This review is long over due, but I needed to write it because so many of us in the city are in need of quality and affordable sealant and masonry needs here in Chicago and I wish there had been more out there when we went through the process; afterall, you're shelling out a lot of money to maintain your property. Mason Master Shmid should be included in your quotes because you'll want to use this company when you're weighing the "professional" assessments.
We've used Andriy, the owner, for several projects involving masonry and even leaking in other non-masonry areas (desparate). He is extremely professional, honest, trustworthy, hard-working, and prompt. We started working with him the summer of 2013 when our then 6-year old 4-flat began "waterfalling" in all three units. That was my first intro into the split-faced brick debacle, where the new buildings are often built with them without adequately "water proofing" them, or informing buyers of the added expense required, resulting in some bricks soaking up the water. After researching building sealants and calling around for quotes, our condo association agreed on Mason Master Shmid, which was competitive, yet not outrageous (it was a very fair price).
Andriy was super prompt in returning my call and coming over to view the problem not just on the outside, but touring the insides of all 3 units to adequately assess the damage and the likely cause/fix (also giving us confidence he cares about our individual concerns). He trouble-shooted what he could fix and what he could not address, speaking to his integrity and area of expertise. Andriy was able to address the leaking issue immediately which worked, as well as seal/patch our building once our rainy spring/early summer finally dried up.
He gave us a general timeframe for when he could begin the sealing process and since weather is unpredictable, he stayed in contact regularly until the building dried up enough from the rains. He and his crew were extremely professional, they did their work, scaffolding and all, and cleaned up afterwards.
To show how awesome his work is, this picture was taken the week before Labor Day 2014 when we had extremely heavy rains. Our building is on the left without any water stains; the adjoining building on the right didn't seal. Notice their split-faced brick is a sponge, soaking it up with showing the major water spots. The building two over from us on the far right used a different contractor and paid about the same (less square footage and less masonry work), and unfortunately, you can see their building is still showing water absorption in a few areas. Our sealant is supposed to last at least 10 years I believe.
It's always a gamble knowing who to trust here in the city without paying too much for the popular "big" top-rated guy. After seeing some reviews of his work, meeting with Andriy, and having our neighbors also meet him to reinforce that my gut to trust him was right (and spend OUR money as effectively as possible), we went with him. As with many contractors in Chicago, he has an accent, but please don't let that dissuade you. He's above board, honest, extremely hard-working, and runs his own business, which I prefer to support as long as they are licensed and bonded, trustworthy, seemingly honest, and gets the job done. He ticks all the boxes.
We have used Andriy since for several jobs, and will continue to use him for additional masonry jobs our building is sadly needing in only 8 years of its existence. I trust him with our garage door opener and to come into our place with my two kids.
If you want a fair price and solid work and am ethical person, I recommend you call him. read more