Bricklaying businesses for sale

Bricklaying in Denmark covers a wide range: facade renovation, bathrooms and tiling, extensions, new build and repairs. Ask for revenue split by type of work, because each responds differently to the market. Renovation and bathrooms for homeowners and housing associations are often steadier than new build, which follows the construction cycle. Ask where the work comes from: referrals, regular commercial clients, subcontracting or tenders.

Outdoor masonry depends on the weather, and many firms have a quieter winter. Look at revenue month by month and at what the firm does in the cold months. The order book on the handover date tells you a lot about your first months as owner. Go through the largest jobs, and ask about the quoted price, expected margin and how far along they are.

Scaffolding, mixers, lifts, vans and trailers can represent significant value — or a backlog of replacements. Ask for a list with age and condition, and check leasing and finance. Experienced bricklayers are hard to find, so ask about length of service and age, and whether a journeyman can lead the sites. Employees transfer on their existing terms.

• Revenue by type of work and by month for recent years.
• Order book and work in progress, with quotes and stage invoicing.
• Scaffolding and equipment list with leases.
• Open complaints and warranties on completed work.
• Staff list, collective agreement and apprentices.

A bricklaying firm is often sold together with a name and phone number its clients have known for years. Agree that both are included, and that the seller introduces you to the regular clients. Read more about buying a trade business, and see the pre-purchase checklist.