Are builders busy or adverse to pointing work?

[elh]

I know its not exactly mind stimulating, but I'm unable to obtain quotes for repointing a Victorian detached house (at least two - three walls) with lime mortar. Plus replacing some bricks.

If I do receive a reply, it usually no due to workload.

Have I asked during a buys period, or is the job not worth taking on?

 

[CBW]

Builders or brickies (brick layers)?

 

[mrrusty]

I would search for specialist pointing companies - I can understand general builders or brickies not being so keen when there is loads of work around.

 

[^woody^]

Work is work. There is nothing wrong with a few days repointing - simple, low outlay and low stress.

 

[johnny2007]

It's a dusty job if done properly.
And then when the dusty preparation is over, the boring repointing starts.
I did my brother's house (end of terrace) and promised myself never to do that again.
Bear in mind that after the dusty bit, i was taking a quick shower before starting repointing, but I still didn't like the job.
No matter what overall you use, goggles, mask, visor, ear defenders etc, that dust will go everywhere.

 

[Alastairreid]

The building trade is very busy at the moment, people seem to have more disposable due to unable to get holidays etc.

 

[elh]

It's a dusty job if done properly.
And then when the dusty preparation is over, the boring repointing starts.
I did my brother's house (end of terrace) and promised myself never to do that again.
Bear in mind that after the dusty bit, i was taking a quick shower before starting repointing, but I still didn't like the job.
No matter what overall you use, goggles, mask, visor, ear defenders etc, that dust will go everywhere.

So far, I've been given a guide quote of around £40-65 per m2 including the raking out (the dusty part), plus around another £200 for replacing the blown bricks: 'IF' they were available to do the work. That's around £4-5k per my calculations. I've tried local one man property maintenance guys without any joy.

Its not something I could handle at that scale. I could do a bit every so often, but would prefer a few days of continue noise from raking and then its over & done with.

 

[mrrusty]

I think if you are anywhere near the Midlands I think Woody might be offering . One man-band Builder I have used before did some of mine @ £25/m2 about 3 years ago alongside some other work, so your quote is quite toppy. I wanted a bit more doing, but he wasn't enthusiastic (and to be fair I wouldn't do it at that price either). I've still some that really needs doing, but it's a job I don't relish myself, so it's still on the round tuit pile.

 

[sxturbo]

what area are you in?

 

[stuart45]

Bear in mind that after the dusty bit, i was taking a quick shower before starting repointing, but I still didn't like the job.

I remember going home and taking a shower when covered in dust once when working close to home. My wife thought I was crazy, but it's surprising how much better I worked in the afternoon. Maybe it sobered me up a bit as well.

 

[johnny2007]

Whatever you do, make sure they rake at least an inch into the mortar, hoover everything perfectly and dampen the joints before repointing.
I went over the top and used a compressor after hoovering.
I've seen repointing done after raking with an old screwdriver

 

[HERTS P&D]

I remember going home and taking a shower when covered in dust once when working close to home. My wife thought I was crazy, but it's surprising how much better I worked in the afternoon.

I have my hot water to come on again at 1pm, I normally get home have a shower and go back to work again.

Andy

 

[elh]

what area are you in?

East Lincolnshire. Its for a property we're about to move into. So would be ready from around July this year.

 

[elh]

Having now given up on obtaining quotes (let alone the work carried out) for the repointing work .

I turned my attention to having the roof replaced. Despite requesting around 20 quotes, I've yet to receive one reply. I'm absolutely astonished the no one 'appears' to want any building work. If I'm unable to carry out requests, I always reply stating so. I never ignore potential future customers.

I'm in the wrong trade, if I was young enough I'd re-train to be a brickie.

 

[CBW]

Good trades are hard to come by, and are usually busy. That’s why I’m always available (thought I’d get that in before anyone else did)