Brickwork

Question

Hi, I have just had this extension done and we have had spot lights put in and now all I can notice is the uneven brickwork!!! Your thoughts please, am I being fussy???

Shari · Answer

From a technical standpoint, I don't know if this is a poor job of brickwork, or not. One of the construction pros on the site could weigh in on that.

From an esthetic point of view, I think it is more noticeable to you because this addition is new and you are not used to looking at it. And, simply because it is new, you are probably looking at it a lot. I believe you will notice the uneven bricks less and less as time goes on. If it still really bothers you six months, or a year from now, you do have room to put up trellis against the brick and grow some type of climbing vine. Since you don't currently have any plants to add visual interest, that actually would look really pretty, imho.

SYLVIA D MCCANN · Answer

it is not a good brick job, I hope it wasn't a pro who did it, if so get them back out there..my husband was a commercial building contractor, this would have never passed our standards..however, you could angle the spots if they are adjustable...them out a bit...that should help with the shadowing of the brick..

Car1724272 · Answer

Thank you for your comments. We have been out with the level and it is all level and without the lights it looks fine. We are going to try adjusting the lights to see if this will avoid the shadowing of the bricks.

Erin · Answer

I think it looks cool.

Nicola R · Answer

I like it too. Maybe take down one or two of the lights.

Gail · Answer

I'm pretty sure the bricks were purposely put up that way,,, if not the mason must have had one to many beers..

Marge · Answer

The texture of the brick work looks awesome!

Becky Greenwald · Answer

I like that it's uneven.  It's not the usual texture, which is cool.  But I'd use lower watt bulbs and soften that lighting.

Deborah · Answer

I think the uneven bricks give the house character.

Julie Benson-Grant · Answer

As many are commenting, it gives the house character. I like it as well. I know where you're coming from though, you have an idea in your head of what it should look like and then the finished project doesn't match your expectations. I would live with it for a while and see if you don't come to love it as well.

Charles Prock · Answer

Have you held a light on the brick on the older part of the house?  Does it look the same?
If not, then you can probably find different centers for your recessed lights to make them focus not so much on the house, but on the yard out from the house.

Mary Ker · Answer

Marbe distract from it by putting artwork under the spotlights?

Lindy · Answer

We have brick walls and ther is no way they look like that. They are flat and uniform. You can see how far they stick out from one brick to the next so not sure how they registered as level when checked. I would have the contractor out to look at this before you pay.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

As long as the brickwork is sound, I think it adds interesting dimension.

Chel · Answer

I thinnk the brickwork give it character!

Johnavallance82 · Answer

Hi, If it doesn't match the quality of existing brickwork. call the builder back in to rectify it. This is not a professional job! Otherwise, Turn off the lights or put something on the walls to hide the defective brickwork, such as Trellis or Artwork!

Yaroslav · Answer

Hi there,

It’s natural to notice the little details after a renovation, especially when new lighting highlights certain areas like uneven brickwork. You’re not being overly fussy—it’s completely valid to want your extension to look its best!

One option could be to embrace the character of the brickwork as part of the overall aesthetic. Uneven bricks can add a rustic charm, especially when paired with complementary design elements like soft lighting or a textured finish. However, if it really bothers you, there are ways to minimize its visibility. For example, adjusting the direction or brightness of the spotlights can reduce the focus on imperfections, or consider adding a feature wall or cladding to create a smoother appearance.

For more insights on enhancing your home’s facade and design details, you might find this interview with Ihor Kushnir ( https://www.obozrevatel.com/ukr/person/igor-kushnir.htm) helpful. He shares great advice on balancing practicality with aesthetics in renovations.

Good luck, and remember—it’s your space, so do what feels right for you!

Janice · Answer

I like the look of the brick and the spots are awesome but if you're not happy with it, I'd contact the person who did the work and let them know you weren't expecting the look that you've got. As others have suggested, perhaps adjusting the angle or the wattage of the spots will soften your dislike. Did you and the worker discuss that it was to match other brick work on your home? Since we're only seeing a pic, that's way different than observing the unevenness in person. Discuss with your contractor....nicely....:)

Brickwork

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Brickwork

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