Nicholas Masonry

I was contacted by 3 companies interested in our project from Angi. We received bids from all 3 and decided to go with Nicholas Masonry primarily due to the fact that they seemed knowledgeable about Chicago construction and had the expertise we thought necessary for our job. The bids and proposals for what needed to be done were similar. 4/16/25 Our building on Summerdale Ave. (100 years old) is all brick and needed spot tuckpointing. We signed a contract for $3000 and returned it the same day. Our building on Glenwood Ave. (also 100 years old and 3 blocks away) has only a brick foundation but the basement interior walls were in very bad shape due to spalling - crumbling, flaking, powdering. etc. Most of the walls were covered with paneling which needed to be removed for a complete proposal so we knew that we were going to be paying more than the $5500 in the original proposal which we signed. 4/19/25 we met Francis and gave him checks for $1500 and$ 2750 as stipulated in the contract. 4/24/25 Project began. After removing paneling at GW we were asked for an additional amount of $9975 . Since I did not have my checkbook with me I agreed to meet Frances in a restaurant parking lot in Edgebrook (supposedly near his home) with the check. I was told that it was necessary to pay him immediately so that he could pay expenses. 4/29/25 Project finished at GW. We were satisfied with the work that the crew did given the situation. However, we were asked for an additional $9575. Though we were satisfied with the work for the most part, we thought it was strange that we were asked for another amount so similar to our most recent payment: $9575 and $$9975. Without considering all the ramifications I paid them what was asked. At the time I asked for an itemized invoice detailing the work done and the money paid. We were assured that we would receive it. 5/5/25 No invoice so far so I emailed Nicholas Masonry at [email protected] (email address used to send us the original contracts) but no response. More texts and voicemails were sent asking for an invoice. 6/11/25 We received a copy of a 'proposal' dated 4/16/25 (from Frances's iphone) for work at the Summerdale address for $21,600 and signed by Frances. We did not sign this 'proposal/invoice". We emailed Frances at [email protected] asking again for the paid itemized invoice. 5 hours later we received an email saying that the message could not be delivered because "Their inbox is full, or it's getting too much mail right now." (During much of this time I was out of state tending to family issues so I was unable to contact Frances on a regular basis.) Not having heard from Francis I began calling him again in early August but I got the message that he was 'not receiving calls" or, on one occasion, as it was going to voicemail it was cut off. I assumed that my number was blocked. Texts were not answered. 8/10/25 I called Frances using a different phone. He answered, I explained that I needed the invoice and he assured me that I would receive it the same day. I have made more calls to Frances but he will not respond nor have I received an invoice. Not only do I wish to receive an invoice for work done and payments made, but I have a feeling that he may not know how much we actually paid. I'm concerned that the last 2 checks were possibly double payments and by having them send the paperwork needed then I would have proof of overpayment (if that did indeed occur). If the 3rd proposal for $21,600 (sent on 6/11 but backdated to 4/16 and not signed by us) in response to my request for an invoice then we overpaid by $6800. I have copies of the 2 signed proposals, the backdated 'proposal/invoice' (not signed by us) but presented when I asked for an invoice, copies of checks paid, call logs, etc.

I couldn’t be happier with the work done by the team who repaired the entry to my back door and part of the sidewalk leading to my garage. From start to finish, they were professional, efficient, and clearly took pride in their work. They arrived on time, communicated clearly about the scope and timeline of the project, and kept the area clean and safe throughout. The finished product is not only solid and functional but also looks great—it blends seamlessly with the existing walkway and truly improves the overall look and safety of the space. It’s clear this team cares about quality and customer satisfaction. I’m very grateful for their hard work and highly recommend them to anyone needing concrete or entryway repairs.

This company is an ingenious scam. It will do jobs well the first few times. Once it gains your confidence it gets a big job, it will take your deposit, lie to delays and then stop responding. That is how it has good reviews that flood out the bad ones. This is a case where ICE would be interested.

I hired to fix cement stairs and replace concrete walkway into house. I was told that price quoted included polyurethane for the stairs. I am still waiting for the polyurethane to be put on. First weather, too cold to put on, ok no problem, we had days of rain, ok understandable. Then crickets, I called, emailed and texted over multiple days no reply. Finally reached owner on 6/19, he said he would call me back that evening because they were backed up due to weather. I?m still waiting for that return call. Left another message today, fingers crossed I get a reply. I just want the job to be finished I don?t think I am asking too much and from what I was told by the owner it?s a 30 minute job so I don?t understand why this can?t get done.

We recently hired a contractor to replace several cracked and poorly graded slabs. It was graded towards our house, which presents a problem when there's lots of rain. Francis + team were professional, very patient (I'm prob a bit 'gun shy' after prior water issues resulting from the older slabs), as he took the time to explain the process, answer all of our questions, and -most importantly - didn't try to oversell us. Fair estimate + worked fast. Flexibility on schedule as well, working around inclement weather. No complaints whatsoever on the work. Would certainly consider them for future work + recommend to others!

They got the job done quickly, very cleanly and at a great price

Hired and provided a significant (five digit) deposit for a new patio and porch. Company said they were going to get permits and took 5 months to respond. They then skipped town, stopped responding and refused to return our deposit. We have been fighting this with lawyers and they have refused to respond to any of our many emails and phone calls. This company is 100% a scam. Do not engage with them or at a minimum, do not give them any deposits for work.

Did a quick job.

On time. Problem solver. Clear communication. Would recommend

Explained step by step everything that had to be done. They did a great job. I would recommend to others.

Very fast

Agree with Dennis M from Harwood Heights! I had a similar experience with bad quality band they promised to fix but has never showed up!!! Horrible!!!! DO NOT COBTRACT THEM.

Francis from Nicholas Masonry, contacted us based on our request through Angies list. He described what he would do using an epoxy to refurbish our front porch and sidewalk, first repairing. Damage to areas where cement was chipped between slabs and on the porch and then covering with epoxy. We agreed to his quoted price ($2500). At his suggestion we added the back steps to our basement ($550). After he left we contacted him to report two places where the epoxy covering on the sidewalk was missing and also that the epoxy was streaked ( he had said the streaks would disappear when the epoxy dried). We also said there was an area ion the basement steps that had not been repaired or covered. He indicated heâ d return and do the repairs but has not returned. We are not happy paying over $3000 for this project.

Would recommend for Chicago style brick work

It rained later in the day and the material used crumbled up. I was told that repairs would be made but appointments made were all no shows. The material used changed the color of my pavers. Previously I had a variety of colors and now just one solid grey color. I am very sorry that I paid for the project and now I feel I was scammed big time.

Very good customer service, just had a weather delay and let us know at once not possible to pour concrete in rain!

Mike did a great job power washing my front steps and porch. He stood by the work he did and was very fair and professional.

Took care of everything from start 2 finish! Patio looks amazing! A full crew that got the project done in one day! Would definitely recommend! A

The team at Nicolas Masonry are nothing short of pros that do excellent work. They had a very quick turn around on the flatwork that I needed done. Highly recommend them for any of your masonry needs.

Francis was a dream to work with. He made the process easy and the result was stellar! Thanks again, Francis

Just finished large patio, walk way and front stairs. Looks worlds better then before as i had let 5 years elapse since last powerwash, resanding and sealing. I want update after a little foot traffic etc but it looks good. The crew worked for about 12 hrs to knock it out in one day!! Ultimately they were more then 50 cents cheaper a square foot then my other two estimates ( and they also threw in doing the front stone stairs - which had some black mold build up etc). I live in the edison park area and i would recommend them for your next project.

The company was very polite courteous and professional. They answered any questions I had and offered great advice and opinions. They were on time and worked neatly and professionally. Everything was done as explained at the estimate and job was completed and area cleaned before leaving. Great guys to do the job you need

We hired Francis and his crew for tuckpointing our 1926 Chicago Bungalow. Amazing job, very professional work, completed the work in 4 days, very clean work and just so very happy with the result and the pricing was great! I would recommend Francis to anyone. We are so happy with his work that we are asking for a quote on replacement of our back porch. I think we have found our new contractor and really look forward to working with him on future projects!

We hired Francis and his crew for tuckpointing our 1926 Chicago Bungalow. Amazing job, very professional work, completed the work in 4 days, very clean work and just so very happy with the result and the pricing was great! I would recommend Francis to anyone. We are so happy with his work that we are asking for a quote on replacement of our back porch. I think we have found our new contractor and really look forward to working with him on future projects!

Excellent communication. On time deliverable of California style patio project. Polite hard working crew with nice attention to detail. Would use again. Took time to bring to attention and point out other repair needs.