Straight Up Masonry

My name is Jon Farrar. I am a person with a disability. I recently discovered and applied for a home assistance program called TORONTO RENOVATES. This program is designed to help homeowners, who have a disability, with financial assistance for necessary/emergency home improvements.

The back steps of my house needed to be replaced. The retaining wall along side of the steps was caving in due to poor grading surrounding the area ultimately causing water to run towards my house.

I sent out several emails to various potential contractors. Some were fairly quick to respond...while others never got back to me.

Tony initially arrived, unannounced either that very day or the following day ( he was working in the neighbourhood...a good sign ), which was fine by me. I prefer dealing with people in person. I appreciated his 'go-getter' attitude. We discussed my needs and I pointed out my application with the Toronto Renovates program. He was very friendly and very open to working within any parameters of the program.

As the assistance provided has a cap, I was very cautious as to how much money I could contribute to the job. Tony's estimate wasn't the cheapest and wasn't the most expensive. I felt it was very reasonable and competitive.

After selecting and submitting to the program a few contractors to consider (mandatory minimum of 3 by the program), I ultimately decided to favour Straight Up Masonry. In must be noted that when I submitted the 3 estimates provided by Straight Up Masonry and the other 2 companies, I did have input as to whom I preferred.

Tony was the only one to provide and have appropriate Licences, Photo ID, and necessary documentation to be attached to the Estimate from the get go. The other 2 companies, I had to chase down that information. One of the companies didn't have a License!!

Straight Up Masonry Ltd was listed in the City's database of Licensed contractors.

Toronto Renovates selected ( with my input ) Straight Up Masonry for the job.

I contacted Tony with the news and mentioned that the work needed to begin within 120 days from the approval date. He was able to start roughly 50/60 days from approval.

This is where I was introduced to Crystal, Tony's wife, who handles all email/phone correspondence. She was extremely nice and communication with her was prompt and effortless.

Tony came by before the start date just to go over everything to make sure we were on the same page. I also gave him the number of my case-worker from Toronto Renovates. Tony made good use of this as he was in constant contact with my case-worker to ensure we were all on the same page.

Tony introduced me to his right-hand man, Dominic who would be 'running the show'. He also provided me with Dominic's and his own personal cell numbers.

Dominic and his crew ( Robert & Mitch ) were amazing. They had the demo of the existing back steps and roof done very fast with no damage to any surrounding areas.

After the demo, it was discovered that there was old, non-functioning Weeping Tile along the back steps and the Weatherstripping along the back of the house from a previous job, by another contractor was poorly done with NO WEEPING TILE!! (but that's for another review ;) )

Having the entire Weeping Tile replaced was not an option for me financially.

Tony called in a Licensed Plumber to assess the situation.

Tony, Dominic and the plumber ( I forget his name ) came up with a feasable solution to replace the old Weeping Tile and connect it to an existing drain. It was extremely important to Tony that it was done right and within budget.

After that little hiccup, it was smooth sailing. Tony brought in Kevin & Declan to build the retaining walls. These two had the blocks installed efficiently and in a very timely manner.

Dominic and his team were also sympathetic to my elderly neighbours as we share a drive-way, allowing them to easily access their side of the drive-way.

The lads finished the job in 9 business days. Sooner than initially estimated.

At the time of this writing, they have left the surrounding earth uncovered to allow the ground to settle as they will be returning to regrade the earth and put back the pre-existing bricks.

I could not be happier with the end result. Tony, Crystal, Dominic Robert, Mitch, Kevin & Declan were all outstanding. I would highly recommend Straight Up Masonry.

Due to their busy schedule, we had to wait for Straight Up Masonry to start the job but it was worth it. They did an excellent job on our basement walkout. Even when we faced a few problems along the way, Tony had the resources to offer solutions and keep the job moving forward. It made the renovation experience very easy.

We hired Straight Up Masonry to repalce our aging chimney. Right from the quoting process with Crystal through to the work completed my expereince was nothing but pleasant. Everyone worked hard to understand and meet my needs; and were always quick, fair, and professional.

Friendly, knowledgeable, professional service. At time of estimate Fall 2013, Tony explained the process and the criteria for deciding on extent of tuckpoint maintenance work to be done on 2 1/2 story home.Crystal collaborated with PowerLine Plus application. Original work was completed on the appointed day by crew of 2. When unexpected low night temperature meant grout didn't cure properly, Straight Up Masonry stood behind their word for quality work at the price quoted. At the first stretch of suitably warmer temperatures after the seemingly longest-winter-ever, Crystal was in touch to set up appointments for removal of first application and for reapplication of grout. Care was taken to match colour with that of original. Crew was tidy and graciously answered questions about their work. Afterwards, Crystal and Tony patiently gave us the time we needed to evaluate the product and service provided. Family appreciates their ethics.

Straight Up Masonry did an excellent job on our home and veranda, they were on time, professional, kind and personable and they stand behind their work. Their work was top notch and we WILL use them again for all of our masonry needs, as we still have more work to be done next year. We highly recommend them and will to any of our friends and family. Thank you Tony and thank you to your great team!

Great service from start to finish. These guys are definitely straight up. They worked through the rain and bad weather and the finish product was fantastic. They repair the whole side of our new office building at 1212 The Queensway which was cracked and the rear as well. They came and clean up. High recommended. Thank you from Michael Yuffa at Waterworks Plumbing and Drains Inc. 416-489-0000.

I would unhesitatingly recommend "Straight Up" to anyone considering masonry work. Working with them on our chimney rebuild starting from the estimate through to completion was a pleasure. Pricing was competitive and included a feature not covered by other contractors. The work was professionally done by staff that are clearly motivated and client oriented and after completion the cleanup was fastidious.
Thanks Tony

Tony, Crystal, and the Straight Up team were so easy to deal with... clean, timely, always easy to get a hold of and straight forward with answers to questions. Most importantly, they delivered excellent results without moving from the original quote. Highly recommended.

Tony was a pleasure to deal with. the job was professionally done and finished as promised. the clean up was amazing. Would not hesitate to recommend Straight Up Masonry to friends and family for all masonry related projects.

Very professional. Gave estimate in timely manner and work was completed as scheduled. I will definitely use Straight Up Masonry for any other work we need completed. I now have total confidence in them. Didn't even know they'd been here, clean-up was so good. Thanks to all three!!