"Jakob W., Austin H., and Nathan H. Demonstrate some great team work getting the foundation work done clean and efficient. Fantastic communication before, during, while closing up the details of the project. Each where professional, polite, and positive attitude. Except for the missing steps at the patio door we can hardly notice they had the foundation dug up the day before."
"Steve and his team did an excellent job on our project, which included adding insulation to our attic spaces, sealing the attic and basement, removing old insulation in the basement, and treating the basement for mold. Steve helped us feel comfortable and confident about the work that needed to be done to the house. Joe and Rick did excellent work on the project, which was completed quickly. Would work with again!"
"Rangel Water Proofing and Construction employees were very professional and knowledgeable. I was very happy and impressed with work performed, and would definitely use them again, in the future."
"I was impressed with Chuck from Shamrock Chimney. He was realistic in his discussion and went thru various options from converting to a gas fireplace to wood inserts. He discussed the issues with the existing field stone face and converting to a two way fireplace. He certainly made me comfortable to consider Shamrock should the project move forward."
"Easy experience. Great salesman lol but the workers were awesome and really respectful. They messed up once on some of my city piping, but they came out the same day and fixed it with no questions or complaints. Nice to know my basement is warranted for the rest of the life of the house."
"Winter was comeing in fast and they were here evryday.They worked hard trying to finish before snow.They worked long hours and did a wonderful job finishing the driveway to the specs we requested..They were extremely professional .We were so happy with their work.We hired them to come back in spring and lay a sidewalk and a slab in our back yard.They did what others said couldn't be done due to dropping temperatures. We recommend them for all your concrete work."
You can purchase from many brick manufacturers and distributors via their websites, where you can also get estimates based on the quantity you need. You’ll find bricks at your local home improvement stores as well, though they won’t have as much of a variety to choose from. As for antique bricks, secondary selling websites like eBay can be a great resource.
No, you shouldn’t lay bricks directly on dirt. While it might seem like a shortcut, it leads to a patio that shifts, sinks, and becomes a maintenance headache. Dirt expands, contracts, and erodes—none of which mix well with long-term stability. To build something that lasts, excavate the topsoil, compact a layer of crushed gravel, and add a coarse sand-setting bed. This layered base gives your bricks proper support, allows drainage, and helps block weeds from creeping through. Cutting corners here just means you’ll spend more time—and money—repairing your brick patio later.
Brick houses can last at least 100 years with minimal maintenance. With regular care and attention, including mortar repointing, brick houses can last 500 years or more.
Modern brick houses are really stick-built homes with a brick facade for aesthetic purposes only, so most have framing. With genuine brick construction, most homeowners install furring strips over the interior of the brick and then install drywall over those strips to cover the brick wall, so they don’t have traditional framing.
Limewash can be removed from brick, but the method of removal will depend on how long the limewash has been on the brick. If the limewash has fully dried—which happens after about five days—you’ll need to use a diluted muriatic acid mixture to remove it. If there are multiple coats of limewash, you may need to apply the acid mixture several times to fully remove it from the brick.
The Pewamo, 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.