Bricks and mortar

One thing I'd like to get sorted over the summer is some of
the exterior brickwork. The mortar joints are in a bit of
a mess and the best solution is probably to repoint.
Another option is some form of render; this is something
only 5-10% of houses in the area have, but something to
research anyway.
Had one of these reps round (you know the sort - cheap
aftershave, fake tan, lots of gold); it cost me two and a
bit hours of my life and I can't get that time back!
After hearing the thorough spiel he drew a figure in large
numbers, showed it to me and asked my thoughts.
8.8k, just for the front of the house(!)
I responded. The price was reduced by 25%.
My next response was even shorter and 'direct'.
Then another price was quoted if I signed today at that
very moment. The worrying thing is these tactics must
work on some people! I'd never heard of this company or
seen their work first hand and was given the opportunity
and privilege of signing up on the spot to some
ridiculous 30quid a week for the next ten years repayment option.
Anyway at this point I was stood up and the front door was opened.
He got the hint.

Before and After (3)

Here are a few 'before' and 'during' photos of the lounge improvement project. Six months of fun and surprises! Hope to post some better after pics soon now the furniture's in.