Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Moore & Son Bricklaying Ltd carries full public liability insurance on every project. This covers damage to your property, neighbouring properties and any third-party liability arising from our work. We are happy to provide a copy of our insurance certificate on request before any work begins. You should always ask any tradesperson for proof of insurance before allowing them to start work on your property.

We are based in Fair Oak, Eastleigh and cover the majority of Hampshire for all landscaping and bricklaying services. Our regular working area includes Fair Oak, Eastleigh, Chandlers Ford, Bishopstoke, Winchester, Hedge End, Botley, West End, Horton Heath, Colden Common, Twyford, Otterbourne, Romsey, North Baddesley, Fareham, Whiteley, Wickham, Petersfield, Southampton, Bishop's Waltham, Alresford and Waterlooville. We cover SO, GU and PO postcode districts. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, call us on 07521 119699 and we will let you know straight away.

Yes. All workmanship carried out by Moore & Son is covered by a 12-month written guarantee. If anything is not right with the work within that period, we will return and put it right at no additional cost. The guarantee covers workmanship defects — it does not cover damage caused by third parties, extreme weather events or misuse. We stand behind every job we do and our repeat customer rate reflects that.

Jack Moore is the founder and lead tradesman at Moore & Son Bricklaying Ltd. He is City & Guilds trained in bricklaying and has over 18 years of hands-on experience across construction, groundworks and hard landscaping. Jack began his career at 18, completing a full apprenticeship working alongside his father at Foundation Building Services — delivering patios, drainage systems, foundations and structural works across Hampshire. He then spent eight years on large new-build developments constructing multi-million-pound foundations and structural brickwork, followed by specialist work with Farrell Brickwork focusing on high-volume residential bricklaying and complex bond patterns. When you hire Moore & Son, Jack is on site every day — not overseeing subcontractors from an office.

No. All work is carried out by Jack Moore and his own permanent team. We do not use agency workers, labour-only subcontractors or temporary staff. The people you meet at the quotation stage are the people who carry out your project. This matters because it means consistent quality, direct accountability and no communication failures between the person who priced the job and the people doing the work.

Yes. Moore & Son Bricklaying Ltd is listed and verified on Checkatrade. Our profile includes independently verified customer reviews. You can search for us at checkatrade.com/trades/mooresonsbricklayingltd. We are also listed on Google with a 5-star rating. We encourage you to read our reviews before making a decision.

You can reach us in several ways: call 07521 119699, send a WhatsApp message to the same number, use the contact form on our website, or email quote@landscaping-hampshire.co.uk. We aim to respond to all enquiries on the same day during working hours (Monday to Friday 7am–6pm, Saturday 8am–4pm). For a formal quote, use our online quote form and we will be in touch to arrange a site visit.

Most domestic landscaping work — patios, garden walls, fencing, turf and planting — does not require planning permission under permitted development rights. Key exceptions include: front garden paving over 5m² that is not permeable (requires permission or use of permeable materials), walls or fences over 1m adjacent to a highway or over 2m elsewhere, work in conservation areas or on listed buildings (which requires consent for almost any external changes), and work affecting protected trees (which requires a Tree Work application). We will identify any likely planning considerations when we visit your site.

Responsibility for boundary fences in England is generally determined by the title deeds of the property. A 'T' mark on the deeds indicates the owner of that boundary — the T points towards the property responsible for maintaining it. If no T mark exists, responsibility is shared. In practice, disputes are common and we recommend checking your title deeds before instructing any boundary fence work. We can erect a fence on your side of the boundary regardless of legal responsibility, but we will not remove or alter a neighbour's fence without their consent.

The most common reason is inadequate sub-base preparation. Hampshire's clay-heavy soils — particularly in Eastleigh, Fair Oak, Chandlers Ford and the SO50 corridor — move significantly with seasonal moisture changes. Patios laid on insufficient or poorly compacted sub-bases will sink, rock and crack within a few years as the ground beneath them shifts. The correct approach is to excavate to the appropriate depth, install a properly compacted Type 1 MOT sub-base of the correct thickness for the surface material and load, and ensure adequate drainage so water does not collect beneath the slab. We build to these standards on every project.

Yes. Hampshire's sub-soils vary significantly across the county. Chalk sub-soils, common around Winchester, Alresford and parts of Eastleigh, are generally stable and well-draining. However, chalk can be soft in wet conditions and can dissolve slowly over time if water is channelled directly onto it. Clay sub-soils, prevalent in Fair Oak, Bishopstoke and much of the SO50 corridor, move with seasonal moisture changes and require deeper foundations to reach stable ground. We have extensive local experience with Hampshire ground conditions and design foundations accordingly rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

No specific preparation is needed. It helps to have a rough idea of what you want to achieve and, if possible, the approximate area you want to cover. We will take measurements ourselves during the visit. If you have any photos or inspiration images you would like to share, bring them along. We will discuss materials, finishes, drainage, access and any other factors relevant to your project. The visit usually takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on complexity.

We accept bank transfer and cash. Bank transfer is our preferred method for larger payments as it provides a clear record for both parties. We provide a written receipt for all payments. We do not accept credit or debit card payments at this time. Payment terms are set out in your written quotation — typically a staged payment structure for larger projects with the balance due on completion.

Yes. Our gallery on this website shows a range of completed projects across Hampshire. You can also view our work on our Instagram page (@mooresonsbricklaying) and our Google Business profile. We are happy to share additional project photos relevant to your specific requirements during the site visit. We can also provide references from previous customers in your area on request.

Key things to check: proof of public liability insurance (always ask to see the certificate), evidence of qualifications or trade accreditation (City & Guilds, Checkatrade), a portfolio of relevant recent work, genuine customer reviews on independent platforms (Google, Checkatrade — not just testimonials on their own website), a clear written quotation before any work starts, and a stated workmanship guarantee. Be cautious of contractors who ask for large deposits upfront, quote only over the phone without visiting, or pressure you to accept quickly. A reputable contractor will give you time to consider and will not object to you checking their credentials.

Yes. All quotations are completely free with no obligation whatsoever. We visit every job in person before providing a price — we do not quote from photographs or rough descriptions over the phone. A site visit allows us to assess ground conditions, access, drainage requirements and any other factors that affect the final price. You will receive a clear, itemised written quotation setting out exactly what is included. There are no hidden costs and no surprise additions once work is underway.

We aim to visit within 3 to 7 working days of your initial enquiry, depending on current workload. Once we have visited your property, a written quotation is typically sent within 24 to 48 hours. For urgent projects or time-sensitive situations, call us directly on 07521 119699 and we will do our best to accommodate a faster turnaround.

For smaller projects a deposit may not be required. For larger projects — typically those over £2,000 — we request a staged payment structure: a deposit on confirmation, a mid-project payment at an agreed milestone, and the final balance on completion. We never ask for full payment upfront and we do not ask for large deposits before materials are ordered. Payment terms are set out clearly in your written quotation before any work begins.

Yes. We carry out bricklaying, groundworks, fencing, sleeper installation and most hard landscaping work throughout the year. Some services are weather-dependent — for example, we will not lay mortar in freezing conditions as this compromises the set and strength of the joint. Turf laying is best carried out between September and April when ground moisture levels are higher, though we lay turf year round with appropriate aftercare guidance. If seasonal conditions affect your project timeline, we will advise you at the quotation stage.

Timescales vary depending on the size, complexity and type of project. As a guide: a standard patio (20-40m²) typically takes 2 to 4 days; a garden wall takes 1 to 3 days; a full garden landscaping project may take 1 to 3 weeks. We will give you a clear start date and estimated completion time in your written quotation. We keep to our schedules, communicate if anything changes and do not leave sites half-finished to attend other jobs.

Patio installation costs in Hampshire typically range from £90 to £160 per square metre, depending on the material chosen and the complexity of the groundworks. Block paving patios start from around £90–£120/m². Indian sandstone patios range from £110–£140/m². Porcelain paving is the premium option at £130–£160/m². These prices are inclusive of excavation, Type 1 sub-base, laying, jointing and waste removal. Factors that affect cost include ground conditions, drainage requirements, access restrictions and the size of the project. All quotations are based on a free site visit.

A standard residential patio of 20 to 40 square metres typically takes 2 to 4 days to complete. Larger or more complex projects may take longer. The timeline includes excavation, sub-base preparation, laying and jointing. We allow adequate curing time before the surface is used. We will give you a clear timeline in your written quotation.

In most cases, no. Patios at ground level in a rear or side garden do not require planning permission. However, if you live in a conservation area or a listed building, you may need consent. Front garden paving that covers more than 5 square metres and is not permeable may require planning permission under permitted development rules. We will advise you on any planning considerations at the quotation stage.

Bricklaying costs vary significantly depending on the type and scale of the project. Garden walls typically cost £150–£300 per linear metre for single-skin construction, depending on height, foundation requirements and brick type. Extensions and structural brickwork are priced individually based on drawings and site assessment. All bricklaying quotations are based on a free site visit. We provide itemised written quotes with no hidden costs.

Brick matching is one of the most technically demanding aspects of domestic bricklaying, particularly on older Hampshire properties. We have extensive experience sourcing matching bricks and blending bond patterns to create extensions and repairs that are visually consistent with the original work. Where exact matches are not available, we can blend different brick types and adjust mortar colour to create a seamless result. We will assess your existing brickwork at the site visit and advise honestly on what is achievable.

Foundation depth depends on ground conditions, wall height and load. In Hampshire, chalk sub-soils around Winchester are generally stable, but clay-heavy ground in Eastleigh, Fair Oak and the SO50 corridor moves significantly with seasonal moisture changes. As a guide, strip foundations for garden walls are typically 450–600mm deep in stable ground and 600–900mm in clay or made-up ground. We assess ground conditions on every site visit and design foundations accordingly. Under-specified foundations are the primary cause of leaning and cracking walls in Hampshire.

Look for mortar joints that are visibly recessed more than 10mm, crumbling or powdery mortar that you can remove with a fingernail, water staining appearing on internal walls after rainfall, damp patches or efflorescence (white salt deposits) on external faces, or vegetation growing in joints. In Hampshire's freeze-thaw winters, deteriorating mortar accelerates quickly once moisture gets into the joints. Early repointing is significantly cheaper than repairing the structural damage that follows if left.

The correct mortar depends entirely on the age and type of brickwork. Bricks fired before approximately 1950 are typically softer than modern bricks and must be repointed with a lime-based mortar — usually NHL (natural hydraulic lime) in a ratio suited to the brick type. Using modern sand-and-cement mortar on soft bricks traps moisture inside the wall and causes the brick faces to spall (break away), creating an expensive repair. Modern brickwork built after 1950 can generally be repointed with a sand-and-cement mortar matched in colour to the original. We assess the brickwork type before recommending a specification.

Professionally repointed brickwork using the correct mortar specification should last 20 to 30 years or more. The lifespan depends on the quality of the mortar mix, how well the joints were prepared (raking out to sufficient depth), and exposure to weather. South and west-facing elevations in Hampshire face more wind-driven rain and will weather faster than sheltered aspects. We rake out joints to a minimum of 15–20mm depth before repointing to ensure the new mortar has adequate key.

Fencing costs in Hampshire typically range from £85 to £130 per linear metre for supply and installation, depending on fence type and height. Panel fencing with concrete posts and gravel boards starts from around £85–£110/m. Featheredge closeboard fencing — which is more durable and longer-lasting — costs £90–£130/m. These prices include removal of existing fencing, new concrete posts, gravel boards and panels or boards. Difficult access, sloping ground or rocky sub-soil may affect the final price.

A properly installed featheredge or closeboard fence with concrete posts and pressure-treated boards should last 15 to 25 years or more. The biggest causes of premature fence failure are: timber posts set directly in the ground without concrete (they rot within 5 to 10 years), panels or boards resting on the soil surface, and bright steel fixings that rust through quickly. We use concrete posts, gravel boards to keep timber off the ground, and galvanised fixings throughout. These details are what separate a fence that lasts from one that needs replacing in a few years.

In most cases, no. You can erect a fence up to 2 metres high in a rear garden and up to 1 metre high adjacent to a highway without planning permission. However, if you live in a conservation area, have a listed building, or there are specific conditions on your property's planning history, restrictions may apply. Always check with your local authority if you are unsure. We will advise on any likely planning considerations at the quotation stage.

The best time to lay turf in Hampshire is between September and April. Cooler temperatures and higher soil moisture during this period allow turf to root quickly and establish strongly without the risk of drought stress. Spring-laid turf (March to April) establishes well before summer. Autumn-laid turf (September to October) has the entire mild season to root before winter. Turf can be laid in summer but requires significantly more watering and careful aftercare. We lay turf year round and provide full aftercare guidance whatever the season.

A minimum of 100mm (10cm) of good quality topsoil is recommended for a healthy lawn. Many Hampshire gardens — particularly in Eastleigh, Fair Oak and the Chandlers Ford area — have thin, compacted topsoil over chalk or heavy clay subsoil. Laying turf directly onto these conditions without improvement leads to yellowing in dry periods and waterlogging in wet ones. We import quality screened topsoil and spread it to the correct depth before laying turf. As a rough guide, 100mm depth over 50m² requires approximately 5 tonnes of topsoil.

Artificial grass installation in Hampshire typically costs £45 to £80 per square metre for supply and installation, depending on pile height, quality and ground preparation required. Standard 35mm pile grass costs £45–£65/m². Premium 40mm pile ranges from £60–£80/m². These prices include excavation, compacted aggregate sub-base, weed membrane, laying and infill. The cost of ground preparation varies — gardens with heavy clay or poor drainage may require additional work.

A quality artificial grass installation on a properly prepared sub-base will typically last 10 to 15 years or more. The key factors affecting lifespan are UV resistance (look for UV-stabilised fibres), pile density, infill quality, and sub-base construction. Cheap artificial grass on a poor sub-base will sink, hold water and look tired within 2 to 3 years. We source artificial grass from reputable suppliers with UV-stabilised fibres and install on a compacted aggregate base with proper drainage falls.

Yes. Modern artificial grass uses soft, non-abrasive fibres that are safe for children and pets. We use drainage-backed grass that allows surface water to pass through quickly, preventing muddy puddles and reducing bacteria build-up. Silica sand infill is non-toxic. Artificial grass eliminates the mud and mess of natural lawns, making it particularly popular in Hampshire gardens used by children and dogs. Regular brushing and occasional rinsing is all that is required to keep it clean.

Pressure-treated softwood sleepers are the most commonly used option. They are cost-effective, readily available in standard sizes (typically 200×100mm) and treated to resist rot and insect attack. They are suitable for raised beds, low retaining walls and path edging. Hardwood oak sleepers are the premium choice — naturally durable, visually striking and typically more resistant to weathering over time. Oak sleepers develop a beautiful silver-grey patina as they age. They are heavier and more expensive than softwood but are the preferred choice for prominent garden features. Both types are concreted into position for structural applications.

Retaining walls up to 1 metre high in most residential garden settings do not require planning permission. Walls over 1 metre adjacent to a highway, or over 2 metres elsewhere, may require consent. However, structural considerations are equally important — taller sleeper retaining walls must be engineered to withstand the soil pressure behind them, particularly in wet conditions when waterlogged soil is significantly heavier. We design drainage provision into all retaining structures and use rebar through-pinning on taller walls to ensure they stay in position.

The size of your concrete base should match the footprint of the structure plus at least 50–100mm overhang on each side. Thickness depends on load: a standard shed or garden room base should be a minimum of 100mm thick concrete on a 100mm compacted sub-base. For heavier structures such as garages, hot tubs or machinery, 150mm concrete on a 150mm sub-base with A193 reinforcement mesh is recommended. We will advise on the correct specification for your structure at the site visit.

In most cases, no. Concrete bases for sheds, garden rooms and outbuildings are generally permitted development provided the structure they support falls within permitted development limits (typically under 2.5m eaves height in a rear garden). If the structure is a garage or is positioned within 2 metres of a boundary, different rules apply. We will flag any potential planning issues at the quotation stage, but you should always verify with your local planning authority before proceeding.

C20 and C25 refer to the compressive strength of the concrete mix — C20 achieves 20 newtons per square millimetre and C25 achieves 25 N/mm² at 28 days. C20 is suitable for light-use bases such as garden paths and small shed bases. C25 is the standard specification for most residential concrete bases, driveways and foundations, offering better durability and resistance to surface wear. We use C25 concrete as standard on all bases we construct. For driveways subject to regular vehicle loading, C30 or above is recommended.

Porcelain paving is currently the most popular choice for Hampshire gardens. It is frost-resistant, stain-resistant, low-maintenance and available in a wide range of formats and colours. Indian sandstone offers a warmer, more natural appearance and is an excellent mid-range option. Limestone suits more formal or period settings. Block paving is a practical and flexible choice for driveways and utility areas. The best material depends on your budget, aesthetic preference and how the patio will be used. We bring samples to site visits so you can make an informed choice in context.