Long overdue work to our little '30s semi
 

Having watched our little house look shabbier by the year since we bought it, the father in law and I have started to re-render the first floor. Weather has suspended play since we completed the scratch coat. So that will have to wait for now.

We decided to get a fella in to do the drive. He did two of the neighbours' drives last year. Word of mouth is invaluable/ Does a very good and proper job.

Still need to strip the paint off the brick (who paints brick:Confused::Confused:?????). Anyone knows what's best for that, the bricks underneath are engineering brick, so pretty damn tough. Renew the lead flashing and probably the tiles above the bay, as they've ALSO been painted:Confused::Confused::Confused:

Anyway, here's some photos.

Even managed to remove the 'roof garden' from the gutter and downpipe. We'll be replacing the downpipe too. As its grey and been painted black:Confused::Confused::Confused:

Then refurb the gates and job's a good 'n'.

You can get products, such as Langlow Strip Away, which are caustic and can liquidise the paint. Don't use anything abrasive as you can damage the face, even engineering bricks, leaving them porous where damage has occurred - potential moss growth and damage from frost thaw cycles.

Coming together nicely +++

Thanks Matt. Your knowledge astounds again.

Currently renovating our house. At one point you could walk in the door and see the roof tiles!

I know that feeling all too well, never again.

After a long wet winter, writing my dissertation for my MA, and the 75 year old Pa in law recovering from his broken ankle.... We boxed off the render. I sorted the gates out with some new wood and gave the front an undercoat and top coat today. Now I need to strip the painted brick and tidy stuff up, oh and paint the other two walls.

Ooow pretty.

I'm not sure if you can still buy brick acid?

That looks great! It's a real improvement. +++

Thanks.

It's not the fanciest house. But it's all ours and a bit of TLC is going a long way.

I was not taking the P, it genuinely looks pretty. And brick acid is something that would remove most things from brick.

Cheers Mucker

Small update. Our front lawn has of late been looking more like Monet's water garden. So I've ordered some plum slate, and levelled the grass with sand, topped with some membrane.

Nice one John.
Our front is a car park. Our son, his wife and their three kids live with us but they are away on holiday but there cars have been left. The daughters caravan and one of her old cars are also "staying" with us.
As for the back, it still looks like a building site. When it is finished I'll stick a couple of photos on this section.

Cheers Ray.

Our back looks a bit like a breakers' yard, with the A2 I'm breaking. Stick some pics up of yours, it's always nice to see progress.

All the best. John.

Boxed off this morning.