STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS


Don’t kerb your enthusiasm for brick


Jason Hughes of Imperial Bricks explains how variations in brick colour, texture, size, and laying pattern all have a direct affect on the kerb appeal of your proect, which impacts its future alue


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hoosing the right cladding material is one of the most important decisions any self-builder will


make – whether that’s constructing a house from the ground up, renovating an existing property or adding an extension to expand living space. Long-lasting, durable, and versatile for both period or contemporary builds, brick is one of the most popular options for developers and home renovators. Brick is perfect for the UK’s climate, resisting both high and low temperatures without damage. And it works well with other methods of construction too, such as thin ‘slips’ applied using external cladding systems. But the main draw for most is the kerb appeal that using brick adds to the finished proect.


s the facade is one of the first things anyone will see of your build, it’s


jan/feb 2024


important to research what’s available – and appropriate. Bricks are usually around 6% of the total build cost (and many self-builders will spend more on their kitchen), but it’s worth allowing a little extra budget to get the highest uality finish, which will undoubtedly increase a property’s value.


LOCAL COLOUR


Start with the basics and research the right type and colour for the geographical area, period, and style of building. Brick colours, sizes and styles vary enormously across the UK, but your architect, contractor or local builders’ merchant should be able to advise on local requirements, or you can ask a specialist brick supplier directly for recommendations and samples. Matching existing and/or local


architecture is particularly important for home renovations or extensions, or new builds in conservation areas. It’s something many planning departments have strong views on!


On some occasions, conservation officers may reuest reclaimed bricks, but these are expensive and can be difficult to source in the uantities needed. The quality too can be unreliable – with damage and wastage more likely in storage or transport. There are now new handmade bricks on the market that can replicate the look of reclaims.


Handmade bricks will always trump machine-made bricks in terms of character and charm. Each one is unique, with natural texture and imperfections that help even new builds blend in with surrounding buildings.


www.sbhonline.co.uk 41


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