"It went well. The crew (which included the owner) worked hard to contain and remove as much debris as they could. Their craftsmanship was remarkable; the new chimney looks clean and sleek. Further, Kaied and office staff were professional, very responsive and friendly."
"Lucas was outstanding - quoting, price, service, quality work, etc. The entire experience was tremendous. Truly cannot recommend this person enough! You will not regret it."
"They showed up on Thursday pm, and they had the old chimney down and started to rebuild the new one. They worked til dark and was back the next am to finish. Great job and cleaned up everything. I would recommend them."
"The work was done as promised. Care was taken to use the correct products for the decorated surfaces and standard surfaces of the driveway. The power washing and sealing were carefully done, and a worker came back the next day to check the work and touch up any small spots that may have been missed. The completed work looks good, and we are pleased with the result."
"Quick response time, showed up as promised with equipment for stone and dirt removal which turned out to be a lot harder than originally thought. Replaced mulch on all flower beds and removed old shrubs and replanted new ones. Bad weather extended their completion time but we are very happy how the job turned out. Thank you!"
About 6 men did the work. They were very organized. They covered the path from the door to the basement where the inside work was done. They were polite, professional. The foreman kept us abreast of progress. He did took seriously questions that my wife and I had. He did not talk down to my wife. They moved and covered up everything in the basement with plastic. I had moved a lot of stuff out ahead of time. They dug about a one foot wide trench along the inside perimeter of the basement, installed drain pipe and re-cemented with several vents. The pipe runs to the new sump pump. They did repairs and drainage on the outside perimeter as well. Everything was hooked up to pre-existing storm drains. The work took three days.
My only mild complaint is that the utility sink in the basement pitches slightly forward, and so it does not drain as completely as it should. I did not ask them to fix it.
We had this done in response to water in the basement. We did not have a sump pump prior to this and had 9 inches of water in the basement last February. We have not had much rain, and so I cannot verify that all is OK, but it seems to be at this point.
"Workers showed up on time. Big job installing tiles to waterproof our 110 year old house. We are very happy with the results. It was an expensive project but well worth the money"
"Franks basement systems came in estimated and did the work. The whole process was great, honest, and the work itself was flawless. Would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of work"
For many Buffalo homes, especially those in historic districts, masonry repair is often more practical than full replacement. Repair is ideal when damage is limited and the original structure remains solid, preserving the character and value of older Buffalo properties. Replacement is usually necessary only for severe structural issues or widespread water damage, but restoration often maintains the home’s unique architectural appeal.
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In Buffalo, homes with original brick, stone, or block foundations—especially those built before the 1950s—often need masonry work due to the region’s freeze-thaw cycles and clay-heavy soil. Signs your Buffalo home may need attention include crumbling mortar, white efflorescence, loose or shifting bricks, water seepage, or bulging walls. These issues are common in historic neighborhoods and near the waterfront.
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When evaluating Buffalo masonry contractors, be wary if they lack local references, seem unfamiliar with Buffalo’s building codes, or offer to work outdoors during harsh winter months. Watch for unusually low bids, demands for full payment upfront, no written contract, reluctance to show insurance, high-pressure sales tactics, or poor communication. Choose contractors with proven experience in Buffalo home restoration.
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In Buffalo, homeowners may encounter hidden costs such as permit fees, historic district approvals, or weather-related delays. Additional expenses can include foundation repairs due to clay soil, lead paint remediation in older homes, and specialized waterproofing. Matching historic bricks or stones, limited access on tight city lots, and extra cleanup or disposal fees can also increase the overall cost of Buffalo masonry projects.
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In Buffalo, small masonry repairs typically require one to three days, but the entire process—including preparation and material sourcing—can extend to one or two weeks. Medium projects like chimney or foundation repairs may take up to six weeks. Large restorations can last several months, especially if weather or permit delays occur. The best time for outdoor masonry work in Buffalo is from May through October.
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The Buffalo, NY 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.
