"I met with Gary in October to discuss adding a granite cap to my outdoor fire pit. The original fire pit stone and mortar had deteriorated. Gary was able to work with a stone quarry and have them create a round sold granite cap to go over the existing stone. The granite was delivered and placed on top of the pit today as he had to drive a truck across my lawn and we wanted to be sure the ground was frozen. He will return in the spring to finish the work by applying mortar under the granite and he will also do some stone wall repair at that time. While this project has been long and slow, Gary always quickly responded to my text and phone messages. The cost was more than I would like, but material costs are very high everywhere right now. I will definitely work with Gary again."
"Corey and crew were fantastic. They did an excellent job, were prompt and courteous and did a great cleanup when the job was done. Highly recommended."
"Lenny and Nick went above my expectations! I told them what I wanted, Nick sketched out a plan, and it was perfect! My basement is absolutely beautiful! They were reliable, prompt, and told me everything that was going on! I would highly recommend this company for any remodel! Bravo guys!"
"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."
"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!"
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.
The cost of masonry work varies widely depending on the type of masonry along with common cost factors like size, complexity, location, and season. Most exterior masonry work done in freezing temperatures tends to cost more because of the preparation and protection involved to keep the masonry from freezing before the mortar cures properly. The average price ranges per project or square foot for different types of masonry include:
Brick wall (fence, garden wall, etc.): $10–$45 per square foot
Natural stone wall: $40–$110 per square foot
Manufactured stone veneer: $20–$40 per square foot
The best way to clean creosote from brick is to hire a professional chimney sweep. However, you can use a creosote log to remove excess buildup between cleanings. You can also clean minor creosote buildup using dish soap or vinegar mixed with water.
Brick and stone are durable, low-maintenance materials that offer excellent insulation, aesthetic appeal, and can increase property value.
Yes, as long as the cut is clean and the brick remains structurally sound, you can reuse it. Reusing brick is especially common for landscaping, edging, and small masonry repairs. Just make sure to file down any sharp edges before handling or installing it.
The Ossipee, 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.