Mustafa Chaudhary, 54, of Westfield Road, Caversham, is an architectural designer who has lived in Reading most of his life.
He has recently expressed his exasperation at builders after seeing bricks whitened by efflorescence at two separate new developments.
Mr Chaudhary first spotted brick whitening at the 60-home Carters Court development in Caversham Road.
“We’re gunna have to look at that!” neighbour complains about ‘shocking’ brickwork
He has also blasted bricklayers at a site where 40 new affordable homes are being built further along Caversham Road, at its junction with Great Knollys Street.
The site, which was previously occupied by Avis Budget Car Rental, is being developed by the housing association Abri.
Mr Chaudhary recorded the ‘poor work’ in two Facebook Live videos.
He said: “I reached home and I was so incensed from what I’ve seen I’ve driven back out to say something about it.
“My goodness, look at the shocking state of that brickwork!
He then quipped: “Abri: ‘more land required’. Well I hope they don’t get more to put this kind of stuff up!
“Look at the state of it. It’s a shambles!”
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Mr Chaudhary said: “These are two prominent sites. In planning terms a corner site should be kept well because it is in a prominent position.”
He has theorised that an overhaul is needed in the training of new bricklayers.
Mr Chaudhary said: “Brickwork is about the joints, they need to be even. There’s no sophistication.
“Old school bricklayers knew this, we have lost that generation – maybe there are some out there, we need to champion them. Churning out bricklayers from college is not doing it – there’s been a real drop in standards.
“I hope they don’t churn out cookie-cutter employees. In the old days, you would train for years before you could do what is called face work. This pursuit of fast development is driving down standards. Everything is bland.”
He suggested that building sites should be properly monitored for quality control.
Mr Chaudhary said: “I love Reading, it’s a lovely place to live. I was born in Dellwood. I want a high level and standard of aesthetic, I think we deserve it. I’d like the public to be aware of standards and call it out.”
In response to his videos, John Kelly, production director at Abri said: “We’re committed to delivering high-quality homes and are aware of the presence of efflorescence on some brickwork at our new development on Caversham Road.
“Efflorescence is a natural and temporary occurrence caused by moisture drawing out mineral salts to the surface of bricks.
“This should fade over time with exposure to normal weather conditions. If any treatment is needed, our team is ready to respond with the appropriate solution as the homes near completion.”
Abri is also in progress building 54 new affordable homes in Chatham Street, and 83 affordable homes at Emmer Green Drive.
It also took over Silva Homes in Bracknell last year.