"Henry from Republic Masonry was excellent we hired him for the remainder of the winter season He was very respectful and even cleared the slush off the front walkway at no charge so we could safely get our mail 5 stars"
"Brian and his crew were professional and courteous. Communication was complete and was always made aware of progress, and schedule. Job was completed promptly and looked great. I would recommend Masonry Plus and I’m having a project for next year hopefully using his team again."
"We had the best luck with this company and would absolutely recommend them to anyone and everyone needing masonry or chimney work. We looked for days to try and find someone to put the flue cap back on our roof and even got scammed in the process, but from the moment I spoke on the phone with Sylvia I knew I was in good hands. Mark came out the next day and did the job beautifully, quickly, and professionally. This was such a huge stress relief off my husband and I and we will be working with only them moving forward. They were THE BEST!"
"I am new to the area and needed a new chimney and to have work done on my roof. Ken Moreau came and gave me an estiment that I thought was very fair. He and his men were very professional and did the work in one day. They cleaned up the area that they used and left the yard in great shape. I highly recommend that if you are having and masonry or roof work done that you contact Ken and see what he has to say before you hire someone else.."
"I reached out to New England Foundation to have some foundation cracks repaired and to install a few Lally columns. I give this company an A+! They were punctual, professional, and very trustworthy from start to finish. Chase was especially professional, knowledgeable, and courteous throughout the entire process. The quality of the work exceeded my expectations, and I couldn't be happier with the results. I would definitely use New England Foundation again and highly recommend them to anyone in need of foundation repair services."
"Valley Excavating replaced our foundation drain, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. They responded right away when I called for an estimate and quickly followed up with a detailed, itemized quote, so I knew exactly what I was paying for. That kind of responsiveness and transparency is hard to find. If you need excavation or drainage work, I strongly recommend Valley Excavating!"
"This experience was excellent from start to finish. Al was very helpful, kind, professional and friendly. The price was fair and the work quality was outstanding. The crown on our chimney looks great and will protect our property for years to come. We would definitely use Expert Chimney again."
"A . Jon provided a quote and answered our questions within two days of reaching out through Home Advisor. Team completed the work in the morning before a nor’easter hit. Highly recommended."
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.
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.
Costs depend on material type, labor, chimney requirements, and structural reinforcements.
On average, a quality exterior brick stain can last between 10 and 20 years, and sometimes even longer. While it will look its best for a minimum of three to five years, its total lifespan depends on several factors. These include the quality and type of stain used, the condition of the brick, and the thoroughness of the surface preparation, such as proper cleaning. Following the manufacturer's application instructions and applying a sealant as a final step is also crucial. The stain's longevity can be affected by your location, climate, and the brick's exposure to harsh weather, high traffic, and other elements. Over time, the stain may begin to fade or look dingy due to weathering, erosion, dirt, and debris. Compared to paint, brick stain generally has a longer lifespan.
Modern brick homes have a brick facade over standard framing and sheathing, so the brick offers minimal added structural stability. A home with traditional brick construction is more durable than a stick-built home, as the double-layer brick walls and rebar resist higher lateral wind loads and support heavier loads up top, as well.
The Agawam, MA 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.
