"Oliver and his partner were more than excellent. He was honest with his assessment and gave me a quote right away (not the cheapest, but it had the most value based on his experience/knowledge - HIS BID WAS VERY FAIR!!!). We talked with 4 vendors before deciding on New Age Masonry and couldn't be happier with our decision to hire them. We have been burned in the past with other contractors, so I am always on edge when dealing with them, but Oliver gives me a new reason to relax on that a bit. Please give him an opportunity, even if he isn't the lowest bid, because you will not be disappointed in his work. Very, very satisfied customer."
"Hired Atlas to do outside foundation waterproofing. They also moved my sump pump discharge and connected a gutter downspout to it. Work was done quickly and efficiently. And at the end of the job, they left my exterior cleaner than it was when they started! I’m totally impressed. I’ve used them before to fix a foundation crack. I will use them again if I need any more basement waterproofing. And I recommend them without reservation!"
"The job was done right and the customer service and technicians were amazing. Definitely recommend them to anyone who needs work on their foundation.."
"Very professional from start to finish. We have an older home that has partial cinder block foundation. They were able to seal the problem areas and with recent heavy rainfalls, all dry! They sent me a video prior to the job to show us exactly how the process worked. Very happy and satisfied would definitely recommend Real Seal!"
"IPR Masonry ( Ismael ) replaced our concrete entrance and small sidewalk to the driveway. He did it right and well and was very considerate of both us and our property. I would certainly recommend him to others."
"Chimney destroyed by lightening strike! Rob and crew removed all debris, built new chimney, inspected 30 yr. old chimney shaft and suggested liner(for safety and code compliance) .installed new damper, cleaned up entire area inside and out. great work, very courteous, fair price. I would recommend them for any type of brick/chimney service!"
"Anthony and his team were very professional. They did a perfect job, gave us an estimate of the work that should be done to maintain the chimney and the masonry. Work was done in about 45 minutes and they cleaned the area of operation. Anthony took the time to explain what has to be done and why, as well as what would happen if we don't do the recommended work. Overall I can recommend this company."
"My existing window well had pulled back from the homes foundation over the past 20 years, allowing water and sediment to enter the well. Sediment would plug the drain causing water to build up and create an aquarium in the window well. You pass waterproofing installed a new window well and securely fastened it to the cement foundation. They carefully removed the previous window well and took care not to brutalize the surrounding landscape. Completely satisfied with their work"
"Our natural stone retaining wall was failing due to improper initial installation by the original contractor several years ago. Brian and Luis came in and totally rebuilt the wall properly with the correct base and drainage to insure a long lasting product. The team arrived as scheduled and completed the work within the timeframe given. We couldn't be happier with the result!"
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.
Cobblestone fell out of favor with the advent of motor vehicles. Asphalt and concrete are both much smoother surfaces allowing for a smoother ride. Asphalt is also much cheaper, especially for driveways. However, we didn’t stop using cobblestone altogether, and you can still see it as a decorative option in both homes, in parks, and in pedestrianized areas of cities.
Dekton is worth the money for homeowners who want a nonporous countertop that resists heat, stains, water, scratches, and UV damage. It comes in a wide array of colors and patterns at various price points to suit different renovation budgets. Dekton is not worth the cost for homeowners who are particularly worried about chipping or cracking.
While painting can certainly change the look of a chimney, you should think twice about giving your brick chimney the old landlord special.
Painting brick is porous, meaning it’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.
Paint also shows wear faster than naked brick. This means that once you paint a brick surface, you’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’s hard to go back without some serious power washing—another added cost.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends placing a mailbox 6 inches to 8 inches back from the curb. If your lot is unusual, speak with town authorities or the local post office to determine the correct placement.
The Elburn, IL homeowners’ guide to masonry services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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.
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.
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.
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.