When Mark and Lucy embarked on their self-build journey in Surrey, they wanted a traditional brick exterior without the heavy costs and extended timelines that often come with full brick construction. After researching their options, they chose to use brick slips — a decision that helped them save both money and valuable build time.

Brick slips, which are thin slices of genuine brick, offered the authentic appearance they wanted while being far quicker and easier to install. “Initially, we were set on traditional brickwork,” explains Mark. “But once we factored in the cost of materials, labour, and the time needed to lay full bricks, it just didn’t stack up.”

By switching to brick slips fixed onto a timber-frame structure, the couple managed to cut their exterior cladding costs by around 20%. Installation was also much faster — completing in weeks rather than months — allowing them to move into their new home ahead of schedule.

Crucially, the final look didn’t compromise on quality. The brick slips were chosen to match the character of the local architecture, and the finished home looks indistinguishable from a traditional brick-built property. Internally, the thermal efficiency of the timber frame combined with external insulation behind the slips ensured the home met all modern energy standards.
Lucy adds, “We loved that we could still choose different textures and colours to get exactly the look we wanted. It made the design process much more flexible.”

For self-builders like Mark and Lucy, brick slips offer a smart alternative — combining the timeless appeal of brickwork with cost-effective, time-saving benefits.

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