# Celtic Masonry **Trade:** Masonry · **Languages:** English, Spanish **Rating: 3.7/5** (medium confidence) — from 49 reviews across 4 sources. 98% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 0 reviews, 0 negative. ## The honest read Celtic Masonry is a Lawrence, Massachusetts masonry contractor run by Jim Bresnahan, with a written review record stretching back to 2018 and continuing through late 2025 across Angi and HomeAdvisor. Homeowners consistently praise the work itself: a 130-year-old front porch wall rebuilt with a new bluestone surface, granite curbing and stone paths (Angi, Dec 2025); a chimney rebuilt at the Historic Francis Wyman House with the original brick reused (HomeAdvisor, 2018); repeated chimney rebuilds, repointing, damper repairs and inspections; and brick and granite steps, walkways and retaining walls replaced or repaired for houses over a century old. Reviewers repeatedly describe Jim as responsive, often calling back within a day or even hours of a request, sending a written or detailed quote up front, and keeping customers updated as the work progressed. Pricing is described as fair and competitive against other quotes, and several jobs closed on time and on budget with no surprise costs. Worth asking about before booking: a March 2025 HomeAdvisor review describes a wall and walkway job where stones lifted, slabs moved, grout joints developed holes, and the customer says the price rose mid-job and the conversation ended with Jim hanging up angrily. Celtic Masonry's own reply to that review states it never did work for that customer in Lawrence, calling it a false review — a direct conflict worth asking the business about. Separately, a 2019 review that otherwise praised the workmanship noted two broken roof slates during scaffolding removal (repaired at no charge) and some cleanup left to the homeowner. For chimney rebuilds, repointing and classic New England brick or stone stairs and walls, Celtic Masonry has a deep, mostly five-star history — but given the one detailed and disputed 2025 complaint, it is worth confirming scope, price and timeline in writing before work begins. **Strengths:** - Responsive quoting — reviewers describe callbacks within a day or hours - Chimney rebuilds — repeated praise for repointing, damper and flue repairs - Fair, upfront pricing — quotes described as honest and competitively priced - Detailed stonework — reviewers cite bluestone, granite and brick step work - Long track record — praised jobs spanning 2018 through late 2025 **Concerns:** - One 2025 dispute — a reviewer alleges lifted stones and moved slabs - Price raised mid-job — the same 2025 review describes a cost increase **Where sources disagree:** - A March 2025 HomeAdvisor review describes serious quality problems on a wall and walkway job, but Celtic Masonry's public reply denies ever doing work for that customer in Lawrence — the two accounts directly contradict each other. ## Claims & citations Every claim below is backed by real evidence rows — uncited claims are dropped in code before publication. - Celtic Masonry is a Lawrence, MA masonry contractor run by Jim Bresnahan. _(confidence: high)_ - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/lawrence/celtic-masonry-reviews-5294597.htm) — “5★ We had a great experience with Celtic Masonry for our chimney rebuild. Owner, Jim Bresnahan was a pleasure to work with. He explained all…” - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.CelticMasonry.38992986.html) — “5★ Jim was very responsive to our request to rebuilding the chimney on our home. He was organized, efficient, neat and safety conscious. His…” - 4.8 stars from 91 ratings on Angi. _(confidence: high)_ - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/lawrence/celtic-masonry-reviews-5294597.htm) — “Angi: 4.8★ from 91 ratings” - 4.7 stars from 34 ratings on HomeAdvisor. _(confidence: high)_ - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.CelticMasonry.38992986.html) — “HomeAdvisor: 4.7★ from 34 ratings” - Rebuilt a 130-year-old front porch wall with a new bluestone surface, granite curbing and stone paths. _(confidence: high)_ - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/lawrence/celtic-masonry-reviews-5294597.htm) — “5★ We recently had Jim rebuild our 130-year-old front porch wall from the ground up, also replacing the porch surface with bluestone and ins…” - Rebuilt the chimney at the Historic Francis Wyman House, reusing the original brick. _(confidence: high)_ - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.CelticMasonry.38992986.html) — “5★ Celtic Masonry was the first to reply to my inquiry and we quickly set up a meeting to review the project. The chimney on the Historic Fr…” - Reviewers across both platforms describe fast callbacks, often within a day or hours of an estimate request. _(confidence: high)_ - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/lawrence/celtic-masonry-reviews-5294597.htm) — “5★ Jim called back within a day of me requesting an estimate and came by a couple of days later and followed up with a written estimate by e…” - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.CelticMasonry.38992986.html) — “5★ I'm impressed that this company worked on my front steps right through a weekend to avoid rainy weather, and that Jim always responded qu…” - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.CelticMasonry.38992986.html) — “5★ Very happy we hired Celtic Masonry! Jim called me within an hour of my quote request and we scheduled a time to meet within a few days. A…” - Quoted prices described as fair and competitive against other estimates obtained by the homeowner. _(confidence: medium)_ - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/lawrence/celtic-masonry-reviews-5294597.htm) — “5★ James is very professional, I check others for an estimate and none other companies did, Celtic Masonry was the only one to come to my ho…” - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/lawrence/celtic-masonry-reviews-5294597.htm) — “5★ Celtic Masonry was my 2nd hire off of Angie's List so I had high hopes based on my 1st experience. I'm happy to say I wasn't let down! Ji…” - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.CelticMasonry.38992986.html) — “5★ Very happy we hired Celtic Masonry! Jim called me within an hour of my quote request and we scheduled a time to meet within a few days. A…” - Chimney rebuilds, repointing, damper repair and chimney inspections. _(confidence: high)_ - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/lawrence/celtic-masonry-reviews-5294597.htm) — “5★ We had a great experience with Celtic Masonry for our chimney rebuild. Owner, Jim Bresnahan was a pleasure to work with. He explained all…” - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/lawrence/celtic-masonry-reviews-5294597.htm) — “5★ Jim was great. Came out three times to review the project and let us know what he thought and could be done. Had many masons say the job …” - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.CelticMasonry.38992986.html) — “5★ Came the day before Christmas and repaired the chimney damper. Very pleased with service.” - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.CelticMasonry.38992986.html) — “5★ Managed to save us the cost of installing a new damper by giving me "tutorial" on how to open and close the one we have. Promised to come…” - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.CelticMasonry.38992986.html) — “5★ Very pleased with the inspection of chimneys and honest information provided.” - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.CelticMasonry.38992986.html) — “4★ Workmanship was excellent, honesty also excellent. Jim repointed our chimney and while removing the scaffolding broke 2 slates. He prompt…” - Brick and granite steps, walkways and retaining/stone walls. _(confidence: high)_ - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/lawrence/celtic-masonry-reviews-5294597.htm) — “5★ Jim called back within a day of me requesting an estimate and came by a couple of days later and followed up with a written estimate by e…” - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/lawrence/celtic-masonry-reviews-5294597.htm) — “5★ My backyard had a failing timber wall that the previous owner had propped up with posts, and had allowed it to lean into rapidly deterior…” - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.CelticMasonry.38992986.html) — “5★ Working with Jim was a wonderful experience from start to finish. He helped us with our front landing and walkway from design to material…” - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.CelticMasonry.38992986.html) — “5★ Jims a friendly, easy-going guy with a good work ethic lots of experience. He and his crew did a great job on repairing my front steps, r…” - A March 2025 HomeAdvisor review alleges lifted stones, moved walkway slabs and deep grout gaps on a wall/walkway job, and a mid-job price increase. _(confidence: medium)_ - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.CelticMasonry.38992986.html) — “1★ We have had a number of issues with the quality of Jim's work. A number of stones have lifted off and a number of large slabs in the walk…” - Celtic Masonry publicly disputes that 2025 review, stating it never performed work for that customer in Lawrence. _(confidence: medium)_ - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.CelticMasonry.38992986.html) — “1★ We have had a number of issues with the quality of Jim's work. A number of stones have lifted off and a number of large slabs in the walk…” - A 2019 review noted two roof slates broken while removing scaffolding, repaired at no charge, and cleanup left to the homeowner. _(confidence: medium)_ - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.CelticMasonry.38992986.html) — “4★ Workmanship was excellent, honesty also excellent. Jim repointed our chimney and while removing the scaffolding broke 2 slates. He prompt…” - Specializes in Masonry _(confidence: high)_ - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/lawrence/celtic-masonry-reviews-5294597.htm) — “5★ We recently had Jim rebuild our 130-year-old front porch wall from the ground up, also replacing the porch surface with bluestone and ins…” - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/lawrence/celtic-masonry-reviews-5294597.htm) — “5★ Jim called back within a day of me requesting an estimate and came by a couple of days later and followed up with a written estimate by e…” - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/lawrence/celtic-masonry-reviews-5294597.htm) — “5★ My backyard had a failing timber wall that the previous owner had propped up with posts, and had allowed it to lean into rapidly deterior…” - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/lawrence/celtic-masonry-reviews-5294597.htm) — “Angi: 4.8★ from 91 ratings” - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.CelticMasonry.38992986.html) — “5★ Jims a friendly, easy-going guy with a good work ethic lots of experience. He and his crew did a great job on repairing my front steps, r…” - Also offers Chimney Services _(confidence: high)_ - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/lawrence/celtic-masonry-reviews-5294597.htm) — “5★ We had a great experience with Celtic Masonry for our chimney rebuild. Owner, Jim Bresnahan was a pleasure to work with. He explained all…” - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.CelticMasonry.38992986.html) — “5★ Came the day before Christmas and repaired the chimney damper. Very pleased with service.” - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.CelticMasonry.38992986.html) — “5★ Managed to save us the cost of installing a new damper by giving me "tutorial" on how to open and close the one we have. Promised to come…” - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.CelticMasonry.38992986.html) — “5★ Very pleased with the inspection of chimneys and honest information provided.” - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.CelticMasonry.38992986.html) — “4★ Workmanship was excellent, honesty also excellent. Jim repointed our chimney and while removing the scaffolding broke 2 slates. He prompt…” - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.CelticMasonry.38992986.html) — “5★ Celtic Masonry was the first to reply to my inquiry and we quickly set up a meeting to review the project. The chimney on the Historic Fr…” ## Ownership - Identifies as veteran-owned — the business's own statement, not independently verified. ## License No license record has been checked yet for this contractor. ## Sources - [Procore Construction Network](https://network.procore.com/p/celtic-masonry-lawrence): Listed on this source - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/lawrence/celtic-masonry-reviews-5294597.htm): Listed on this source - [Exa](https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/celtic-masonry-construction-san-francisco-ca): 0 web mentions across the open web (each linked to its source) - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.CelticMasonry.38992986.html): 4.7★ from 34 ratings ## Recent reviews - **5/5 · Angi · Linard M. · 2025-12-01**: A real master of his craft . Very personal able. Reasonably priced. - **5/5 · Angi · Jered F. · 2025-12-01**: We recently had Jim rebuild our 130-year-old front porch wall from the ground up, also replacing the porch surface with bluestone and installing granite curbing and stone paths on permeable gravel. We're thrilled with the results, and hope this will now last a few hundred years more. - **5/5 · Angi · Bernie M. · 2025-12-01**: Working with Jim is fantastic. He is all about giving the customer what they want. Jim pays attention to all details and is extremely proud of his work, he gets in the dirt with his guys or on his own and works to produce a beautiful product. I needed him to remove and replace the apron around the f… - **5/5 · Angi · George F. · 2025-12-01**: We had a great experience with Celtic Masonry for our chimney rebuild. Owner, Jim Bresnahan was a pleasure to work with. He explained all the specifics of the job beforehand and sent a detailed quote. He completed the job in a timely manner and delivered everything as promised. Jim clearly takes gre… - **5/5 · Angi · HRS E. · 2025-12-01**: Celtic Masonry did quality work for us at a fair price. Jim Bresnahan was flexible and easy to work with. I would definitely recommend them. - Fr. Peter Giroux, Holy Rosary Shrine - **5/5 · HomeAdvisor · Denny E. · 2025-10-01**: We needed new entry stairs and Celtic Masonry in Lawrence was the team I decided to work with. The quote was exactly what were were willing to pay. I had never done a remodel project like this before. From the minute we met, when we discussed the project, we were offered sage advice about how to pro… - **1/5 · HomeAdvisor · Rachel I. · 2025-03-01**: We have had a number of issues with the quality of Jim's work. A number of stones have lifted off and a number of large slabs in the walkway have moved due to ice buildup underneath. Many "grout" joints have deep holes now. And many "Joints" have lost cement from in between the stones. Our new Mason… - **5/5 · Angi · Leif S. · 2022-02-01**: Jim was great. Came out three times to review the project and let us know what he thought and could be done. Had many masons say the job could not be done, but Jim did it and it came out awesome. Already asked him to install spark arrestors on my chimneys. Highly recommend. - **5/5 · Angi · Sandra S. · 2021-10-01**: Excellent , They given a written estimates They were just excellent they call us to let us know. - **5/5 · HomeAdvisor · Steven M. · 2021-05-01**: Jim was very responsive to our request to rebuilding the chimney on our home. He was organized, efficient, neat and safety conscious. His work was of top notch quality and his price was extremely reasonable. I would not hesitate to recommend Celtic Masonary and Jim Bresnahan to anyone as a quality m… --- Data freshness: last scanned 2026-09-01T08:27:10.213Z. Cite as: Celtic Masonry — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/celtic-masonry-32530) Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/celtic-masonry-32530