Why building reference and sample panels are essential

Our bricklayers may be requested to build both reference and sample panels on site at various times. These bricklayers can contribute much to achieving good quality brickwork and avoiding costly delays.
A reference panel will be built before the facework begins in order to determine design features or to establish standards of workmanship or the visual acceptability of bricks. While sample panels are built from subsequent deliveries of bricks for comparison with those in the original reference panel.
Further reasons for using reference panels:
The architect may choose a mortar joint colour and profile to suit the specified facing bricks.
To establish and provide a reference to the standard of brickwork which we can produce regularly and which will be acceptable to the architect.
To provide a reference for an acceptable level if minor or visible surface blemishes such as small surface cracks, chips, small pebbles and expensive particles of lime in the bricks when they are delivered to site.
Samples of special shaped bricks may be added to the reference panel to establish any colour variations between the normal and the special bricks.
These reference panels may also include special features such as soldier courses or narrow piers in order to identify any brick intolerances and workmanship problems.

The panel should be built where it can be viewed throughout the contract and readily accessible for viewing in natural daylight from a distance of 3M. It should be free from damage by vehicles, plant, mud or dirt as well.