Month: October 2026

Categories
Brickwork

Project Spotlight: Curved Corner Wall Rebuild on Kirkwhite Avenue, Long Eaton

When a vehicle collision or structural failure damages a roadside boundary wall, restoring both its structural strength and original character takes precise craftsmanship. We recently completed this curved decorative boundary wall rebuild on the corner of Kirkwhite Avenue in Long Eaton.

Project Overview

  • Location: Kirkwhite Avenue, Long Eaton
  • Type: Structural Rebuild & Decorative Brickwork
  • Materials Used: Forterra Hampton Rural Blend bricks paired with existing blue engineering plinth bricks
  • Funding: Insurance-approved claim (settled and funded upfront)

Preserving Character with Detailed Brickwork

Curved walls require meticulous setting out and constant checking to keep the radius, joint sizes, and levels consistent throughout.

For this project, we tied into the existing dark engineering plinth courses at ground level to keep the authentic base profile, then rebuilt the curved main structure using Forterra Hampton Rural Blend bricks. These bricks provide a warm, textured finish that complements the surrounding streetscape.

Key masonry features included:

  • Curved Radius Laying: Smooth sweeping face across the corner plot.
  • Dentil / Stepped Detailing: Replicating the projecting brick detail below the copings to maintain traditional kerb appeal.
  • Central Raised Pier & Copings: Framing the panels cleanly while tying securely into the neighbouring boundary walls.

Hassle-Free Insurance Repair Work

If your garden wall, pillar, or boundary has been struck by a vehicle or damaged, navigating insurance quotes can often feel overwhelming.

For this property, we provided a clear, itemised specification that the insurance provider approved without delay. Full payment was settled upfront prior to starting on-site, allowing us to source materials quickly, stick to our schedule, and deliver a smooth, stress-free handover to the homeowner. We received the following review “Had a delivery van smash into my front wall which cause quite a mess. Searched for some quotes and Rob was really efficient with quoting and dealing with it due to the fact it was an insurance job. We had David and Matt come round and rebuild it to what it looked like before but even better. Really happy with the work and overall professionalism and quality of the work. Would recommend in a heartbeat.”

Need a specialist bricklayer for an insurance repair or boundary rebuild in Long Eaton, Nottingham, or Derby?

Get in touch with our team today for a free, no-obligation assessment and insurance-compliant quote.

Categories
Groundwork Paving

Upgrading a Manhole Cover in Long Eaton: Step-by-Step Replacement Guide

An old, damaged, or ill-fitting drain cover isn’t just an eyesore—it poses a serious tripping hazard and can allow unpleasant drain odours or surface water to compromise your property. We recently completed a manhole lid replacement job for a client in Long Eaton, restoring both safety and functionality to their outdoor space.

The Project Scope

The original installation had seen better days, requiring a complete frame and cover replacement. Accessing the brick-built inspection chamber meant carefully removing the surrounding compromised concrete without damaging the underlying brickwork or pipe channels.

Before we could start we had to cut a padlock off the gate (new padlock and keys delivered to householder and estate agent)

Here is how the repair was executed step-by-step:

  1. Excavation & Frame Prep: We cut back the damaged concrete around the perimeter using a disc cutter to create a clean boundary. The old frame was removed, exposing the brick inspection chamber beneath.
  2. Setting the New Frame: A fresh bed of high-strength mortar was laid directly onto the brickwork to ensure a level, watertight seal. The new recess frame was positioned flush with the surrounding ground level.
  3. Haunching & Concrete Fill: Fresh concrete mix was troweled smoothly around the frame to anchor it firmly into place, ensuring it can withstand regular foot traffic without cracking or shifting.
  4. Fitting the Clark-Drain Lid: A durable, galvanized steel Clark-Drain cover complete with quick-release lifting handles was seated into the recessed frame for a flush finish.

Why Replace an Old Drain Cover?

  • Eliminate Trip Hazards: Sinking or cracked covers create dangerous uneven surfaces around side alleys and driveways.
  • Prevent Odours & Pest Access: A sealed, properly bedded frame keeps drain smells contained and deters rodents.
  • Durable & Weather-Resistant: Modern galvanized steel covers like Clark-Drain units offer superior rust protection compared to aging cast-iron covers.

Need drain repairs or manhole cover replacements in Long Eaton or surrounding areas? Contact us today for a quick quote!

Categories
Uncategorised

Bulwell bathroom

Waterproof backing boards installed on the walls of a room corner during a renovation
Our customer’s brief was very clear: they wanted the best bathroom in Bulwell.
While their existing bathroom had served them well for years, it was time for an upgrade. They wanted a modern wet room with step-free shower access, high-end fittings, spotlights, his-and-hers cabinets, and a vanity unit matching their existing setup.
After providing an outline quote, our customer visited our trusted local suppliers—East Midland Ceramics and Michael Pavis. Both offer the kind of traditional showroom experience and product knowledge you simply can’t get from online marketplaces. Special thanks to Luke Henson at Michael Pavis for 5-star customer service. The quotes came right in line with our expectations (£1,400 for the shower screen and door after trade discount—though you can’t beat Merlyn 8mm fittings for quality).
We started by stripping the walls, which revealed three layers of tiles. It’s safe to say we were glad we ordered a skip from Enva, making sure to put protective boards down so the block paving didn’t get marked.
Next, we removed the existing floor and laid 15mm plywood followed by tile backer boards, and fitted a Qualitex floor profile for the shower. Minimising the step between the entrance hall and bathroom was very important to the customer to remove the trip hazard.
Finally, to make sure the water pressure matched the ambition of the project, we fitted a Stuart Turner Universal 2-bar pump supplied by Pavis. This didn’t just deliver for the wet room—it drastically improved the hot water pressure in the kitchen sink, too.
In total the work will take about 14 days, our bathroom installer is pulling in the weekends to get it finished for the customer. We appreciate that the work creates a lot of inconvenience to the customer.

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Categories
Brickwork

Valley Road extension ready for scaffolding

Builders working on a red brick house extension with wooden roof joists being installed
Valley Road Extension: Wall Construction & Roof Framing Complete

The concrete floor for our Valley Road extension project has been poured, and the brick walls are officially up!

We built the exterior walls using a 150mm full-fill cavity insulation method. We prefer this approach on our projects because it significantly reduces thermal bridging and air leakage routes, creating a warmer, more energy-efficient structure for the homeowner.

We tend to get our insulation and plasterboard from Galaxy Insulation in Long Eaton as the prices a re competitive and they always given un biased advice.

A red brick house extension under construction with wooden roof joists and insulation
Valley Road rear elevation
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The timber roof structure is now completely framed and in place. We are currently awaiting scaffolding installation to begin the roofing works and make the entire structure fully watertight.

Stay tuned for more updates as this project progresses!

Categories
External Groundwork

Upgrading Garden Planters in Beeston

While timber sleepers are a popular choice for garden borders and raised beds, weather exposure over time inevitably takes its toll. In this recent project, the client’s existing oak sleeper planters were beginning to pull apart, decay, and lose structural integrity. They wanted a long-term, permanent solution that would hold up to the elements without sacrificing style.

The Project Overview

  • Out with the Old: We completely removed the shifting oak sleepers and excavated solid footings to ensure a strong base for the new masonry. We sourced a skip larger than was required so we could also remove clear the customers debris stockpile from their garden which will free up space for future projects. In total we filled an 8 yard skip for the project.
  • Durable Brick Construction: We used Ibstock Cattybrook Bristol Buff sourced from John A Stephens in Nottingham, they were the only local branch to hold them. We used them as they matched the house to give a smoother aesthetic, we built the retaining walls and raised planters to complement the existing home and garden layout.
  • Staffordshire Blue Finish: To top off the walls, we laid double bullnose Staffordshire blue bricks along the coping. The smooth, rounded edges give a clean, professional finish that doubles as comfortable garden coping.
  • Moisture Protection: We applied a tanking slurry to limit the moisture transferring to the bricks. We used engineering spec bricks which can be laid underground but the tanking can’t hurt and is a belt and braces approach.
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Why Choose Double Bullnose Staffordshire Blue’s for the soldier course?

  1. Unmatched Durability: Staffordshire blue bricks are renowned for high strength and exceptionally low water absorption, making them ideal for ground-level garden exposure.
  2. Safety & Comfort: The dual-rounded bullnose profile removes sharp corners—perfect for family gardens and comfortable to lean against or sit on.
  3. Striking Contrast: The deep slate-blue tone creates a sharp, modern contrast against warm orange brickwork and green foliage.
  4. Corner headers: We managed to source corner headers which really finish it off nicely, though they are £60 each including VAT 

Looking to upgrade tired timber features in your garden to a clean, permanent brick structure? Get in touch today for a free consultation and quote! Call us on 07737 988 243