I want to build an extension and I'd like to do the brickwork myself. Some people have told me that it takes professionals years to get good at it. While I understand that it can take years to become fast (particularly with the more complicated things), is it really needed for something fairly simple?
My existing house was built with many other houses a few decades ago, by professionals. If you look at the brickwork closely, it seems pretty poor. I saw a perp that was far wider than 10mm, probably around 15mm but I haven't measured. The perps don't line up, they're wavy and go to one side. The pointing is acceptable but it doesn't look great and the mortar colour varies. Is brickwork usually like this?
I've seem some 'fast' brickies in videos online and some of their work is disappointing. I remember being able to see daylight through one of the perps. I'm worried about employing a brickie and then having to send him home. Also, if these guys are in so much of a hurry to get the bricks down, will they spend the time to get the insulation right (which can be a bit fiddly with some of the modern PIR insulation).
My existing house was built with many other houses a few decades ago, by professionals. If you look at the brickwork closely, it seems pretty poor. I saw a perp that was far wider than 10mm, probably around 15mm but I haven't measured. The perps don't line up, they're wavy and go to one side. The pointing is acceptable but it doesn't look great and the mortar colour varies. Is brickwork usually like this?
I've seem some 'fast' brickies in videos online and some of their work is disappointing. I remember being able to see daylight through one of the perps. I'm worried about employing a brickie and then having to send him home. Also, if these guys are in so much of a hurry to get the bricks down, will they spend the time to get the insulation right (which can be a bit fiddly with some of the modern PIR insulation).