Academy Masonry & Construction

Massachusetts has no masonry license, masons work under Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration and insurance. A structural chimney rebuild, fireplace repair, or work affecting the building envelope needs a building permit from the Cambridge Inspectional Services Department, and chimney lining must meet the state fire code (527 CMR) for clearances and listed liners. CSIA chimney-sweep certification is voluntary but worth requesting. Cambridge has active historical commissions and several local conservation districts, including Old Cambridge and Mid-Cambridge, so visible exterior masonry on an older home commonly needs historical review before work begins.

Cambridge masonry runs high, on par with Boston metro, because of density, tight staging, scaffolding on tall row houses, and labor rates. Chimney repointing or tuckpointing typically runs $1,500-$3,500, more with a lime-mortar match and roof access. Rebuilding a chimney above the roofline runs roughly $3,000-$8,000 and up. Relining a flue is usually $2,500-$7,000 depending on height and liner type. A crown or cap repair runs $400-$1,500. Brick step and walkway repair lands around $2,000-$6,000, with historic-brick matching in Old Cambridge pushing the upper end.

Massachusetts requires a written contract and a Home Improvement Contractor registration for most residential masonry & chimney work; ask for the registration number and check it before paying a deposit.

More on permits, costs, rebates and common questions, plus every other masonry & chimney contractor serving the town, on the Masonry & Chimney in Cambridge page.