Ralph Woods Masonry LLC

Ralph Woods was prompt in visiting my home and providing me an estimate to do the work. He indicated he could perform the work on Saturday, April 19. I had a roofing contractor who I had scheduled to start the roof replacement on Monday, April 21. However, it rained on Saturday and, to prevent delay of start of my roof replacement, Ralph and his crew came out Sunday and worked from about 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. They did a great job on the exterior chimney and replaced the top row of bricks with limestone slabs, used some of those bricks to perform tuck pointing of the chimney, and then grouted the spaces between the chimney flues. They also carefully removed the bricks from the fireplace in the kitchen and also used several of the chimney bricks removed to replace those. They did a great job and I was pleased with their approach and the results. They also cleaned up pretty well when they were done. I had to leave before they were done and Ralph called me that evening to make sure I was satisfied. In addition, the roofing contractor was able to get started on time the next day.

Great job, arrived on time, completed job on time. Power washed brick before job and acid washed, then power washed on completion. Owner on job site for all work.

They did a good job. Our lawn is steep in the area where they were working. They built a scaffold to protect the landscaping. Their masonry has shows good workmanship. They used an acid wash to remove any remaining traces of mortar from the brick, where some other masons leave a mortar haze on the brick surface. They did a good job of removing the refuse and leaving a clean, neat site when they were finished. We were very pleased with their work.

Ralph was very prompt to respond to my request for an estimate to repair the brick work on my patio. I called in the morning and heard back from him that afternoon. I decided to wait on the repairs until a later date.

The first part of the job, rebuilding a large window well, was great. He took pains to use decorative, tan colored concrete block per my request and lined up the edges so that it cosmetically looked much better than the original. Regarding the mortar joints let me say that I am satisfied. But the first time they were "done" I found numerous (30?) unfilled joints they had drilled out but not filled, one area of hardened mortar that hadn't been removed, and several holes in mortar on the upper level that I could see from the ground. When I pointed these out, he responded that the quote he gave me was for a "repair", not a "restoration". We had not discussed this distinction before. I insisted that second level holes I could see from the ground needed to be repaired, but did not ask him to repair any joints with cracks or shallow divots not extending beyond the mortar thickness. He had to come back twice to complete the job. In the end, I am satisfied and it looks good!

Ralph met me to determine what needed to be done to fix problem of water inside basement. The concrete patio area had cracked. He was on time and seemed very knowledgeable. After giving me an estimate and agreeing to have the work done he started two days later. I was at work when most of the work was done so I have no knowledge of how long it took or how many workers there were. The only real glitch was the weather. Ralph poured the concrete on a rather cold weather the day before more snow but he assured me it would be fine and you can't wait forever in Indiana for good weather. The work was done and I have not had anymore water in the basement. I would hire Ralph again.

I employed Ralph Woods to do the masonry job. I was very pleased with the work he performed and would recommend him to anyone. His fee was very reasonable.

They were here on time, explained everything that needed to be done. They were just wonderful to deal with. He put tarp around my chimney until he was able to do the work. He was very expedient.

Before showing up for the estimate, he noted that modern bricks are slightly smaller than bricks from this period (1890's) so would have to take care to preserve as many as possible during demolition. When he showed up for the estimate, he immediately started planning out loud how he would approach the job... beginning with stabilizing the porch pillars that may be putting load on (and depend on) the wall sections that would be removed. He considered the "hidden" foundation and repairs that may be needed there once exposed. I told him I was getting other estimates, and he recommended several other competitors to try, never bad-mouthing them at all, just recommending folks with experience on historic structures. His crew was very fast, clean and they did an amazing job at matching style, even building a drainage archway in the floor identical to the ones elsewhere on the original porch section. He seemed apologetic about his price, but it was half as much as one other estimate!

Old retaining wall leaning and beginning to effect support beams of deck. Ralph tore out old retaining wall and built new one in more sensible manner than how the old one was built. Also tore out and poured new concrete steps in middle of wall. Old steps were all different heights and in bad shape, new steps more uniform and better made. Ralph worked with us to make the wall just the look and color we wanted, which meant staining the block for slight additional cost. Ralph was very responsive, courteous, and professional. Came out to look same day I called on Saturday, and it was clear he knew his stuff. Also, the few times I had to call him during job, I either got him right away or he called back within minutes. Ralph and his crew worked late into night several times to finish job.

They worked with us to reach a common understanding of a difficult and multifaceted set of problems. They continued work until the job was finished. They were accommodating. The owner (me) is the customer from hell, very picky and they remained patient and accommodating. They did top notch work. Very good value for the money. Although the total cost was high, this was an enormous job, requiring several weeks worth of work and they were well worth the money. They found the best materials and used superb craftsmanship, eliciting awe filled comments from my neighbors. It is such a pleasure to write this review. Thank you, Creative Masonry.

I called Mr. Ralph Woods on July 9, 2007 and he came the same day to survey the project and give me a quote for repairing the cement grout in my bluestone sidewalk. The sidewalk is quite large and connects the two front entrances of my home and leads to the circular drive in front of the home. The sidewalk is only 5 years old and was placed by the contractor who built the home in 2001/2002. The grout was deteriorating and had come out or was cracked in a large number of places. Mr. Woods discussed the process that he would take to repair the joints and in some cases replace the stone pavers. He said he specialized in this kind of work and related his background and experience to me. He gave me a quote for restoral including repair/acid wash and reseal and said he would begin work immediately. I accepted his quote and he began work the next day. He did a very fine job and the restoral is first-rate. I highly recommend his work.

The owner, Ralph Woods, first met with me and explained what needed to be done to fix the problems with my walkway. He completed each phase of the repair in a timely fashion and never rushed through anything. Ralph was at my home on time every time and his work was great. This was a very good experience and I would recommend him to anyone and I will use him again.

We called Ralph on a Saturday hoping to schedule a free estimate later in the week. Ralph was kind enough to return our call and actually came out the same day (on a Saturday) and on time to check out our project. Although Ralph did not perform the work, he did come out to the house and inspect the surface brick and provide some very helpful tips on how to remove the paint ourselves. He recommended a specific paint remover and techniques for doing the job effectively and affordable. He also offered to make himself available if we had questions or needed advice.

Excellent Job!!!!!! At first, I thought his price was a little high; however, once I saw the work being done and the level of expertise exhibited, the price was dead on. These guys are true professionals. Every detail was taken care of. Colors were matched, joints repaired, mortar work was excellent, excellent, excellent. The concrete spots that they were able to remove had been in place for at least 15 years. I just knew there was no way it would all come off, but they worked their magic and it is completely gone. My house looks like it has a brand new foundation. I have some other masonry jobs to be done in the future and you can be sure I am going to call Creative Masonry to do the jobs.

Ralph Woods and his able assistants worked tirelessly, despite some rather inclement weather. They weren't always there as early as they said they would be, but once they arrived, I couldn't complain. Ralph was there to direct and supervise every aspect; he personally did all the work on the upper level of the chimney. I was extremely pleased with both the masonry work and the concrete work. Ralph is very conscientious and approachable. He has assured me that he would work with me if my water problem recurs. I would recommend him without reservation to anyone looking for his expertise and I would hire him again without hesitation. My first three pictures show the conditions of the brick work before; the fourth picture shows the final product.

We left a message for Ralph and he returned our call within 24 hours. Within 48 hours he came by the house and called us with his estimate. He was very informative regarding the work that was needed and answered our questions. We did request a written estimate, but it was not received.

Mr. Woods was easy to work with and did excellent work. He was very prompt and he and his crew put in long hours to complete the job in the time frame that he promised. Since the job was a relatively big ticket item I paid him about a third down, a third half way through and the balance when the job was done to my satisfaction. I would happily recommend his work.

GOT AN ESTIMATE FOR THE JOB. CREATIVE MASONRY WAS QUICK TO ANSWER MY CALL AND CAME OUT THE SAME DAY TO PROVIDE THE ESTIMATE. THEY SPENT A LOT OF TIME WITH ME LOOKING OVER THE ENTIRE HOUSE, AND COMMENTING ON WHAT, BESIDES THE FOUNDATION, NEEDED TO BE ADDRESSED.

THE OWNER AND WORKERS WERE POLITE, AND DID A GOOD JOB, CONSIDERING THE HOUSE WAS BUILT IN 1952, AND THE BRICK WAS A LITTLE HARD TO MATCH. THE WORKERS DID A GOOD JOB CLEANING UP AFTER THEMSELVES. WE FELT THE PRICE WAS REASONABLE. THEY DID THE WORK WITHIN THE TIME FRAME THEY PROJECTED. MY ONLY DISAPPOINTMENT WAS THAT THE OWNER SAID HE WOULD MAIL US A RECEIPT, AND TO DATE WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED ONE. WE ARE GOING TO CALL HIM AND REMIND HIM. (I DO HAVE MY CANCELLED CHECKS.)

THE JOB TOOK SEVERAL DAYS, AND THERE WERE WEATHER DELAYS. THE COMPANY WAS NOT AS PERFECT WITH PHONE OR PUNCTUALITY AS SOME, BUT GOOD ENOUGH TO BE A- OR B+. ON THE OTHER HAND, WHEN RALPH GOT THERE, HE WORKED LIKE A DEMON. RALPH WOODS WAS PRESENT IN PERSON AT ALL CRITICAL PHASES OF THE JOB -- IN FACT ALMOST ALL THE TIME. HIS CONSCIENTIOUSNESS BORDERS ON PERFECTIONISM. AS A RESULT, THE FINISHED PRODUCT WAS A LITTLE SLOWER AND A LOT BETTER THEN I DARED HOPE IT WOULD BE. HE GAVE ME REFERENCES BEFORE I HIRED HIM, AND THEY ALL CHECKED OUT AND RAVED ABOUT THIS FIRM. RALPH WOODS CAN AND WILL DO ''RELATED'' WORK WHEN HE'S DOING YOUR JOB (HE PAINTED OUR EXTERIOR WOOD SINCE HE WAS UP THERE ON SCAFFOLDING ALREADY, AT AN EXCELLENT PRICE). BUT HIS STRONG SUIT IS MASONRY, STONE, CONCRETE, WALLS, ETC. I HAVE HIGH PRAISE FOR THIS FIRM. AT FIRST, I THOUGHT OTHER FIRMS SEEMED MORE ''PROFESSIONAL'' (MORE POLISHED)OR CHEAPER. BUT ONCE EVERY SHORTCUT OR EXTRA WAS ADDED BACK IN, NOT CHEAPER. AND QUALITY!

CREATIVE MASONRY MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO GIVE ME AN ESTIMATE. HE MISSED THE APPOINTMENT AND DID NOT CALL UNTIL A WEEK LATER. WE RESCHEDULED THE APPOINTMENT, AND HE MISSED THAT ONE TOO AND HE NEVER CALLED.

RALPH WOODS & HIS HELPER, EDDIE, WERE KIND & POLITE AT ALL TIMES. THEY WERE PROMPT AND DID AN EXCELLENT JOB.

HE LET US KNOW AS SOON AS HE HAD AN OPENING AVAILABLE TO DO THE WORK. HE WAS SUPPOSED TO COME BACK AND CLEAN UP HIS WORK, BUT HE NEVER DID. HIS FOLLOW THROUGH WAS VERY POOR. HE WAS PROFESSIONAL AND HIS WORK WAS OKAY, HE JUST NEVER FINISHED THE JOB AS FAR AS WE ARE CONCERNED BECAUSE HE DIDN'T FOLLOW THROUGH WITH THE CLEAN UP AND HE SAID HE WOULD.

ALTHOUGH HE WAS AN HOUR TO AN HOUR AND A HALF LATE ON OCCASION HIS TALENT AND QUALITY OF WORKMANSHIP MORE THAN MAKES UP FOR IT. BESIDES, HE'S A NICE GUY.