Masonry Contractor in Novato, CA - Brick and Stone Repair That Fixes the Cause

Your cost comes down to the size of the job, the shape the old work is in and the material you choose, and I put it in writing once I've seen it. Matching old brick and mortar takes more time than new work, and a wall that needs a new footing or drainage costs more than one that only needs repointing. After I look the job over, you get a written estimate that spells out the work and the reason for it.

The City of Novato's Building Division issues building permits, and it also reviews plans and does the field inspections. We check with them early, and when your job needs a permit, we take care of the application.

The city's instant online permits are for like-for-like home projects such as water heaters, HVAC, electrical panels, reroofs, windows and doors, and kitchen or bath remodels, once the city confirms them, and masonry work isn't on that list. That doesn't settle whether your wall, chimney or steps need a permit, so we ask the Building Division before we start. The city also keeps a building permit guide that lists required and exempt work.

You request inspections through the city's online portal, Novato Permits, and only for a permit that's already been issued. The person asking has to be a listed contact on that permit, which is why we set up the inspections on jobs where we handle the permit.

A masonry contractor needs a California contractor license, which usually means passing the state's exams, and the City of Novato requires a business license or permit to do business there. We're fully licensed and insured, and I'm happy to answer any questions about it when I come out.

Usually it's age and water, because mortar is meant to be softer than the brick so it wears first and can be replaced. The trouble starts when someone patches old brick with hard cement mortar, which traps water and makes the brick face flake off. We match the mortar to the brick so the joints keep doing their job.