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01 · Ask
Repair, match or build new?
Spalling brick, dropped wall, want a new extension? Describe what you've got — the AI tells you whether it's a repointing job, a rebuild or a structural call.
Compare cavity vs solid wall.
How to tell what your house has, the thermal performance gap, and what each means for upgrades.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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02 · Read the brief
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Stretcher vs Flemish bond, NHL lime, cavity ties, weep holes, DPC heights. Know what good looks like before the first course is laid.
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Top tips
Hiring a bricklayer, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Match the brick before they start.
On extensions and repairs, sourcing the right brick is harder than laying it. Insist on a sample wall — three courses, on-site, in your light — before they buy the pallet.
Get the mortar mix in writing.
Lime mortar, cement mortar, NHL grade — the wrong mix on the wrong brick spalls in five winters. Ask which mix and why.
Check the bond before pointing.
Stretcher, Flemish, English — the bond should match the existing wall, especially on period properties. Catch it at first course, not after pointing.
Insist on a damp-proof course.
Any external wall needs a DPC at the right height — 150mm above finished ground level. A missing or wrong DPC creates damp problems you'll be fixing for years.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Day rate
£200–£350/day
Brickwork (per m²)Inc. labour, ex. bricks
£80–£160/m²
Repointing (per m²)
£30–£70/m²
Garden wall (per linear m)1m high, single skin
£120–£280
Chimney rebuild
£1.8k–£4.5k
Brick arch (over opening)
£350–£900
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
InfographicThe Bricklayer briefing.
Infographic
Bricklayer quick-view
Most UK houses are built with cavity walls (two skins of brick with a gap between) or solid walls (single thicker construction). The type affects insulation, damp behaviour, and repair cost. This guide covers how to identify which you have, the implications, and the UK 2026 costs of related works.
Roughly: pre-1920s = solid wall; 1920s–today = cavity wall. Exceptions exist.
Cavity Wall Construction
- Two skins of brick/block (typically 100 mm each).
- 50–100 mm cavity between (originally empty).
- Wall ties tying skins together.
- Modern: filled with insulation.
- Total wall thickness: 250–300 mm.
Solid Wall Construction
- Single thicker construction (typically 215 mm — one brick).
- Sometimes 327 mm (1.5 brick) or 440 mm (2 brick).
- Brick all the way through.
- No cavity, no internal insulation typically.
- Total wall thickness: 215–440 mm.
How to Identify
- Look at brick pattern: Flemish bond suggests solid wall (one-brick); stretcher bond suggests cavity.
- Wall thickness at window reveal: 250 mm+ suggests cavity; under suggests solid.
- Age of property: pre-1920 usually solid; later usually cavity.
- Survey by qualified surveyor confirms.
Implications for Repair Cost
| Issue | Cavity wall | Solid wall |
|---|---|---|
| Damp/penetration | Easier to remedy (cavity tray) | Harder to remedy |
| Insulation upgrade | £300–£800 (CWI) | £8,000–£20,000+ (IWI/EWI) |
| Wall tie replacement | £1,500–£5,000 | N/A |
| Repointing cost | Standard | Standard |
| Brick replacement | Easier (single skin) | More complex (toothing into both faces) |
Insulation Options
- Cavity wall: cavity wall insulation (CWI) — pumped foam, beads, or fibre.
- Solid wall: internal wall insulation (IWI) — adds insulation inside; reduces room size. Or external wall insulation (EWI) — render or cladding over insulation.
UK Regulations
- Building Regs Approved Document L: thermal performance.
- Listed properties: insulation choices restricted.
- Cavity wall insulation needs certification (CIGA).
Common Problems
- Wall tie corrosion in cavity walls — older homes need replacement.
- Damp bridging cavity — debris in cavity, failed cavity tray.
- Failed CWI — bad pump installs trap moisture.
- Cold solid walls — IWI/EWI expensive to remedy.
- Wrong identification — affects all subsequent repair decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which I have?
Look at brick pattern, wall thickness, age. Surveyor confirms definitively.
Which is better?
Modern cavity walls perform better thermally. Solid walls have character and thermal mass but are harder to insulate.
Can I add cavity insulation?
Yes if you have a cavity wall — £300–£800 typical. Confirm wall is suitable first.
What's a wall tie?
Steel or plastic clips holding the two skins of cavity wall together. Older galvanised ties corrode; need replacement.
Why are solid walls cold?
No insulation. Single 215 mm brick has poor U-value. IWI or EWI improves significantly.
Will identification affect my surveys?
Yes — surveyor reports note wall type and influence valuation and mortgage considerations.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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