"After getting quotes from five contractors, we decided to go with David Ricard Masonry. David and his brother John are consummate professionals. They provided by far the best value for the money. to repoint a large external portion of our stone chimney and replace the chimney crown. The moment I spoke with David, I knew we had picked the right person for the job. In addition, David does not try to up sell unneeded services. We made the deal on a handshake and the work was performed on time, within budget and with a multi-year guarantee. I would highly recommend David Ricard Masonry and plan to call on their services for additional masonry projects. In the attached photos you can see the condition of a portion of the chimney before and after repointing."
"Rigo’s team did an outstanding job repairing my two chimneys and a brick wall along my driveway, and they pressure washed the patio. I would definitely hire them again and recommend them to respond to your masonry and repair work. Great job!"
"G&D construction did a great job! They installed a 14 x 14 patio foundation for a shed. They were timely and responsive with the initial inquiries. The job was completed as expected. The team was professional and polite! Castillo and team were awesome!"
"We hired XtraCare to rebuild a failing retaining wall along our driveway, repoint the masonry on another retaining wall, install a French drain behind the retaining wall that wasn’t rebuilt, and reconstruct a concrete walkway that had subsided over the years. We had requested quotes from several reputable contractors, and XtraCare submitted a very reasonable bid. While it was not the lowest one received, our initial meeting with Cleber convinced us that he had a much better sense of the myriad challenges posed by the project (e.g., difficult topography, drainage issues, potential permitting obstacles) than the other contractors did. The project manager, CJ, was always responsive and let us know what to expect at every stage of the project. The crew was unfailingly friendly and diligent and even completed some work that was outside the scope of the project (repointing some crumbling mortar on the porch adjacent to the new retaining wall they built). We are extremely pleased with the results! Even the building inspector complemented us on the excellent craftsmanship. And two weeks after they completed the job, the crew returned to clean and inspect the wall one more time. Finally, the office staff – Mari and Raquel – were exceedingly helpful and communicative, always keeping us apprised of what was happening on the project and what to expect next. We cannot recommend XtraCare highly enough. They truly went above and beyond, and we intend to use them for any future projects on our house."
"Very thorough preparation--removal of prior driveway, substantial excavation to permit required base of crushed stone and sand, concrete footings around perimeter of driveway to stabilize edges of paver driveway. Very nice work setting pavers, setting trim pavers on edges, trimming pavers to fit where driveway wasn't square, and applying polymeric sand to seal joints."
"I really like them. The guy was upfront with me and he had a nice flashlight. I think we had a communication breakdown because I was positive they said July 11th and when July 11th came and went and no one showed up. The lady called me back and told me I was down for July 17th. I just got out of the hospital and I was on a lot of medication so I could have misunderstood. They were supposed to be here at 8 and they showed up a couple hours late. 3 workers should up to do the masonry work and 2 more showed up to put the insert in. I would highly recommend them to anyone. Right now I do not have any complaints with them other than they were a little bit late, but it was not really a big deal. Every time I have called, they have called me back."
"Great drawings and very professional. I’m putting this project on hold until the fall. It appears there’s other items on the foundation wall that needs to be taken care of before the landscaping company can do their job"
"We got estimates from 3 companies for this work. The other two were too high or commensurate, but neither were able to commit to a timeframe. Master Fences was on-time, held to the budget, did an excellent job, and cleaned the area nicely. Very pleased."
"NV was the only foundation company that responded to my estimate request and was very responsive in scheduling an estimate. They also called a day in advance to confirm. Bruce came out on time, gave a straightforward assessment of the issue (cosmetic cracks in parging), provided explanations of what may have caused the cracks, and offered options of how a masonry company could repair the issue. He was friendly and professional. I'd definitely recommend Bruce @ NV for those looking to determine issues with their foundation."
"American Custom Concrete resurfaced our patio, replaced our steps to the back of house and the concrete steps to the laundry room last month. We were very pleased with the way it all turned out and the quality of work. They were a pleasure to work with."
When reviewing quotes for masonry work in Washington, watch for vague descriptions of brick repair or foundation work, missing details about materials, or reluctance to discuss local soil and drainage conditions. Be cautious if a contractor avoids providing a written contract, lacks references from Washington homeowners, or pressures you to sign quickly. Always request a clear breakdown of labor and materials before making a decision.
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In Washington, hidden costs for masonry projects often include permit fees, extra charges for working in historic neighborhoods, or the need for structural assessments. Narrow streets and limited parking can increase delivery or access expenses. Homeowners may also face added costs if unexpected issues like poor drainage, matching historic bricks, or discovering hidden structural damage arise during brick repair or foundation work.
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In Washington, repair is usually more cost-effective than full replacement, especially for historic homes or when damage is limited to specific areas. Techniques like tuckpointing or targeted brick replacement help preserve original materials and often require fewer approvals. This approach can also speed up project timelines. Full replacement is generally reserved for severe structural issues or when modern building codes or energy upgrades are necessary.
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Washington residents can choose eco-friendly masonry options like recycled bricks, permeable pavers, or fly ash concrete blocks from local suppliers. Using insulated concrete forms or locally sourced stone enhances energy efficiency and reduces transportation impact. Many homeowners in Washington also incorporate green construction practices, such as rainwater management and reflective surfaces, to improve sustainability and meet modern building standards.
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Masonry in Washington benefits from annual inspections for cracks, cleaning to remove debris and plant growth, and checking sealants and drainage systems. Every few years, it’s wise to renew waterproofing and repair mortar joints to prevent moisture damage. Pay special attention to freeze-thaw cycles, humidity, and salt exposure, particularly for historic properties or street-facing walls, to extend the life of your brickwork and foundation.
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The Washington, DC homeowners’ guide to masonry services
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