RICHARDS MASONRY & CHIMNEY

tQuoted and performed work for a competitive price, but left out some things we should have asked for -- notably re-flashing.  He re-used the flashing in place and nailed it into the mortar joints with ferrous nails.  Used caulk to finish.  The nails rusted through about 2 years later (should have used copper), and the flashing began to leak.  The brickwork, itself, was well-done and finished - we're still pleased.  It was a mixed bag, though -- some good tradework and some mediocre.  Can't beat the price, but some of the savings were spent later.  I think he does good work, but needs close supervision.

I had him come and sweep the chimney of our house which we had just bought. 

He showed up 2 hours late, and swept the chimney.Then he made up a story about how there was damage between the two flues and quoted us ~$1,000 to relign each flue.  He even showed us large pieces of broken clay in the bottom opening of the flue (which he probably brought with him).

I got the chimney inspected by two other companies and they saw no evidence of damage to either flue.  Both suggested getting one flue lined (~$300) because of new code standards with pellet stoves, but said that there was no damage that needed repair. The guy lied and he is a crook.