STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS (BRICKS, BLOCKS & CEMENT)
The brick essentials
With an increasing number of homeowners choosing to pursue self-build or embark on self-renovation work, Simon Taylor of Ibstock examines one of the key considerations for any self-builder – the aesthetics as well as function of the bricks they will use for their project
A
nyone considering embarking on a self-build home improvement job should rest assured that they are not alone. According to a recent published study, there are more than 20,000 self-builders in the UK that are undertaking construction work, ranging in scope from loft conversions to full-scale house extensions.
This is a trend surely set to increase further still, with the Government pledging increased support for self- builders. Indeed, Victoria Prentis, the Conservative MP for North Oxfordshire, recently identified custom-built housing stock as a potential solution to the UK’s ongoing housing crisis.
For any self-build project, one of the first decisions that must be made is the material used to build the structure. The most popular choice in Britain remains, undoubtedly, brick. Representing sturdiness and affording properties a sense of character that may be harder to find with other materials, the UK’s love affair with brick is truly enduring.
CHOICES, CHOICES, CHOICES
Perhaps unsurprisingly, there is often preference among self-builders to go for the cheapest – or cheaper – brick. While cheaper bricks can often be perfectly acceptable, we would advise people consider the overall aesthetic appeal for their home.
We would advocate not picking the cheapest brick, but instead finding a brick that delivers the greatest value for money. Ultimately, people want to be happy with how their house looks – so sometimes it’s worth spending a little more so that you truly love the look of your house as you pull onto the driveway. Indeed, a key priority for many self- builders and renovators is achieving ‘kerb appeal’, ensuring the build is as striking on the outside as it is on the inside. Finding the right brick for a project really depends on the overall look and feel a self-builder is hoping to achieve for their home.
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www.sbhonline.co.uk
In general, we find that handmade and soft mud bricks are more popular among the self-build market, because they bring guaranteed character to a property. However, wire cut bricks are often the preferred choice if factors such as regional vernacular or cost is a primary concern.
There is a huge amount of choice available to self-builders when it comes to brick. With a seemingly endless number of colours, textures, finishes and sizes to choose from, it’s surprisingly simple to make a design vision a reality.
RESPECTING REGULATIONS
Whatever style of brick a homeowner chooses, they need to consider planning regulations and ensure that it fits with the wider local vernacular. While this doesn’t mean it has to conform to a traditional design, the bricks must be in keeping with the aesthetics of the area. The UK is lucky enough to be home to some of Europe’s best preserved stone towns, so, if a homeowner is considering a self-build project in one of these
In general, we find that
handmade and soft mud bricks are more popular among the self- build market, because they bring guaranteed character to a property
regions, even greater consideration is required. Take for example the Cotswolds, with its Jurassic limestone, which is renowned the world over, or
july/august 2019
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