Ian_

Hi Rory have sent you a message, had a question regarding access.

A traditional method I once read of is to use soot dissolved in water to tone down fresh mortar. Certainly cost effective one would think. And longevity, I can't think that soot is affected by UV light. Testing for tint achieved on a biscuit of made up mortar might not be a bad idea. As far as staining adjacent brickwork, to my mind mortar has got such a powerful suction that one would really have to be working in a very sloppy manner for the suction of the bricks to pull the tinting solution away from the joints. If the bricks are relatively dark I would be tempted to slop a soot solution all over the wall - bricks and pointing - with a broad brush; the relative effect on the bricks would be less than on the pointing. This was the traditional method as I recall reading, specifically to tone the look of the whole wall when using very white lime based mortars.

Thanks markc, joe90 and Steamy Tea for the welcome. The utilities issue is the quagmire of getting a run of overhead high-voltage cables moved that are impinging on the build. Have perused these forums, and also purchased what I think is probably the definitive textbook on the subject, before entering into correspondence with the distribution network operator. Suffice to say that the DNO are seeking permissions from a neighbouring freeholder, so something is happening, however my suspicion is that my small job is not a high priority for either the DNO or the neighbour!

Hi Rory. Would be interested in taking you up on your offer, I would plan to come and take it down. Dimensions/floorplan would be useful, it wouldn't make sense if I cannot fit this onto my plot. Once rebuilt I would be using the garage as storage, workshop and mess room for my build, and then as a garage once the house is done.

Hi all. Just to say hello, have been lurking on the forum, for several years and I think I have learnt a fair bit. Have a plot with planning permission for a simple two-storey house, however there is a problem with the utilities that is preventing a start. Hopefully the situation will be resolved. Oh, the plot is in East Anglia. Cheers, Ian.