"Acculevel was great to deal with from start to finish. The guys thaf came out was in and out did not even have to take time off work. It was so easy to pay also with my busy life that is all plus. We have a 1900 home. Everyone we dealt with as Knowledgeable. We will be using them again and i will be telling my friends. Thank so much."
"Mike with Artios Painting did an excellent job. He was on time, very responsive, and started work right away. He is more old-school and prefers phone calls instead of texting, which worked fine for me and communication was always clear.
He kept me informed throughout the entire project and made sure everything was done correctly. The finished work looks great and you can definitely see the improvement in the before and after pictures.
I would hire him again and highly recommend Artios Painting to anyone needing quality painting/repair work. He also a jack of all trades."
"Highly recommend this company if you need any basement waterproofing done, Very efficient and polite! They came out early morning and stayed to finish project till 8:30 pm; also never took any lunch or breaks! 125% satisfied"
"Nick and his team came right away to install a new Pad next to my garage . They were professional, courteous and quick. Timing was a big issue since they did htis in November of 22 and the weather was starting to not cooperate. In April 23, Nick and his team did the back fill and it looks very nice. " I would highly recommend them and use their services again."
"We couldnâ t find anyone local to install a chimney, so went with Shamrock, who had a crew working locally, although they were based 2 hrs away. They came sooner than expected, did the job beautifully, and have been easy to contact with any questions we had. Very pleased with the whole project."
Our happy and satisfied customers recommend us to their friends and family all the time. We are proud of our reputation and we feel it has been well earned. We are also happy that we can help you feel good knowing that you are working with a reputable company that stands behind its products and services.
\n
We are an owner-operated landscaping company established in 2019, backed by over 35 years of hands-on experience. We specialize in mulching, planting, cleanups, paver patios, retaining walls, water features, and low-voltage outdoor lighting.\n\nOur direct, owner-led approach ensures every project is completed with precision, care, and attention to detail. When you hire Takota, you're working directly with the people who care most about the outcome.
"Jamie is extremely easy to work with. We had a previous contractor bury our downspouts which was a huge mistake as he used incorrect materials and installed them incorrectly (this guy knew what our concrete project was too as we had asked him for a bid). Before removing the disaster, Jamie talked to us, told us what the problem would be if we didn't remove it and then had to fix some of what this other guy did. We knew he was on the up and up as 3 other contractors had told us the same thing regarding the downspouts. Very professional. The price was very reasonable. We wouldn't hesitate to hire him again."
Chimney mortar typically lasts 20 to 30 years, depending on its quality, local weather conditions, and maintenance. Over time, exposure to moisture, freezing, and thawing cycles can cause mortar to deteriorate, leading to cracks and gaps. Regular inspections and timely repairs, such as repointing or tuckpointing, can extend the lifespan of chimney mortar by ensuring the structure's integrity.
Yes, you can cut patio stones with a circular saw. Similar to using an electric grinder, you will need to use a diamond blade as this is the most effective blade for cutting a material like stone. The stone must be wet when using a circular saw to ensure the cut is smooth.
There are many things to look for when buying a brick house. Here are some of the key things you should pay close attention to.
Lintels: Look for cracks, holes, displacement, or corrosion
Mortar: Check to see if the mortar is old and crumbling, in need of repointing, or new. Also check to see if the mortar has a professional finish.
Walls: Check along each side of the house. If a wall is bowing outward, this indicates a severe issue such as foundation damage or that the walls are ready to fall.
Cracks: If there are stair step cracks in the brickwork, this indicates an unstable foundation.
You should clean your home’s brick once per year. This applies to exterior brick, but also to cleaning brick fireplaces. Create a homemade cleaning solution with equal parts vinegar and water. Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the solution into the face of your brick and remove dirt, algae, and stains. Cleaning will protect brick from damage and boost your home’s curb appeal.
No, it’s not recommended to attach shutters to brick without drilling. Brick is dense and built to last, so adhesives and shortcut methods don’t usually cut it. Even heavy-duty glue struggles to hold up over time—especially against wind, moisture, and temperature changes. Most no-drill options are made for materials like vinyl or wood, not solid masonry. Skipping the drill might seem easier, but it puts your shutters—and anything below them—at risk. For a secure, lasting install, drilling is the way to go. It takes more effort up front, but the result is safer and more reliable.
The Port Byron, IL homeowners’ guide to masonry services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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.
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.
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.
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.