Q: What are the disadvantages of stone houses?

• <div><p>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<a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/questions-ask-masonry-contractor.htm"> questions to ask a masonry contractor</a> is if a similar aesthetic can be achieved with another material. </p></div>

Q: What does a mason do?

• <div><p>A mason lays brick or stone together, sometimes with mortar in between the bricks and stones, and sometimes without mortar, also called a dry-stack or surface bonding. Examples of work masons do include:</p><ul><li><p>Brick, stone, or cement block houses and buildings</p></li><li><p>Freestanding stone or <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/brick-wall-cost.htm">brick walls</a></p></li><li><p>Chimneys with wood-burning fireplaces</p></li><li><p>Cement block basement or crawl space walls</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: What is the downside of painting brick?

• <div><p>While painting can certainly change the look of a chimney, you should think twice about giving your brick chimney the old landlord special.</p><p>Painting brick is porous, meaning it&rsquo;s full of tiny holes that can soak up moisture. Those holes also allow it to dry, though. So, when you paint it, you trap any moisture inside, providing an opportunity for mold, mildew, and water damage.</p><p>Paint also shows wear faster than naked brick. This means that once you paint a brick surface, you&rsquo;ll have to keep painting it to maintain a clean look. A paint job is also harder to undo on brick because of its porous nature. Once you paint it, it&rsquo;s hard to go back without some serious power washing&mdash;another added cost.</p></div>

Q: Does the brick need to be cleaned before staining?

• <div><p>Yes, brick should be clean before staining to ensure the best results. Dirt, dust, mold, mildew, and other substances on the brick can prevent the stain from properly adhering to it. Thoroughly cleaning the brick allows the stain to penetrate and bond to the surface more effectively. Cleaning typically involves using a pressure washer or a stiff brush with mild detergent. However, stubborn residue may require a specialized masonry cleaner. </p></div>

Q: How long does stone last?

• <div><p>Stone can last anywhere from 15 to 100 years before it needs to be restored. You should clean your stone flooring or countertops regularly using cleaners designed for stone surfaces. Stay on top of vacuuming to prevent scratches from deteriorating stone faster, deep clean your stone surfaces using a pH-neutral cleaning solution at least once a year, and reseal the stone every one to five years, depending on foot traffic or usage.</p></div>

Three Bear Contracting, LLC

Three Bear Contracting, LLC

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

4 years of experience

We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests and make their concerns the basis of our business.

"Justin provided some solutions to a foundation project and helped fix an irrigation problem with same day service. Justin is very knowledgeable and willing to explain the problem and how best to fix it."

Cody R on January 2024

We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests and make their concerns the basis of our business.

"Justin provided some solutions to a foundation project and helped fix an irrigation problem with same day service. Justin is very knowledgeable and willing to explain the problem and how best to fix it."

Cody R on January 2024

MTU Services LLC

MTU Services LLC

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

4 years of experience

Protect the investment you’ve made with the knowledgeable team at MTU Services LLC. We are your local basement and foundation experts serving all of Washington state and North Idaho. We offer customized basement waterproofing, foundation repair, concrete crack repair, and basement sump pump solutions and egress windows for your home. Contact MTU Services LLC today to learn more about how we can help you protect your home. Give us a call to request a quote or to schedule service. Services include: leaking basement or crawl space repairs, foundation cracks repaired, lifting piers and levelling for your home or building, sup um systems and more.

"The project at xxxxx was complete last Thursday. Impressive is an understatement for Jesse and his crew. Excellent communication; excellent followthrough and project completed within estimated timeline and completed as quoted. From our original contact with MTU Services on Aug 20th, through the proposal, scheduling and actual project, MTU has provided service excellence! Thank you!!! I recommend MTU services!"

Gina B on October 2025

Protect the investment you’ve made with the knowledgeable team at MTU Services LLC. We are your local basement and foundation experts serving all of Washington state and North Idaho. We offer customized basement waterproofing, foundation repair, concrete crack repair, and basement sump pump solutions and egress windows for your home. Contact MTU Services LLC today to learn more about how we can help you protect your home. Give us a call to request a quote or to schedule service. Services include: leaking basement or crawl space repairs, foundation cracks repaired, lifting piers and levelling for your home or building, sup um systems and more.

"The project at xxxxx was complete last Thursday. Impressive is an understatement for Jesse and his crew. Excellent communication; excellent followthrough and project completed within estimated timeline and completed as quoted. From our original contact with MTU Services on Aug 20th, through the proposal, scheduling and actual project, MTU has provided service excellence! Thank you!!! I recommend MTU services!"

Gina B on October 2025

Chaud Company Plumbing Services LLC

4.96(

26

)

Chaud Company Plumbing Services LLC

4.96(

26

)

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 96% of Angi customers

Licensed, bonded and insured Plumbing service and repair contractors performing all aspects of supplying and installing piping systems for homes and commercial properties. Design and remodel of kitchens and bathrooms. Faucet replacement and repair, water heater replacement and repair done by factory trained technicians expert drain cleaning using state of art equipment

Dorian Visionheart Dyer

4.80(

5

)

Dorian Visionheart Dyer

4.80(

5

)

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

I am a self-taught artist, initially drawn to experiment with pastels and colored pencil, and now working with acrylic on canvas. My art speaks for itself.

Vietzke Trenchless Inc

4.20(

10

)

Vietzke Trenchless Inc

4.20(

10

)

Customers say: Super punctual

77 years of experience

We are a full service excavating company, specializing in the latest trenchless water and sewer repair solutions, to serve you in Spokane and the surrounding areas. Since we opened our doors in 1948, we specialize in trenchless solutions for your home. Our goal is to find the most effective way to save you money, with minimum effect on your home. Trust that you and your home are in good hands with our professional team. Call us today to learn more about our available services!

Sweets Plumbing

4.08(

12

)

Sweets Plumbing

4.08(

12

)

Customers say: Quick response

83 years of experience

Additional DBA - Sweet's Sewer Drain & Cleaning. For all your sewer and water needs one call we do it all.

Western Building Maintenance

4.43(

7

)

Western Building Maintenance

4.43(

7

)

Customers say: True professional

63 years of experience

Additional phone numbers - (208) 866-4010, (208) 870-9106, (208) 830-4451.

Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.40(

5

)

Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.40(

5

)

36 years of experience

Our mission at Hampton Enterprise LLC is to provide clients with superior customer service, quality work and speedy service in all aspects of their home improvement needs. Licensed, insured and trusted since 1989; come discover the Hampton difference today! We specialize in the installation and repair of Windows, Doors, Flooring, Sinks, Bathtubs, Showers, Sprinkler Systems and much more. We also offer Interior and Exterior Home Painting, Custom Welding Fabrication and Carpentry.Localy in your area just call and i will call back with a local number thank you . from James Hampton AL.Dothan 334-648-3817, AL Birmingham 334-648-3817, AL Huntsville 334-648-3817, AL Mobile 334-648-3817, AL Tuscaloosa 334-648-3817, AL Montgomery 334-578-4761, AR Little Rock 334-648-3817, AZ Phoenix 334-648-3817, CA LosAngeles/Sacramento 334-648-3817, CO Denver/Colorado Springs 334-648-3817, CT Hartford 334-648-3817, DE Dover 334-648-3817, FL Tallahassee 334-648-3817, FL Cape Canaveral/ Cocoa 334-648-3817, FL. Destin 334-648-3817, FL Gainsville 334-648-3817 Fl Jacksonville 334-648-3817, FL Orlando 334-648-3817, FL Panama City 334-648-3817, FL Tampa 334-648-3817, FL Miami 334-648-3817, GA Atlanta 334-648-3817, GA Albany 334-648-3817, GA Augusta 334-648-3817, GA Columbus 334-648-3817, GA Macon 334-648-3817, GA Valdosta 334-648-3817, IA Des Moines 334-648-3817, ID Boise 334-648-3817, IL Chicago/Springfield 334-648-3817, IN Indianapolis 334-648-3817, KS Levenworth/Topeka 334-648-3817, KY Frankfort 334-648-3817, LA New orleans/Baton Rouge 334-648-3817, MA Boston 334-648-3817, MD Annapolis 334-648-3817, ME Augusta 334-648-3817, MI Detroit/Lansing 334-648-3817, MN Saint Paul 334-648-3817, MO kansas City/Jefferson City 334-648-3817, MS Jackson 334-648-3817, MS Biloxi 334-648-3817, MS Gulf Port 334-648-3817, MT helena 334-648-3817, NC Raleigh 334-648-3817, ND Bismark 334-648-3817, NE Lincoln 334-648-3817, NJ Trenton 334-648-3817, NM Santa Fe 334-648-3817, NV Carson City 334-648-3817, NV Las Vegas 334-648-3817 NY Albany 334-648-3817, OH Columbus 334-648-3817, OK Oklahoma Ciy 334-648-3817, OR Salem 334-648-3817, PA harrisburg 334-648-3817, RI Providence 334-648-3817, SC Columbia 334-648-3817, SD Pierre 334-648-3817, TN nashville 334-648-3817, TX Austin 334-648-3817, UT Salt Lake City 334-648-3817, VA Richmond 334-648-3817, VT montpelier 334-648-3817, WI Madison 334-648-3817, WV Charleston 334-648-3817, WY Cheyenne 334-648-3817

"They guys suck."

Penny S on February 2024

Our mission at Hampton Enterprise LLC is to provide clients with superior customer service, quality work and speedy service in all aspects of their home improvement needs. Licensed, insured and trusted since 1989; come discover the Hampton difference today! We specialize in the installation and repair of Windows, Doors, Flooring, Sinks, Bathtubs, Showers, Sprinkler Systems and much more. We also offer Interior and Exterior Home Painting, Custom Welding Fabrication and Carpentry.Localy in your area just call and i will call back with a local number thank you . from James Hampton AL.Dothan 334-648-3817, AL Birmingham 334-648-3817, AL Huntsville 334-648-3817, AL Mobile 334-648-3817, AL Tuscaloosa 334-648-3817, AL Montgomery 334-578-4761, AR Little Rock 334-648-3817, AZ Phoenix 334-648-3817, CA LosAngeles/Sacramento 334-648-3817, CO Denver/Colorado Springs 334-648-3817, CT Hartford 334-648-3817, DE Dover 334-648-3817, FL Tallahassee 334-648-3817, FL Cape Canaveral/ Cocoa 334-648-3817, FL. Destin 334-648-3817, FL Gainsville 334-648-3817 Fl Jacksonville 334-648-3817, FL Orlando 334-648-3817, FL Panama City 334-648-3817, FL Tampa 334-648-3817, FL Miami 334-648-3817, GA Atlanta 334-648-3817, GA Albany 334-648-3817, GA Augusta 334-648-3817, GA Columbus 334-648-3817, GA Macon 334-648-3817, GA Valdosta 334-648-3817, IA Des Moines 334-648-3817, ID Boise 334-648-3817, IL Chicago/Springfield 334-648-3817, IN Indianapolis 334-648-3817, KS Levenworth/Topeka 334-648-3817, KY Frankfort 334-648-3817, LA New orleans/Baton Rouge 334-648-3817, MA Boston 334-648-3817, MD Annapolis 334-648-3817, ME Augusta 334-648-3817, MI Detroit/Lansing 334-648-3817, MN Saint Paul 334-648-3817, MO kansas City/Jefferson City 334-648-3817, MS Jackson 334-648-3817, MS Biloxi 334-648-3817, MS Gulf Port 334-648-3817, MT helena 334-648-3817, NC Raleigh 334-648-3817, ND Bismark 334-648-3817, NE Lincoln 334-648-3817, NJ Trenton 334-648-3817, NM Santa Fe 334-648-3817, NV Carson City 334-648-3817, NV Las Vegas 334-648-3817 NY Albany 334-648-3817, OH Columbus 334-648-3817, OK Oklahoma Ciy 334-648-3817, OR Salem 334-648-3817, PA harrisburg 334-648-3817, RI Providence 334-648-3817, SC Columbia 334-648-3817, SD Pierre 334-648-3817, TN nashville 334-648-3817, TX Austin 334-648-3817, UT Salt Lake City 334-648-3817, VA Richmond 334-648-3817, VT montpelier 334-648-3817, WI Madison 334-648-3817, WV Charleston 334-648-3817, WY Cheyenne 334-648-3817