RINAMAN MASONRY

After getting initial estimate in Spring of 2007, work did not start until the Fall of 2007. John was up-front that there were jobs ahead of us and that he thought it might be a few months. However, it took repeated calls on my part to find out if we were still on his list, and when work might start. One of his workers came in the Fall and power washed the back patio, but sealant was not applied. Then winter came, and no work was done until the Spring. After the front steps were re-done, the mortar had to be re-done as it had frozen, and he was somewhat responsive in coming to make this repair. I was disappointed in how long it took to get the work done, but more disappointed that no contact occurred unless I kept calling. The sealant on the brick patio has not kept water out of the garage under it; John did not guarantee that it would (felt that it had a 90% chance perhaps of keeping it dry), and we are not awaiting an estimate from a waterproofing company.

Weather kept pushing the date back. I kept trying to call him and stay in contact. Finally, he just completely stopped calling and giving me updates on his schedule. I never bothered pursuing him after that.

He came out on Friday, took all the measurements and he told me that he'd go home, work up an estimate and mail it to me. He was a nice guy who likes old houses which I really liked about him.

We were initially thrilled with his work and a bit iffy on his responsiveness, but he did a fabulous job and we have received many comments on our beautiful frontyard. However, we have had absolutely no luck in getting him to come back to our home to repair one grout line and stabilize several stones in our backyard which have been wiggling since he installed them. After several phone conversations and messages over the course of an entire year, in which he has promised to come by and do the "10 minute" job, he has still not followed through. We are now left very frustrated and unhappy as it is winter and the grout line on the front retaining wall is basically wide open since he failed to come to complete the work. Follow through seems to be a problem once the check is cashed.

John and his crew arrived when they said they would and completed the work in a reasonable time. My husband had many ideas about how he wanted the fireplace to look and John was responsive to that, cheerful about making changes as we went along. We ended up with a beautiful fireplace out of what had been an eyesore. We are incredibly pleased with the final product and I would recommend this company highly for quality of work, demeanor, flexibility, and reasonable cost.

I was told I would receive a written estimate in the mail, and I have not heard from him since.

Excellent, professional job by a mason who knows old houses and used the right materials to restore them. Arrived when he said he would, and worked steadily until the job was complete. Best repointing job the neighborhood has seen!