Brickwork on new build not up to standard or am I being fussy

[Savills2]

Hi all,

we’re doing a self build with different contractors, everyone so far as been good,Apart from I’m not pleased with the brickwork.

Am I being fussy or is this sloppy 

Advice please.

[Declan52]

Apart from the obvious out of plumb to finish the brick joints that poor takes some effort. There is no way they used an actual pole jointer and ran it through them beds.  They look at best like they have used the round end of a shovel handle and brushed it while it was still wet as the brush marks are all over the mortar. Very very rough and I'm being kind.

Me personally would be looking them raked out. It's then up to you if you trust them to redo the joints or leave them raked out and get some one with an ounce of skill to do it for you or just have a raked out joint.

I would be going round each corner and long run with the level checking for plumb plus every single opening, windows and doors. 

[Savills2]

I really appreciate your comment,

I have told them not to come back and I will have to get someone else to take over.

So upsetting.

[nod]

Is it face brick are going to be rendered ?

[Savills2]

Yes it is face  brickwork,

which we are now going clad as it looks so bad.

[Mr Punter]

Before you clad it, try some brick acid and jetwash.  It won't help with plumb but it can help the crappiest of jobs look acceptable.  I have seen oil applied to blues as a finish but not sure how long it lasts.

[Canski]

Apart from the out of plumb issue the brickwork has been pointed when it's too wet. Blues are difficult to keep on top of in winter. A good wash will make it look miles better though and then for not much money you can see what you have really got below all that mess. Where abouts in the country are you ?

[Savills2]

1 hour ago, Mr Punter said:

Before you clad it, try some brick acid and jetwash.  It won't help with plumb but it can help the crappiest of jobs look acceptable.  I have seen oil applied to blues as a finish but not sure how long it lasts.

Thank you 

we will give it a go

[Savills2]

1 hour ago, Mr Punter said:

Before you clad it, try some brick acid and jetwash.  It won't help with plumb but it can help the crappiest of jobs look acceptable.  I have seen oil applied to blues as a finish but not sure how long it lasts.

Thank you 😊 

[Savills2]

1 hour ago, Mr Punter said:

Before you clad it, try some brick acid and jetwash.  It won't help with plumb but it can help the crappiest of jobs look acceptable.  I have seen oil applied to blues as a finish but not sure how long it lasts.

Much appreciated 

[Canski]

5 hours ago, Declan52 said:

 

Me personally would be looking them raked out.

I wouldn't go down this road it will never look right.

[Declan52]

2 hours ago, Canski said:

I wouldn't go down this road it will never look right.

Well look much better than what's there now.

[AdamSee]

I had blue engineering brick similar to those and found that a soft brass wire brush and soapy water was enough to clean up the mess on them. Mine were steps and when the screed in the house was laid the builders stood on the steps in their boots which made a horrible mess of them