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On average, brick repairs will cost you around $500, with a range of between $350 and $600. However, be aware that a number of factors will have a large influence on this cost. First is the severity of the problem. Some brick repairs are as simple as applying new mortar — others require removing the brick entirely and fixing the substrate. If budget is a concern, contact several brick masons for cost estimates to find the best price in your area.

The cost of building a new deck or porch is $1,500. However, this price can vary depending on a few different factors. The square footage of the space, the type of materials to be used, the intricacy of the project and your specific region can cause the price to fluctuate. To find out how much your new deck will cost, get free estimates from the best deck contractors near you.

For more information, read “How much does it cost to build a deck or porch?”

First, conduct an online search so you can see a list of the best deck contractors in your area. This makes it easy to compare the top-rated pros, and you can quickly view their ratings. 

Next, click on several contractors’ profiles so you can read their customer reviews and view photos of decks the pros have completed. When reading the reviews, look for information that highlights the contractors’ quality of work, their ability to build the deck on time and their pricing methods. As you’re looking at the before-and-after photos of completed decks, pay attention to the craftsmanship, materials and style so you can get a sense of the contractors’ skills and experience.

After identifying several deck contractors who seem capable of building your deck, look into their credentials. Confirm the requirements in your state and city, and try to verify the pros’ licenses online. Or, you can ask the contractors to provide you with an overview of their credentials.  

Your last step: start asking for free estimates from several contractors. Give them as many details about your project as possible so the pros can give you an accurate estimate. What type of material do you want for your deck? How big will it be? Where should it be built — your front yard or backyard? When do you need it built?

Make your final decision after comparing quotes and analyzing the research you’ve conducted. Ultimately, you should pick a contractor who has experience building your desired deck, the necessary qualifications, mostly positive reviews and fair pricing.

Because unsealed concrete is porous, it readily absorbs liquids, leading to unsightly stains and freeze-and-thaw cycle damage. For this reason, it’s important to seal concrete that will see spills or outdoor weather.

The best option for garage floors and other high-traffic areas is epoxy, which forms a hard and extremely durable surface on top of concrete. Epoxy, acrylic, and polishes are often used on indoor floors, while acrylic-resin sealers and reactive penetrating sealers are used on outdoor surfaces to repel water and salt. Locate a concrete contractor in your area to help find the best solution.

Paving contractors can be hired to install a concrete or asphalt driveway at your home, office or property. They can also repave an asphalt or concrete driveway that has been damaged by time, weather or heavy loads. When you are looking for a driveway contractor, request quotes from at least three professionals who are in good standing and have great customer reviews. They should do a site visit and write you a bid, detailing the work involved, materials needed, approximate length of the project and estimated cost.

The site for your new driveway will determine costs and the work required for your contractor. First, the ground must be excavated to lay a clear path. This means removing any trees, bushes and stumps. Next, the driveway contractor will grade the area, making a level surface for the concrete or asphalt. To ensure proper drainage, driveway contractors should install a sub-base of compacted gravel (or similar) 4 inches-8 inches deep, depending on your soil type. Then the concrete or asphalt may be poured and smoothed over the top. Your driveway contractor should recommend an appropriate sealant for your climate and advise you on curing time. When hiring a paving contractor, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.

Brick masons, otherwise known as block masons or bricklayers, are professional builders of fireplaces, walls, houses and other structures using bricks or other rectangular blocks. Brick masons also work with terra cotta, concrete blocks and precast masonry panels. Part of their skill is working with mortar, which is used to bind the bricks together. 

The following are common stone and brick issues that will likely require a professional’s skills and expertise to fix:

• Cracked bricks and mortar, including vertical corner cracks 
• Brick erosion and degradation due to water damage 
• Mortar deterioration
• Bowed or bulging bricks
• Spalled bricks, which are those that have chipped away or fallen off 
• Efflorescence, or visible soluble stains on the surface

If you notice any of these signs, reach out to local brick or stone masons today.

 Here are some examples of average costs:

• The national average cost to hire a concrete specialist is $2,750, but that price can vary greatly depending on the work needed to repair and resurface your concrete driveway, the square footage of the project, current costs of concrete, and regional labor rates.
• Driveway contractors average $2-$3 per square foot to smooth and resurface your asphalt driveway.
• Resurfacing concrete driveways averages $3-$10 per square foot. Pricing can depend on repairs needed, project size and geographic location.
• Nationally, the average cost for resurfacing a 500-square-foot driveway ranges from $2,000 to $5,000.
• Sealant for a concrete drive can cost $20-$80 per gallon.
• Sealant for an asphalt drive averages 25 cents per square foot.

A stone mason builds structures like buildings, walls and piers out of stone. They may use natural stone, pre-cut stone, slabs or other types of stone to get the job done. Other jobs stone masons take on include laying walkways, curbs, pizza ovens and other structures or landscaping works. It’s common to hire a stone mason to perform certain parts of home building, such as an interior or exterior stone wall.

Concrete contractors can build foundations, structures, driveways, concrete storm drains, raise or level concrete patios and much more. They can handle every step of the process, starting with framing the mold that the concrete is poured into. They then cut, assemble and tie together the rebar, giving the concrete its tensile strength. Finally, they pour the concrete in, mixing and conditioning it to ensure it cures properly. They will also take steps to ensure that no air pockets are trapped within it. 

If you have a project that requires the help of a concrete contractor, reach out to one today to get a price estimate.