About Richard
Richard provides a reliable, high quality building and property maintenance service, covering North Lancashire and South Lakeland.
Richard has worked solely in the construction industry for 40 years. After leaving school he served his apprenticeship in Yorkshire as a mason bricklayer. His passion for building led him to teach construction as a qualified lecturer for 13 years, specialising in brickwork at both Kirklees College and Kendal College. His experience and qualifications mean he has the knowledge to turn your ideas into a reality.
Carrying out a varied service; from minor repairs to larger projects, we understand the importance of communication and reliability and that having work done to your property can be intrusive and stressful. We therefore ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum and show the utmost respect to you and your home.
We strongly believe that communication is key, as well as a straightforward, honest approach. We will keep you informed of progress every step of the way and there will never be hidden costs on completion of the work.
If your property is in need of repair or if you would like to discuss your ideas for making changes to your home (or if you simply need a few DIY jobs done) please get in touch.
Customer Reviews:
"We just want to thank you for doing such a fantastic job of our steps and paving. To say we are pleased with what you’ve done would be a huge understatement, your attention to detail, professional approach, and nothing is too much trouble attitude is a credit to you, and we shall certainly be recommending you to our friends."
"I have no hesitation recommending Richard Blacker and we have used him for four jobs (so far). He is always knowledgeable about how to best meet our requirements but is open to our wishes. He is reliable, hard working, considerate and perseveres in all weather to get the job done. He is also very efficient at clearing up . We are very pleased to have discovered him."
"Richard is amazing... reliable, hard working and all jobs completed with care & attention to detail. Communication with Richard & Janet and their organisation is fantastic too. Would definitely recommend!"
"Gave a clear explanation of how the work was to be undertaken - four very different pieces of work on the outside of the house. Followed up with a prompt and clear estimate. The work was completed to a high standard within the agreed timescales. I would have no hesitation in recommending Richard who is a pleasant, courteous and considerate workman."
"An excellent professional job, well done with expertise and good-humoured patience. I can highly recommend this very pleasant and tidy workman."
Gallery
Herringbone Style Fireplace
A stone fireplace was removed from this 18th century property and a new fireplace and alcove were created using oak beams and handmade brick slips laid in a herringbone style. A slate hearth was incorporated ready for a wood pellet stove to be installed.
Front Garden Wall
An existing front garden stone wall was taken down and rebuilt using new limestone and topped off with stone cappings.
Circular Patio
A radius patio was laid in the centre of the client’s rear garden, using Indian sandstone flags and square setts around the perimeter.
Composite Decking
A raised composite decking area was created around a hot tub. The decking also incorporated composite balustrade.
Boarding Out a Loft
A large loft was boarded out using chipboard tongue and groove floorboards. The boards were placed on, and secured to, loft legs to prevent the Rockwell insulation from being compressed. Timber supports were added down either side of the boarded area to prevent the ceiling joists from sagging.
Limestone Wall
A new limestone wall with Indian sandstone copings was built at Crooklands Hotel to extend the front beer garden.
Composite Decking
An area of composite decking was built in the corner of the client’s garden to provide a small seating area.
Shed Base
A raised shed base was built in order to prevent flooding during inclement weather.
Raised Decking Area
A raised decking area was created to allow access from the client's newly converted home gym.
Front Garden Wall
A wall was built using random sized artificial stone with stone copings.
Decking
A decking area was built above an existing patio in preparation for glass balustrades to be installed.
Banding Windows
A client recently had new windows installed by a window company. I was asked by the client to do the banding to the window reveals to make them weathertight.
Porch
A new porch with a sandstone front, rendered/dashed sides and a gable end type pitched roof was constructed to match the existing building.
Sandstone Steps and Wall
Random sandstone was used to create steps to gain access to a higher garden level. The wall was also built using random sandstone to enclose a section of the large garden. It was finished using handmade half-round sandstone toppers.
Veranda
A new veranda was built using clear roof panels to allow a more light and airy feel.
Stone Flagged Patio
A concrete flagged area was taken up and a new stone flagged patio was built.
Trellis
Convex topped trellis panels were fixed to an existing dividing wall to create height and privacy.
Porch
A new porch was built to gain access to an existing utility room, to the side of the client's property.
Refurbished Stone Wall
A client's wall was in need of repair so, using existing materials, loose stones and top stones were re-bedded and the wall was given a complete facelift.
Decking and Steps
A raised decked area, incorporating steps, was designed and built to gain easier access to the lower section of garden and also to create a small seating area.
Steps & Path/Patio
New stone steps and a path/patio area was created using Indian stone flags.
New Airing Cupboard
Slatted shelves were built inside a large landing cupboard to create this airing cupboard style storage area.
Concrete Flagged Patio
A new concrete flagged patio was built for this luxury lodge holiday home.
Bespoke Log Store with Doors
This bespoke log store was built as a stand alone construction. Doors were included as an extra feature to store kindling. Log stores can be built in any design, size or location to suit your needs.
Wall Re-built
I took down and rebuilt this retaining garden wall (as it was leaning) using both existing stone and imported stone to match.
Rose Arbour
The client requested a tall rose arbour where, in time, climbing plants can be grown.
Creation of Window Opening
A new window opening was created using drafted quoin stones and pointed to match the existing wall.
Wall and Fence
The retaining wall was rebuilt using existing stone. A bespoke post and rail fence was then built to enclose the garden.
A New Door Opening Was Created
A new opening was made for a bespoke stable door, to allow access to the client's rear garden. The original slate was used to build the door jamb and new steps.
Entrance Gates
New entrance gates were fitted to the driveway along with five feet high, seven inch square treated timber posts.
Sandstone Garden Wall and Gate
A sandstone garden wall, finished with half round topping stones, was built and a garden gate installed.
Bespoke Log Store
This bespoke log store was built against an existing garden shed. Log stores can be built in any design, size or location to suit your needs.
Re-pointing
The front of this brick built house was re-pointed to increase weather proofing and to give a more aesthetically pleasing look.
Re-pointing Flags
Existing stone flags were raked out and re-pointed to give the patio area a fresh look.
Converting Two Rooms Into One
A steel beam was used to support the upstairs floor, then a wall was removed to convert two small rooms into one large one. An internal door was blocked off and plastered to create extra wall space.
Stable Door
This bespoke stable door was built for a porch on a roundhouse, using larch timber boards.
'Hit and Miss' Design Garden Fence
A bespoke 'hit and miss' design garden fence was built on top of the client's existing wall.
Garage Side Door and Access Ramp
A side door was created in this garage and a ramp built for convenient access. A fence and handrail were added for safety.
Greenhouse Base and Sandstone Path
A greenhouse base was built using concrete bricks and a sandstone path was laid around it, both to the client's specification.
Bespoke Feather Edge Fence
This photograph shows how having a bespoke fence provides a much neater structure than using off-the-shelf fence panels.
Contact
Have a question or need a quote?