Frequently Asked Questions

We are based in Bungay, Suffolk, and cover the whole of Suffolk and Norfolk. Whether you are in the Waveney Valley, out on the North Norfolk coast, or in Ipswich or Norwich, we are able to take on projects across both counties. If you are unsure whether we cover your location, give us a call or send us an enquiry — we will be happy to let you know.

Yes. We offer a free, no-obligation quote on all projects. Contact us by phone or via the contact form, tell us about your project, and we will arrange a convenient time to visit the site and provide a written quotation.

Doughty Construction Ltd specialises in brickwork and masonry, including new builds, extensions, blockwork, groundwork, garden and retaining walls, decorative brickwork, repointing and brick repair. We also offer both labour-only and full supply-and-fit packages to suit different client and developer requirements.

Brick and mortar matching is one of the most important — and challenging — aspects of extension and refurbishment work. We take care to source a facing brick and mortar mix that is as close as possible to the existing elevation, taking into account the brick colour and texture, the bond pattern, and the joint profile. On some properties, particularly older buildings, an exact match is not possible with new materials; in those cases we discuss the options with you so you can make an informed decision before work starts.

We have experience working on period buildings and in conservation areas across Suffolk and Norfolk — areas where there are strict requirements around brick specification, mortar type (often lime-based) and repair methods. Any work on a listed building or within a conservation area requires planning permission or listed building consent; we would advise you to confirm this with your local planning authority before work starts. We can advise on appropriate materials once the consent is in place.

Lime mortars are softer and more flexible than cement-based mortars, which makes them the appropriate choice for older or historic buildings — particularly anything pre-1920. Using a hard cement mortar on a lime-mortared wall traps moisture and can cause brick faces to spall and crack over time. On modern buildings, cement or hydraulic-lime mortars are typically appropriate. We assess the building and recommend the right specification before starting any repointing or repair work.

Yes. If you have already sourced your brick, block and mortar, or have your own supply arrangements, we offer a labour-only package where our team provides the bricklaying expertise and you supply the materials. This is a popular option with self-builders and developers who have existing material supply relationships.

Yes. We work on new-build residential developments from a single self-build plot up to schemes of 200 units. For larger projects we coordinate our programme with the groundwork team and structural engineer, and we can provide both labour-only and supply-and-fit packages depending on the requirements of the main contractor or developer.

Cracking in brickwork can have a number of causes — settlement, thermal movement, failed mortar, tree-root activity, or subsidence. We would always recommend getting a professional assessment before carrying out any repair, so the underlying cause is understood and the right repair method is specified. Contact us and we can visit the site to take a look and advise you on the most appropriate course of action.

You can reach us by phone on 07957 003577 (mobile) or 01986 483828 (landline), Monday to Friday 08:00–17:00 and Saturday 08:00–12:00. You can also use the contact form on this site and we will get back to you as promptly as we can. For anything that needs a written record, email is best: justin@doughtyconstructionltd.co.uk.

Doughty Construction Ltd is Justin Doughty's construction and brickwork contracting company. If you have been referred to us or found us under either name, you are in the right place — please get in touch via the contact details on this site.