Sounds like those that use 20mm + mortar may as well build with concrete blocks as they sound to be almost more concrete mortar than red brick.

i have seen indeed homes under construction where more mortar than bricks were used.

I think you should cancel the builder, how about you put on a keg or 2 and a Bar B and we'll all come and sort it out for you.

Very kind, but I am committed and he seems very dedicated. Provided the house well built I am quite happy giving him the job as it helps the wife's family and one or two lesser family members who are working for him.

Regards

Dave

we don't care whether you cancel the contract or stick to it... as long as you provide a keg (or two)

1) Purely because of this fact, should I get a little strapped for cash, would I be correct in thinking that the juncture/compatibility/possible need for steel problems will not apply in MY build and that the use of red brick on some/all internal walls will be OK if cash necessitates PROVIDED I do not mix the the two types between pillars.

I cannot find a wall that is not between a pillar (either inside or outside).

2) I understand it is important a thick normal width layer of mortar goes between the wall floor base and the FIRST layer of Q Con block resting on it (to iron out irregularities of the base). Would this be normal mortar or a thick layer of the special Q con thin bead mortar.

ALSO

am I correct in assuming that this thicker layer is required a the top between the top layer Q con block and ceiling and ALSO between side pillar and Q Con block ends.

3) do builders ever use a small layer of red bricks for any small gap between top Q Con block and ceiling or should they always cut up a Q Con block to do this if there is a gap.

1. If that's the case, by all means use the red bricks on walls where it doesn't matter as much.

2. In my case it was regular cement, but then again it also wasn't *that* thick.. in fact in some cases it was only a couple of mm at most. I guess it depends on how flat the floor/beam they're resting on is.

3. In my case they always cut the Q-Con to close the gap.

Here's a pic showing both the top & bottom of my walls:

I think you should cancel the builder, how about you put on a keg or 2 and a Bar B and we'll all come and sort it out for you.

Very kind, but I am committed and he seems very dedicated. Provided the house well built I am quite happy giving him the job as it helps the wife's family and one or two lesser family members who are working for him.

Regards

Dave

we don't care whether you cancel the contract or stick to it... as long as you provide a keg (or two)

or 10 no doubt would be even better eh!!!

Thanks Razr and Naan AGAIN

Dave