Frequently Asked Questions

No. We visit, look at the job and give you a clear written quote free of charge, with no obligation.

We are based in Guildford and work across Surrey and South East England, including Guildford, Woking, Farnham, Godalming, Camberley, Haslemere, Cranleigh, Dorking and the surrounding area. If you are further afield, just ask.

Your written quote will say whether scaffolding or other access equipment is needed and what it costs, so there are no surprises.

Yes. We have business insurance with cover up to £1 million. We are happy to show proof of insurance before work starts.

Not usually. As long as we have access to the areas we are working on, plus water and somewhere to park, you can carry on as normal.

Look for mortar that is recessed, crumbling or easy to scrape out, cracks in the joints, or damp patches inside that line up with outside walls. See our repointing page for more.

Most homes built before about 1920 were built with lime mortar and should be repointed in lime. Newer homes usually use cement mortar. We check what your wall was built with before recommending a mix.

Not with the right method. We choose a method that suits your brick and always do a test patch first so you can see the result before we go further.

Most paint can be removed, but how well it comes off depends on the paint and the brick. A test patch shows what to expect before you commit.

Yes, but mortar must not be laid in freezing conditions and lime mortar in particular needs protecting from frost while it cures. We plan work around the weather and protect fresh work when needed.

Yes. Some work on listed buildings, such as cleaning, paint removal or changes to the look of a wall, may need listed building consent or other approval from your council. Check with your council before work starts.

In England, you can usually build a wall up to 1 metre high next to a road or footpath, or up to 2 metres high elsewhere, without planning permission. Listed buildings, conservation areas and some estates have different rules, so check with your council if you are unsure.

Yes. We source bricks to match as closely as possible, use the same bond and joint finish, and can tint new brickwork so it blends in.

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 covers work on walls shared with a neighbour, new walls on the boundary, and some excavation near a neighbour’s building. If it applies, you need to give your neighbour notice before work starts. We can explain what is usually involved.

That is usually efflorescence, salts brought to the surface as new brickwork dries out. It is common, normally harmless and usually fades.