Guides & Resources
Practical guides on cost, timing, and how to choose the right service, written for homeowners in our area.
A plain breakdown of what chimney repointing, crown repair, flashing and full rebuilds usually cost in Massachusetts, and how to tell which one your chimney actually needs.
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What granite front steps typically cost in Massachusetts, the factors that move the price, and how granite stacks up against brick and precast concrete.
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Segmental block or natural stone? A side-by-side look at cost, appearance, lifespan and drainage for retaining walls in New England yards.
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Water stains around the chimney usually come from one of four places. Here is how to narrow it down and what a proper flashing repair involves.
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Repointing and tuckpointing get mixed up all the time. Here is what each one means, how to spot failing mortar and what a proper repoint looks like.
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That white, chalky film on brick steps, walls and chimneys has a name. Here is what causes efflorescence, how to clean it safely and when it signals a bigger issue.
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Brick faces flaking and crumbling after winter? Here is what causes spalling, how it is repaired, and how to know when steps or a chimney need a rebuild.
Read the guideLoose treads, cracked mortar and steps pulling away from the house all look similar at first. Here is how a mason decides between a repair and a full rebuild.
Read the guideBlock, natural stone or poured concrete: what retaining walls typically cost in Massachusetts, and the hidden parts of the job that decide whether a wall lasts.
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Typical costs for paver and brick patios and walkways in Massachusetts, what moves the price, and how clay brick and concrete pavers hold up over the years.
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What exterior house painting typically costs in Massachusetts, why older homes cost more to paint, how often to repaint, and the best months for the job.
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Freeze thaw, rock salt and plow damage are hard on masonry. A season by season plan to keep brick and pavers in good shape through a New England winter.
Read the guideWhat Massachusetts law expects from home improvement contractors, how to read a masonry estimate, and the questions to ask before you hire anyone for steps, chimneys or walls.
Read the guideEverett is a city of triple-deckers and tight lots. Here is what usually fails first on these homes, what repairs tend to cost, and how to plan the work.
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Winchester's large Colonial and Victorian homes, lakeside slopes and demolition delay bylaw all shape how masonry projects are planned. Here is what to know.
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From Battle Green era houses to Six Moon Hill modernism, Lexington mixes old and new. Here is how its historic districts and housing styles affect masonry work.
Read the guideBelmont Hill, the Pleasant Street corridor and the Waverley side of town bring steep grades and historic homes. Here is how that shapes masonry work.
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Arlington has seven local historic districts, a lot of two-family homes and hills like Arlington Heights. Here is how that affects repointing, steps and chimneys.
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Newton's 13 villages, four local historic districts and puddingstone ledges make masonry planning more local than most. Here is what to know before you start.
Read the guideBrookline has a lot of old brick and eight local historic districts. Here is what to know about repointing, steps and chimneys before you hire.
Read the guideLarge homes, landscaped yards and the Cottage Street Historic District define masonry work in Wellesley. Here is how to plan steps, walls and patios.
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Melrose is full of Victorian homes on hilly streets near the Middlesex Fells. Here is how to care for original chimneys, brick steps and walls.
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