Firstly I removed all the rubble from the collapsed wall and cleared the site.
Dig a foot deep trench always using a length of string as a straight edge.
Neatly position the string in a line where you want the front of the bricks to line up.
Next tie the string around a brick and lay it down at the exact place that you need to lay your first brick
Neatly stretch the string until the line is straight then weigh down the furthest end of the string with a normal size brick.
Neatly and accurately dig out the foundation.
You now have a trench with a very straight front, and you’re now ready to really start the work.
Mix up concrete using this formula.
3 parts sand, to 2 parts gravel to 1 part cement.
Really mix these items well together in a cement mixer.
Now it is all mixed, add water and create your concrete, with a good consistency.
Fill the trench with your newly made concrete.
Ensure it is just below ground level.
Smooth it out and lay a length of wood or if you have it, timber on the top and level it accurately with a spirit level.
Now you will find you have a truly level surface you can remove the length pf wood/timber and leave the concrete for a day to harden.
This is the base of your brick wall.
The rest of your bricks will sit on this and the concrete will share the weight of the brickwork.
Within twenty four hours you can start to lay the remaining bricks.
Mix up cement but this time without any gravel.
Three parts sand to one part cement is ideal.
Once again place your line of string at the front edge of the wall.
Take your first trowel full of mortar and smooth it over the concrete bed leaving between 1/2 inch ad 3/4 inch of mortar to lay the bricks on.
Make a bed of mortar for about ten bricks.
Lay the first brick on the cement.
Always use the spirit level to get it 100% flat.
Gently tap the brick with the handle of the trowel to firm it into place.
Cover one end of the next brick with mortar and place it next to the first one, pushing gently so that the mortar sticks them together.
Next move the length of string up to the front edge of the very first brick and gently put a weight on it to hold it firmly in.
Go to the far end of the wall and lay a brick there with the same 1/2 inch of mortar under it.
Position the string on the edge of this brick and gently weigh it down.
You now have a nice straight edge to work with.
Now you’re ready to lay your bricks.
Simple yet effective.
Remember if you need to find a suitable builder, always ask for their credentials and even testimonials, prior to employing them.
The internet is an ideal place to find decent builders, but be careful. Ask questions, ask for proof of their abilities.
It’s you they’re working for!