OK update.
I’ve been deliberately ignoring this thread as it was adding to my stress levels (feeling I have to defend the design / my decisions) and I’ve had quite enough to cope with as it is.
However, current situation is:
Mrs Flaps got hold of QS guidelines for pricing jobs (her dad is a QS) and priced it. Asked Brickie to finish the job as per the ‘set rates’, he said no. So we parted company amicably. So I have 200 blocks laid, 200 bricks laid, no brickie and a duff pier.
Phoned round loads of brickies, all very busy, quoting Dec or even Jan for start. Have found one chap who might be able to fit me in this year and he’s coming round at WE to take a look.
If he can’t do it, I might start work at WEs and see how far I can get DIY…
So progress wise, not a lot has happened.