Foundation repair
When a crack runs through the foundation, I look at the footing and the drainage first, because patching the crack alone won't keep it from coming back.
Masonry Contractor in Fowler, CA - Walls and Brick Built on Sound Ground
Mastercraft Fresno Concrete and Masonry is a masonry contractor based in Fresno, CA. In Fowler we repoint and repair brick, rebuild chimneys, and build block walls, retaining walls, walkways and paver driveways that stay straight and solid.
Masonry work on Fowler homes and yards
Fowler is a small city in Fresno County, and the calls we get there sound like the ones we get around Fresno: brick with crumbling joints, a chimney that's tired at the top, or a yard that needs a wall. We do the same work in Selma and Bonadelle Ranchos, so the crew that shows up in Fowler has seen your kind of job before. The price moves with how big the job is, how deep the footing goes, how much old mortar has to come out, the material you pick and how easy the spot is to reach. The schedule mostly turns on whether a city permit is needed, how soon materials come in and how long new mortar and concrete need to cure. I'll give you your own price in writing at the estimate.
Drainage and soils were among the issues listed when the city drew up its general plan. That's a note about the area, not your lot, but it's why I look at how water moves around your house and how firm the ground is before we set a footing or a paver base.
Mortar that suits the brick
Older brick is often softer than modern mortar, so we mix the new mortar to suit what's there. Mortar that's too hard can crack the brick around it.
The prep you won't see
I ran crews on big commercial jobs before starting this business in 2013, and that taught me a wall is won or lost in the footing, the drainage and the mix.
A small fix when it'll do
If repointing a few joints or resetting a few bricks will solve it, I'll tell you that at the estimate instead of selling you a rebuild.
Masonry services we do for Fowler homes
Chimney repair
A tired chimney usually shows it first in loose bricks and open joints near the top, where it's most exposed. We rebuild what's failed and repoint the rest.
Tuckpointing
We grind out worn mortar to an even depth and pack new joints in layers, because a joint that's only smeared over comes loose again in a few seasons.
Brick repair
Cracked or loose bricks get cut out and replaced with the closest match we can find in size and color, so the repair doesn't jump out at you.
Driveway pavers
A paver driveway is as good as the base under it, so we dig out and pack crushed rock a few inches at a time before a paver goes down.
Retaining wall construction
A retaining wall holds back soil and the water in it, so ours get a proper footing, gravel behind the block and a drain to let that water out.
Masonry restoration
For older brick and stone that's worn all over, we clean it, repair what's broken and repoint the joints, keeping as much of the original material as we can.
Fireplace installation
We build masonry fireplaces from the hearth up, laying out the firebox and flue so the fire draws well and the brick or stone face fits the room.
Stone veneer installation
Stone veneer is a thin layer of stone set over an existing wall, and it holds up when what's behind it is right, so we start with the backing and the water barrier.
Concrete block walls
Block walls along a yard or property line stay straight when the footing is right and the hollow cores get steel and grout where the wall needs it.
Foundation block wall installation
We lay block foundation walls for additions and new structures on a footing sized for the load, keeping every row level so the framing above sits true.
Outdoor kitchen masonry
We build outdoor kitchens in block, brick or stone, laying out the counters and grill opening and leaving room for gas or power lines before the first block goes down.
Walkway construction
We build walkways in concrete, brick or pavers on a packed base with a slight slope, so rainwater runs off instead of pooling by your door.
Brick wall installation
A new brick wall starts with a footing on firm ground and a mortar suited to the brick, and that's what keeps it standing straight.
Stone masonry
We set natural stone in walls, steps and planters, fitting each piece by hand so the weight sits on stone rather than on the mortar between.
Brick pointing
When only some joints are cracked or open, we point just those, packing them with fresh mortar to keep water out of the wall behind.
Book a free masonry estimate in Fowler
Send the form and we'll get back to you within one business day to set a time. I come out, look at the job and write the estimate myself, and there's no obligation to go ahead.
Your price in writing
The estimate is free and the price comes to you in writing, so you know what's covered and can compare it with any other bid you get.
Tell us if it's historic
If your house is a designated historic property, mention it in the form or at the estimate, so we can plan the job around it from the start.
Our own crew does it
Our own crew does the work, with a lead mason running the job, so there's one person on site to ask about the day's work.
Fowler masonry questions on permits and licenses
Here's what homeowners in Fowler usually ask about permits and licenses before they hire a masonry contractor for a wall, chimney or repair.
Do I need a city permit for masonry work in Fowler, CA?
You need one from the City of Fowler's building official whenever the work builds, enlarges, alters, repairs, moves or demolishes a building or structure. A new wall, a chimney rebuild or foundation work can fall under that, and the owner or their agent applies through the city's permit portal. When your job needs one, we file it and handle the paperwork.
When does a contractor need a California license for masonry work?
A contractor needs a California license when the job needs a building permit, uses employee labor, or comes to $1,000 or more in labor and materials across one or more contracts. The Contractors State License Board licenses anyone who builds or alters a building or other structure in the state. We're licensed and insured.
Does a contractor need a business license to work in Fowler?
Yes, every business working in Fowler, trades included, has to pay the city for a business license. That license is issued without checking whether the holder needs or has a state contractor license, so it tells you nothing about that one. The two are separate, so ask about each on its own.
Masonry work across our service area
These are the cities with their own page on our site, not the only places we go. If yours isn't listed, call (559) 319-0148 or use the form and ask.
Tell us what your Fowler project needs
Call (559) 319-0148 or send the form with a few lines about the job, so I can plan for any permit before I come out.