"I contracted DeGain Masonry to do a paver patio in my back yard. The finished project turned out better than I could have ever expected… very precise and meticulous. Clint was quick to return my calls, started and finished the project when promised and was more than accommodating in every way. I am a particular customer with high expectations of those I hire. That being said, I would highly recommend DeGain Masonry."
"Chris Peplinski came out and gave us a fair and honest estimate on fixing our foundation. Alex and crew arrived and installed helical piers to shore up our foundation and you couldn’t tell they were even here. Everything from the first call to the install was top notch! Highly Recommend!"
"Two years ago, we hired Adam to create a custom landscaping setup to support 5 trees and an accent rock. He took the shape we designed on paper and brought it to life with paver stones filled in with rocks. He even picked up the trees from the nursery and installed them himself to make sure it was done correctly. We could not have been happier with how nice it looked then and still today. Just recently, we hired him to install a French drain to stop standing water, fill in some additional rocks under the back deck, and trim our 15 feet + arborvitae trees. He once again did a great job all around. Adam is very responsible, professional, friendly, and an expert with his work. The prices for this work were very reasonable and I will most definitely hire him again for future work."
"Good communication, professional, courteous and clean up was thorough.
We waited a few months before doing a rating to experience a few heavy rains. We are extremely happy with having a dry usable basement. We usually don't do ratings but All Ways Dry exceeded our expectations!"
"Elon inspected my foundation to determine what walls were holding water. He took measurements and took time to share a video of the repair he was recommending. I will have four anchors installed on the problem wall at a very fair price."
"Chuck arrived with a helper and explained everything to us. He cleaned the chimney and left us with some estimates for potential work. He was knowledgeable and pleasant. I would use him again."
Yes, you can paint stone on the exterior of a house. It’s important to properly prep the stone by cleaning off dirt and debris. You’ll want to apply at least two coats of paint to get the most even and complete coverage. Any pinholes or missed spots, however small, can allow moisture to get into the masonry and potentially cause the paint to blister and peel from the stone.
Not all cracks in brick indicate foundation problems. For instance, small hairline cracks can occur as a new construction settles. However, larger cracks are often a sign of a more severe issue. Indicators of a potential foundation problem include long horizontal cracks, "stair-step" cracks, vertical cracks that appear indoors, or any crack that widens at the top. Other signs of structural damage to look for are uneven floors and doors or windows that stick. These issues could be caused by problems with the soil beneath the home or an overgrown tree.
Professionally done brick repointing can last 20 to 30 years, sometimes longer. However, the exact lifespan depends on several factors, including the quality of the mortar, the skill of the mason, and exposure to weather. If you live in an area with harsh weather or frequent freeze-thaw cycles, you may need to repoint more often. Repointing that is done as a DIY project may only last 10 to 15 years. It's time to repoint when you notice signs of mortar failure, such as crumbling or missing mortar, holes, or vines growing between the bricks. Regular inspections can help you catch these issues early.
The best color to paint a brick fireplace comes down to personal taste. However, neutral colors—like white or gray—will open the space and create a bright modern look, making them popular options. However, choosing a bold color can turn your fireplace into a feature piece that will be the talk of all family gatherings.
Brick is the closest choice when seeking to capture the timeless look of stone with a more practical and budget-friendly option. When comparing stone versus brick siding, the price range of $200,000 to $400,000 for average brick home construction is dramatically lower compared to the cost of building a stone home. If you'd like to keep the stone aesthetic without the cost, stone veneer and manufactured stone are both less expensive than real stone.
The Auburn, MI 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.
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.
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.
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.
