"Northern basements was able to fit us in quickly, pulled our crooked cement wall back in-place and sealed the wall to prevent future leaks. The work was timely, communication was friendly and detailed, and price was as to be expected for the large amount of work that needed to be done. We are very pleased with the whole process as well as the results. "
"I had them do a cleaning and inspection of my chimney and they found damages to the brickwork and the top of the chimney. They installed a new cap and their cost was so reasonable. All their work is guaranteed as well, which is reassuring. They were clean, efficient and courteous. I would highly recommend Handy Andy and in fact they are doing an estimate for my neighbor to whom I recommended them to."
"They did an excellent job and I continue to use them. They are very knowledgeable and they were very responsive with solutions. We would highly recommend them to anyone."
"The process was seamless and quick. Everyone involved in the project was helpful and friendly. It was done in one afternoon and our roof looks great!"
"Our chimney needed to be raised and brought up to current code, and the solution was handled the right way from start to finish. The chimney was lifted to the proper height and securely strapped to meet structural and safety requirements. Everything was measured, reinforced, and stabilized so it’s not just compliant, but solid moving forward. The work was well planned, clearly explained, and executed with attention to both function and appearance. It’s reassuring knowing the chimney now meets code and is properly supported."
"This was a complex project with a lot of moving parts. Several thousand square feet of patio, complicated pool coping and a significant amount of reconstruction. The land I gave Carl to work with was ugly and unstable. I give Carl an A for time and price because of the value he brings to the table. Not because he's the cheapest or the fastest sprinter. Some significant challenges materialized over the course of the job that added time and cost to the project. The great thing is Carl rolled with the punches, reacted fast, didn't compromise quality, and never asked for more money. This was not an easy piece of land to work with. A 40 year old pool patio on shaky foundations. His foreman/mason Eddie is the only person I trust to do anymore work on my hardscape/landscape. His ability, attention to detail and work ethic is unquestionable. Carl brings 30 years of experience to the table; great design ideas, flexibility, problem solving, vision..........value!! Additionally, Carl has a fantastic network of partners that are just as reliable. I would be happy to provide a reference to all serious buyers. "
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.
Painted exterior brick does not usually need sealing. Brick is a porous material, so you don’t want to apply a sealant that could trap moisture inside the bricks and cause erosion and structural damage. The risk of moisture-induced damage after sealing is higher in colder climates where trapped moisture can expand if it freezes. On the other hand, it makes sense to seal really old brick or kitchen backsplashes, where moisture from cooking can weaken the brick.
Certain towns and homeowner associations (HOAs) ban brick mailboxes because of the risk of obstruction. They are sometimes only permitted in cases where four or more homes share a mailbox. Homeowners may need to obtain special permits in some locations. One of the top masonry contractor hiring tips is to ask a local pro if they can show you examples of recent work that meets local code regulations.
Fireclay is a type of clay but it is a type of clay that, because of its chemical composition, can be fired at a much higher temperature than other clays. This results in a denser and more heat-resistant final material. Because of the high percentage of a mineral called kaolin, fireclay sinks are smoother and more durable than other clay types.
The exact cost of bricks depends on the type and size of the bricks you use for your project. Generally, standard clay bricks cost between $350 and $850 for a thousand bricks, or an average of $550. Brick veneer costs around the same for materials but is easier to install than solid bricks, so you’ll save on labor by choosing this option.
The Conway, NH homeowners’ guide to masonry services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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.
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.
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.
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.