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Brickwork - Below DPC – cost per m² – UK 2026 Rate Guide

Budget rate for supply & lay · typical budget rate before your adjustments

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Brickwork - Below DPC
per m² · supply & lay
£160 – £418 / m²
What is it

Brickwork below DPC is frost-resistant masonry constructed between foundations and damp-proof course level to support the external wall construction.

Rate guide
Standard 102.5 mm F2/S2 common brickwork, straight runs£160 – £209/m²
102.5 mm Class B engineering brickwork£193 – £259/m²
102.5 mm Class A engineering brickwork£253 – £347/m²
215 mm solid brickwork in standard common bricks£319 – £418/m²
102.5 mm brickwork with frequent returns, steps or piers£231 – £319/m²
Labour output
Long, clear runs with materials close at hand18–24 m²/gang-day
Typical foundation runs with normal corners13–18 m²/gang-day
Frequent returns, steps, piers and service crossings8–12 m²/gang-day
Restricted trenches, poor access or broken-up working5–8 m²/gang-day
Key rate adjusters
Brick specification
Class B engineering bricks typically add £25–50/m², while Class A units can add £70–125/m² against standard common brickwork.
Wall thickness
Increasing from 102.5 mm to 215 mm solid construction generally raises the rate by 90–110%.
Mortar requirement
Enhanced sulfate resistance, stronger mixes or proprietary mortar can add £5–12/m².
Trench access
Deep, narrow or supported excavations commonly increase placing costs by 10–30% through slower handling and reduced gang productivity.
Geometry
Frequent corners, steps, piers and short returns can increase the installed rate by 15–40%.
Package size
Small or highly fragmented quantities may attract a 10–25% uplift for mobilisation, supervision and lost continuity.
Quantity surveyor insights
  • Waste and buildability: Allow 5–8% brick waste where cutting, stepped foundations or mixed wall widths occur; coordinated setting-out to brick dimensions reduces cuts, closures and unproductive labour.
  • Scope and procurement: Confirm responsibility for DPCs, wall ties, cavity fill, insulation, trench support, access platforms, cleaning and protection before tendering. Secure the brick and mortar package early where engineering-brick availability, colour matching or special mortar requirements could constrain programme and price.

Estimate Anything AI answer · indicative budget rates · updated 31 August 2026

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