MJ Spero Co

It started out really well.  However, the day that the bulk of the work was being done we received a call (after the work was done) to let us know that without consultation or even an attempt phone call, the design of the stairs were changed.  We now have small landing... With this change in design was a proposed increase in price. 

I called and explained that this was not agreed upon and as consumers we should have received a phone call to let us know what was going  on.  It was explained that he ran into some unforeseen problems and 'not going to break his back" getting through the rock.  He could've rented a machine to help, but that would've cost more money.  He explained that he did not have time to waste to call since he had workers with him.  A couple days after, he called twice on two different days and the phone was answered.

He did not seem to understand the issue and instead deflected on the stairs my neighbor has as well as the quality of mason work of my front stairs.  In addition, he said that most customers are happy with a better product.  I would have gladly hear the proposed change - had he called and discussed. 

We stood our ground with the price quoted and he honored it.  Business must be good as he told me twice to not call him for future work.  No problem.  He was aware that there was another project that we were very interested in having completed as well....  He was made aware that his level of professionalism was going to be critiqued on Angie's list.  Still said not to call.  Again, no problem.

Rave reviews.  When the present owner's father installed my walkway and walls over 25 years ago, this man worked on the project and actually remembered coming to the house.  I could NOT have been happier.  Mr. Spero came to my house to look at the pillar and agreed to do the repair for which he charged $100.  (This may have included replacing the stone which was less than a 20" square.)  The point is this job was so small that his company ordinarily would not have come out to do it.  However, since his company installed it, they took the job and the work was done promptly and well.

Michael told me it would be 2 weeks until he would begin my job, but it ended up being 4 weeks. This was partly due to the rain. I was told it was a 2 day job and it was only 1 full day and about 2 hours the next day, which was great. The took down my wall and rebuilt it using the same stones.
There were just a couple of things that bothered me. First, Michael mentioned to me 3 times that either wasn't making any money on this project or he was losing money on the project. HE gave ME the price and I didn't negotiate. To me, $1800 for a day and a half it a lot of money and I didn't appreciate being made to feel like he was doing me some sort of favor. Second, was the clean up. I was upset to find my 1 town issued barrel FILLED with their trash, cement bags, dunkin donuts cups, banana peels etc. It was unprofessional and when you only have one barrel you can use for trash pick up and it is unexpectedly filled by someone else, it is truly annoying. Also, at first glace the wall area looked all cleaned up, but when I took a closer look the edge had a lot of excess cement that should have been cleaned up and a pile of screws.
Overall, the job was well done and the wall looks nice. If you can overlook the few annoyances, I would hire them.

It could have gone any more smoothly with them.
He (Michael) was able to answer all the question that were brought up calmly and clearly.
Aside from the rain the job was done faster than I expected.
Will call him again, when another masonary job arises.

Call on 6/17 to get a quote to repair chimney and repair loose step. They came ut on 6/17 and gave me a quote to complet the work.
I call to arrange to have them do the work at that time he said they would be out in 2 weeks.They called on 6/26 to arrange to start work on 6/27 at 7:45. They worked all day on he 27th and finished on the 28th. The work was more than expected for the chimney and front steps but he did not charge any more just what he quoted.

- Showed up on time to perform the estimates
- High Quality work
- Budget friendly - Completed work as promised and per estimate

The concrete is uneven in spots and the planters were thrown together.

They were very prompt with the estimate and getting the work done. I think they did a good job. I was hoping to get the work done cheaper but I would use them again. Everything was left clean and neat when they finished.

They were very easy to work with - very professional and pleasant - open to questions and comments (no attitude problem). They worked quickly but efficiently. I wish that they'd cleaned up the excess mortar on the ground and I wish they'd cleaned off the mortar on the inside stainless steel bar-b-q grill a little better (I wish that I'd asked them to do this but I didn't). I think the workmanship was very good, otherwise. Good crew.

The work that was done was impressive! The crew was very professional and arrived on time. Mike and the crew worked without much of a break. Once the walkway was completed, they came into the house and removed the sand and added the concrete base to the outer hearth of the chimney. Mike also caulked an area around the opening for the boiler vent in the fireplace, saying that it was a safety measure. He recommended I work with a contractor to bring in more topsoil to smooth the transition between the walkway and the rest of the yard.

Everyone who has seen the walkway has been very impressed and surprised at the cost of the work. MIke did comment that he probably should have charged more for the effort since it involved more work than he initially estimated.

Mike is very professional to work with and works with a professional crew. He is easy to work with and has great recommendations and ideas. Most importantly, Mike has a natural talent for this line of work.

He was very pleasant and helpful. He helped me to pick up the materials from the granite yard. I spoke with 6 to 7 people for an estimate and he was the cheapest. He came in a week's time from my call and started the work, next day of my purchase of materials. He came with a crew of 2 men on time and assembled the staircase for me. Two weeks later, he came acid washed the same and cleaned the place. He was very informative and knew his job well. They were quick and didn't bother me at all. Everyone seemed efficient and extremely professional. I have been complimented for the job, being beautiful and has given me a 5 year guarantee on the same. I like his services and will use the same in future.

Mr Spero came over within a couple days to give me an estimate and was there the following week once I confirmed I wanted to engage his services. The work was done timely and professionally. The price was about $100.00 more than I received from 2 other estimates however he gave the work a more thorough review prior to providing the estimate and also seemed to have more experience than the other companies.

Overall, I was very satisfied and have recommended him to family members who also need mason work.

Overall the job was perfect...not a single complaint

The estimate was done on the day and at the time agreed. The estimate was the lowest I got. The work was done on the days agreed to. The patio (largest part of the work) obviously followed technical specs.

Of the 3 masons I called to come for an estimate, MJ Spero was the only one who showed up the day of his appointment and even came early! He was very friendly and knowledgeable. When we went to pick out our bricks and mantle, the manager of store spoke very highly of MJ. He and his crew arrived on time to start the repairs and finished in the same day. In fact, he went above and beyond what was expected of him and replaced our chimney cap with one we had purchased a few weeks earlier and never got around to installing ourselves. To resolve the firebrick issue, he applied a coat of special mortar that would function as firebrick. We feel like he was honest, knowledgeable, and very helpful. And prompt and fast!

The guy came by and explained everything to me. He gave me different options on how stuff had to be done, where to spend more money or less money and so on. He was the one who came out and talked to me. His work was excellent and he was clean. He actually got the work done quicker than what he initially said. He got it done in a day and a half. He was very honest and good.

They were very reasonable. We got a lot of estimates and they were one of the best. Considering how reasonable the price was, we were really impressed with their work. They were professional and easy to work. We have recommended them to many others already!