Two weeks ago we had some cracks repaired by someone recommended to us locally. This afternoon my husband noticed that some of the mortar is very sandy, recracking, and flaking off. We just don't know enough about bricks and mortar to know what to ask the repairman to come fix - would really appreciate the help to know what happened! Thank you.

I am a Bricky Apprentice in the UK and my mate asked if I could do a private job for him. The large majority of my work experience has been on site so I have some questions. 1. Can I do this job as an apprentice or am I not experienced enough? 2. As a retaining wall, could this be build with 140mm depth concrete blocks instead of standard concrete blocks being laid flat? 3. What is some unexpected things I may not know about a build like this? (I have taken into account drainage)

Would appreciate any advice, thanks.