricklaying services.
• Victoria (VIC): Licences are managed by the VIC Building Authority. Although registration differs slightly, bricklayers may need a Domestic Builder Limited (DB-L) licence to perform or execute certain works.

Why is compliance important? First, it ensures your business meets state requirements, reducing the risk of penalties or shutdowns. Second, it enhances your credibility with clients. Many customers, particularly large-scale developers, will not award contracts to unlicensed bricklayers.

In short, before launching your bricklaying business, make sure you’re both qualified and licensed in your state. Compliance isn’t just a legal box to tick; it’s a critical step to winning contracts and protecting your reputation.

Choose the right business structure

Deciding on a business structure is one of the most significant steps in starting a bricklaying business. Your structure affects your personal liability, tax obligations, and growth opportunities. This will be an important part of your bricklaying business plan. 

The most common structures in Australia are:

• Sole Trader: Quick and inexpensive to set up. You’ll only need an ABN. However, all profits are taxed as personal income, and you’re personally liable for debts or claims. If something goes wrong on-site, your personal assets could be at risk.
• Partnership: Often used when two or more bricklayers work together. Costs are still low, but partners are jointly liable for debts and obligations. Disputes can become problematic without proper agreements.
• Company (Pty Ltd): More complex and costly upfront, as you’ll need an ACN. However, a company structure provides greater liability protection and tax planning opportunities. Companies can retain profits at lower tax rates and appear more professional for larger contracts.

A sole trader setup may be appealing initially due to lower costs, but if you want to grow and minimise risk, a company structure is worth serious consideration. From an accounting and legal perspective, the company structure offers better long-term benefits. It separates your personal and business assets, reduces personal risk, and allows for tax efficiency. 

Register your business and meet tax obligations

Once you’ve determined your structure, the next step is registration. At a minimum, you’ll need an Australian Business Number (ABN). If you operate under a name other than your own, you must register a business name with ASIC. If forming a company, an Australian Company Number (ACN) is also essential.

On top of basic company registration requirements, you’ll need to keep taxation in mind.

• GST registration: If your annual turnover exceeds $75,000, registering for GST is mandatory. This means charging GST on invoices and lodging Business Activity Statements (BAS). Many sole traders on forums report forgetting to register for GST early and later facing significant ATO penalties. Avoid this common pitfall by registering before your income passes the threshold.
• PAYG withholding: If you take on apprentices or employees, you’ll need to register for PAYG withholding to deduct tax from their wages.
• Superannuation: As an employer, you’re legally required to pay superannuation for staff and apprentices.
• Business bank account: To separate personal and professional finances, set up a dedicated business bank account. This not only simplifies accounting but also strengthens your credibility with clients.

Failing to comply with tax obligations can attract ATO fines, audits, and unnecessary stress. A systematic accounting setup from the start will prevent problems later and ensure you stay compliant.

Protect your business with contracts and insurance for bricklayers

Bricklaying businesses face unique risks, from workplace injuries to property damage. That’s why the right insurance and contracts are essential.

The core insurances every bricklaying business should consider are:

• Public Liability Insurance: Protects against claims if your work causes injury or damages third-party property. This is often mandatory for worksites.
• Workers’ Compensation: Compulsory if you employ staff. It covers employee injuries or illnesses sustained while working.
• Income Protection Insurance: Safeguards your personal income if illness or injury prevents you from working.
• Tool and Equipment Insurance: Protects your expensive tools against theft or damage.

Contracts are just as important. Verbal agreements are difficult to enforce if disputes arise. Every subcontractor arrangement, client job, or supply contract should be documented in writing.

Lawpath offers customisable contract templates such as subcontractor agreements and service agreements. These protect you against unpaid invoices, liability claims, and disagreements. Having clear agreements in place can make the difference between stable cash flow and costly disputes.

Understand the costs of starting a bricklaying business

These steps sound easy enough. But an important question remains: how much does it cost to start a bricklaying business? While costs will vary based on scale, it’s critical to budget for both startup and ongoing expenses.

Typical upfront costs include:

• Tools and equipment: $5,000–$15,000
• Licensing and certification fees: $500–$1,500
• Insurance premiums: $1,000–$3,000 annually (depending on coverage)
• Vehicle/transport: $15,000–$30,000 for a reliable ute or van
• Accounting software and professional fees: $500–$2,000 per year
• Legal documentation/contracts: $500–$1,500

Planning for these expenses allows you to avoid cash flow shocks and ensures you price your services accurately to cover both direct and indirect business costs.

Set up your bookkeeping and accounting system

Strong bookkeeping practices are the backbone of a sustainable business. An efficient accounting system helps track income, expenses, and cash flow, which are all vital for compliance and profitability.

Look into software like Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks. These systems let you record invoices, automate BAS lodgements, and track payroll. With cloud-based systems, you can reconcile transactions on the go, which is critical when you’re often working remotely across various job sites.

In addition to solid software, here are some best practices that help businesses maintain financial compliance:

• Record every transaction accurately. Separate your personal finances from business transactions.
• Set aside a portion of income (usually around 30%) for quarterly tax and GST.
• Use software reminders for BAS or IAS lodgements.
• Monitor cash flow weekly since construction work often involves staggered payments.
• Consider hiring a bookkeeper or accountant — Lawpath provides affordable accounting support and has helped thousands of businesses with their tax and compliance. 

By separating personal and business finances and using proper systems, you minimise the risk of compliance problems with the ATO.

Market your services and win clients

Flashy advertising may not be the right marketing approach for a bricklaying business. Instead, focus on positioning yourself as reliable, compliant, and professional.

• Always issue legally binding quotes and contracts. This protects both you and your clients, setting clear expectations.
• Be transparent with pricing. Underquoting or informal agreements often lead to disputes.
• Maintain a professional invoicing process. Accounting software ensures invoices are recorded properly for both compliance and tax purposes.

Many clients, especially developers and builders, prioritise contractors who demonstrate professionalism through well-documented processes. Credibility, reliability, and compliance are your biggest marketing assets.

Challenges in running a bricklaying business

Like any trade business, bricklaying has its challenges. Here are some common issues and how to prevent them from happening to you. 

• Late payments: Many small builders struggle with delayed invoices. Without written contracts, recovering payments can be difficult, so ensure solid agreements at all levels.
• Cash flow dips: Bricklaying projects often involve progress payments. Careful accounting discipline is crucial to cover operating expenses during quiet periods.
• Compliance audits: The ATO or safety regulators may audit your business. Proper documentation, contracts, and accounting systems will help you pass without stress.

Lawpath offers an ongoing solution to these challenges with templates, software integrations, and access to accountants who specialise in trade businesses.

Bricklaying business checklist

• Complete a Certificate III and an apprenticeship.
• Apply for the relevant bricklaying licence in your state.
• Register an ABN (and ACN if setting up a company).
• Register for GST if turnover exceeds $75,000.
• Set up a dedicated business bank account.
• Obtain critical insurances: public liability, workers comp, and tool cover.
• Create contracts for clients and subcontractors.
• Invest in accounting software (Xero, MYOB).
• Market services with transparency and professional invoicing.
• Secure your first client and deliver with compliance in mind.

FAQ

Do I need a licence to start a bricklaying business in NSW/VIC/QLD?

Yes. Each state has its own requirements. For example, NSW Fair Trading, QBCC in Queensland, and the VIC Building Authority administer bricklaying licences. Always check with your local regulator before advertising services.

Is a bricklaying business profitable? How much do bricklayers earn? 

Yes, bricklaying can be highly profitable. Skilled bricklayers in Australia earn competitive rates, and demand is strong in residential and commercial construction. Specific rates depend on your location, qualifications, and project scale. However, with robust contracts, insurance, and financial systems, your business can deliver consistent profits.

Lay the foundation for your bricklaying business

Starting a bricklaying business in Australia involves far more than mastering the craft. You’ll need the right qualifications, licences, insurance, contracts, and financial systems. By setting up a solid foundation from the start, you protect yourself from risk, improve your credibility, and position your business for long-term growth.

Lawpath can make this process much smoother by offering solutions for starting a business, whether it is through and ABN or ACN registrations, legal contracts, bookkeeping tools, and compliance support. With these tools, you can focus on delivering quality work while knowing your business is protected and compliant.