"We had a the best experience hiring Basement Systems. The work was done impeccably and professionally. Everyone on the crew was great. We love our dry clean basement!!"
"Great company work was done just as it was supposed to be they are very professional and would highly recommend this company for all your concrete needs"
"I am very pleased with the experience that BQ Basements gave . TJ and Byran explained what was being done, polite , efficient ,and went the extra mile to help me out ."
"Excellent work on French Drain! After a hiccup with stone laying, the issue was corrected and we are very happy with the finished product. Steve is the best! And thank you to Boni and Pedro as well. Great customer service!!"
We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We have many years of experience to give you confidence that we are your number one choice for concrete. You will find us to be competitively priced with close attention to the details. We look forward to building a lasting relationship and guarantee your satisfaction!
"?I own a 200-year-old farmhouse with a stone foundation, and I was really worried about the integrity of the structure. After reading some bad reviews about other companies damaging stone foundations, I chose Basement Waterproofing Specialists. They are a 4th generation family owned company.I was so glad I did?they were professional, thorough, and really took the time to protect my home. My basement is finally dry, and I feel confident . I would highly recommend them in every way! Price? Professionalism? Quality? And a lifetime of the structure warranty that is transferable?? Thank you. Mark HB Homes LLC"
For most brick cleaning jobs, including fireplace bricks, use a masonry sponge and a gentle cleaner. A simple solution of equal parts water and vinegar, or a few drops of dish soap in a bowl of water, can effectively remove grime. For tougher stains, you can use a dedicated masonry or fireplace cleaner. It is crucial to wet the bricks thoroughly with water before applying any cleaning solution to prevent the brick from absorbing it, and to rinse the surface completely afterward. Harsher cleaners containing bleach or ammonia should only be used as a last resort, and they should never be mixed together.
Masonry work tends to be more expensive because the materials can be costly, such as natural stone and brick. Masonry is also very labor intensive, typically making up 50% or more of the final project cost. In addition, quality masonry work requires years of training and experience, as with any skilled trade.
Unfortunately, there are many disadvantages to stone houses. They are slow to build and the materials are pricey, both of which balloon the total cost. Stone walls require a more robust foundation, which costs more to install. Running plumbing, electrical, and HVAC through a stone house is much more difficult too, so homeowners need to seriously consider if the aesthetic benefit is worth the cost of building with stone. One of the questions to ask a masonry contractor is if a similar aesthetic can be achieved with another material.
Cutting stone comes with a number of safety hazards. First and foremost, if you’re not comfortable with the equipment required to cut stone, including blades and grinders, you could easily injure yourself. The heavy machinery also poses a risk to your ears if you don’t wear proper ear protection; similarly, you need to wear eye protection to keep debris from irritating your eyes.
However, the biggest risk from cutting stone comes from the stone dust. When breathed in, stone dust can be a huge hazard to your lungs. Always wear a face mask when cutting stone to prevent inhaling stone dust, and thoroughly clean the work area when you are finished.
To avoid injury, we recommend hiring a stone-cutting professional, rather than attempting this job yourself.
The cost of masonry work varies widely depending on the type of masonry along with common cost factors like size, complexity, location, and season. Most exterior masonry work done in freezing temperatures tends to cost more because of the preparation and protection involved to keep the masonry from freezing before the mortar cures properly. The average price ranges per project or square foot for different types of masonry include:
Brick wall (fence, garden wall, etc.): $10–$45 per square foot
Natural stone wall: $40–$110 per square foot
Manufactured stone veneer: $20–$40 per square foot
Door or window lintel replacement costs $400 on average, but there are ways you can save. On the other hand, complicated work will increase costs considerably.
This guide features information on the costs to repair a brick wall, whether or not you need a brick mason to complete spalling, tuckpointing, or a full restoration.
Need to repoint brick in your home to make your home look fresh and new? Use this guide to repointing brick cost to price out your project before starting.
Discover the wide variety of masonry materials for your next home upgrade project. Our guide covers the different types of materials to choose from and more.
When it comes to masonry versus concrete, it can be easy to confuse the two. Use this guide to learn about the differences in appearance, strength, and more.