House Construction Guide - How to Build a Wall

Continuing on from the foundations this guide explains how to build a wall.

To ensure the job is performed quickly and with precision you will need to acquire:

Mortar Mix (sand and cement)
Trowel
Claw Hammer
Spirit Level
String Line
Water
Jointer
Sweeping Brush
Tape Measure
Galvanized Nails
Wall Ties
Bricks and Concrete Blocks
Wheelbarrow
Shovel
Safety Gear

First task is to set out the wall profile. This shouldn't take long but it's important to get right.

First take a measurement from the foundation plan for one of the proposed walls and then transfer the measurements to the foundation. Create reference points using nails and then link them to create a guideline profile.

Once the string lines are set out the next thing is to mix some mortar. (sand, cement and water at a ratio of 3:1.)

Once you’re happy with the consistency lay some on the foundations. Then take a concrete block and place it so that it sits tight with the string line.

Check that it's level with the foundation using a spirit level, and then remove any excess mortar.

Keep an eye on the quality of your trowel-work and ensure the block faces are kept clean. Practice pointing and bedding and continually review the accuracy of each vertical and horizontal plane.

Continue this along the entire length of the string line until you have a course completed. Use a hammer and chisel to break blocks where necessary to get them to fit.

Once a few courses have been built allow for the mortar to set.

When the wall reaches ground level it will require a damp proof membrane. Where and what type to use will be specified on the drawings.