I agree with Wild Infusion. You need to find out what the cause of the water penetration is before you cover it up - this will only keep breaking down as the water is coming in through the brick and pushing out behind the render. No matter what product you put on the wall it will keep bubbling off over time. You need to see if the soil is above your slab line. If the wall is retaining soil on the outside there is a fairly good chance the waterproofing membrane has broken down (if it even exists). It it isnt retaining soil then the surround ground may have been increased in height and may now breach the damp course. Another problem that you could look at is the down pipes and storm water system. Check for cracking of fitting and joints you may have a water leak that is causing an excess of moisture in the area. Call your local Master Builders office and ask who the best person is to look at this problem and if they can suggest anyone in particular.

Hi jayvall, my tiler was $80 per square metre so if you add on the waterproofing (and screed I assume) i don't think it seems too outrageous. Apparently it depends on the sort of tile you use. The rounded edge tiles are cheaper to lay because they aren't so fiddly. Rectified tiles take more time because they have to be squared up perfectly to look good so cost more to install. I have done two bathrooms now (and a fully tiled laundry) each one I have thought "the tiling in taking forever!" But to get it right is time consuming- all that planning the tiler has to do to get everything lined up. Getting the waterproofing right is obviously very important too. Giving each coat time to dry which means going away and coming back another day. Same with the screed - allowing it time to dry properly. Good luck with your project.

Hi Bron. I'm totally with those who have suggested a. Colorbond Monument and b. No rendering. As a professional renovator, I see clients who had not taken into account the maintenance - cleaning, patching the cracks when the house moved and they all do, eventually) and would not render again. Bagging is really old-fashioned. The bricks are a great colour to work with. The suggestions of plants , a path leading (directing visitors) to your door, and I'll add using a feature colour on the door (an unobtrusive screen door - or even removing it) would make a big difference. It would be great to see a pic of the house from the street to see if there's anything else to suggest. Happy reno!!

Unless you have the money to update everything else to better complement the bricks, painting them will give you a much more updated look. Over the past 18mths I’ve been working on the front and landscape of my current house, including painting the bricks and it has made the world of difference! I’ve attached a before and after photo! Good luck.