Brooks Build

25/07/2023

They said it couldn't be done. That I'd never make it presentable. Best to re-render... Luckily I didn't listen!
Don't think that's turned out too bad. Pebbledash removed, 122 spalled bricks replaced, gentle wet blasting of the faces to remove remaining render residue, raked out all the cement mortar and repointed in a traditional lime mix. The front was given the same treatment of removal of cement mortar pointing... completely lifts the building, and is how it should have looked with arches, and timber windows. This is what old buildings deserve, not least to breathe.
I've also rebuilt porch. Much more fitting in style than the, quite frankly hideous, pvc and shiplap monstrosity that a previous owner saw fit to erect!?🫣

Pebbledash is pretty high on the list of horrible building choices from the past... Not only does it look horrific, but it traps moisture within the brickwork of old properties, stops them breathing, and does untold damage to the bricks, as well as causing damp issues inside. Coupled with old cement based repointing underneath too, and it's a recipe for disaster!

10/02/2023

Very different change of scenery this week! Glorious views whilst working for Canal & River trust at Naburn Lock, repointing the chimney of the Lock Keepers Cottage.
Manual rake out of all joints, and repoint using traditional lime mortar - Should be good for another 100+ years now!
Will be odd going to the next job now, nothing like as quiet and peaceful

01/11/2022

Figured it's time for an update, seeing as things fly by so quickly when busy!
The exterior of this property is now all but finished, and the inside is coming along nicely - insulated, plasterboarded and skimmed, stairs are in, doors are on. Just the last few finishing pieces to go, and then the kitchen and bathroom to sort, and that'll be a wrap!
Trying to juggle this as well as a few other small jobs though, has been a challenge... But nearly there💪💪

20/04/2022

Blue skies and roofing... go hand in hand😎

17/04/2022

There's just something about a lead clad dormer that can't be beaten. Traditional and hard wearing, it'll outlast any pvc cladding! And combined with the timeless look of pantiles, it's the perfect cottage look. Dormer 1 of 3 finished, roof 1 of 2 just needing ridges.
A busy few months, featuring many a storm, a few setbacks, but progress is being made. The extension part is almost complete, the jumble of reclaims making for a challenging build, but a near perfect match. The remodel of the existing following close behind, with plenty of insulation to install!

29/12/2021

It started with some big holes in the ground... Building control requiring foundations to 1.8m down due to made up ground! But from then on out, all plain sailing... although joining into an 18 month old new build presents its own problems (quantity over quality definitely the work style there🤔)
Featuring a vaulted ceiling, this small extension makes a big impact and vast difference to the available space within the property dining room. And nice to get the solid brick corbels in on the gable... none of this moulded plastic rubbish thats used elsewhere on the site!
A lovely job to work on, and some of the nicest customers I've ever had the privilege to work for👌😎

29/12/2021

As another year rolls to a close, I've realised there hasn't been many updates... and thats because there's barely been time to take a breath between jobs! Absolutely hectic, and delays on supplies have only compounded the issue of already stretched timetables. But we made it👌
2021 has been a rollercoaster, and a bumper year for variety;
Oak gazebos
Sandstone patios
Conservatories
Bathrooms
Extensions
Pantile roofs
Slate roof
Lead roofs
Lime pointing
Scrubland landscaping
Log cabin summerhouses...

And 2022 is shaping up to be just as crazy!
Just remember, there's nothing we can't sort. Variety over monotony, quality over complacency 😎

Wishing all a Happy New Year, see you on the flip side🎆🎇🎆

29/03/2021

Another completed job, another happy customer👍
Stunning Victorian style conservatory to the rear of the property, featuring a thermal glass roof, heated tile floor, and gorgeous Indian sandstone patio area to soak up the summer sun outside 😎
Big thanks to for helping with the glazing, I'll never underestimate just how heavy glass roofing units can be ever again, that's for sure!

29/03/2021

Lovely day to finish up a bit of slabbing😎👌

21/03/2021

20/03/2021

4.8 tons of oak, 18 bundles of cedar shingles, 130 oak dowels, 38m2 of sandstone. And a lot of sawdust!
The past twelve months haven't been the best, But this beauty more than cancels that out. A 6x3m oak gazebo, and matching hottub shelter, all with cedar shingle roofing and sandstone flooring.
Bit of a leap into the dark at first, having never attempted anything of this size with timber before! But I think its fair to say it turned out quite well. Really pleased with the finish and how the different materials compliment each other - even down to the pink roofing battens (supply issues for green at the time) matching the cedar and adding a splash of colour.
Now the clients just need some glorious weather to get out and enjoy them... and for the second stage of works including paths and garden to be completed👌

17/06/2020

When you need to concrete bases 65m away, up a hill... Forget wheelbarrows, its time to call in the big guns!
Massive thanks to Tony from Libra Concrete Pumping Services in Peterborough, really wouldn't have managed this without some big toys!👌
3 reinforced concrete bases down, ready to accept indian sandstone slabs, various oak structures, and a hottub😎