Hired to replace old stone interior fireplace with brick one. I removed the old stone one. Claimed he knew everything there was to know about masonry since he had done since a little boy and had 22-25 years experience. His multiple ads on the Wash Metro Craigslist said he "stands behind he work." He said if I ever had problems just call and he would fix. I asked when I could build a fire - he said wait 5 days. I checked internet and it said wait at least 30 days - I waited 45 days. First fire resulted in several face bricks cracking in half on either side of the lentil along with numerous mortar joints cracking clear back to the wall. Called him to get him to fix - initially, he said I must have hit it with a big hammer. I sent him pictures. Then he said I must have started the fire with the damper open and that that caused high pressure! Fact is he didn't allow space for expansion of the fire box, the steel lentil and the cast iron flue damper. Result was expansion due to heat didn't have any place to go. Said he was coming two times to repair, gave me date and times but never showed or even called. Now refuses to answer phone calls, or return my calls or emails. Also paid to have chimney masonary cap replaced - he replace half of it. Plus he did no clean up when he was finished with job. He over ordered mortar mix (said 7-8 bags and it took 3) plus under ordered fire bricks by 25. Doesn't even have a pickup - I had to pay extra to have materials delivered to home.
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