Verified record
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from Tough Build Masonry. Use it to sanity-check bids, then get the real number in writing.
Not sure which you need? Start with an inspection — many reputable companies assess free, and independent assessments run up to $500.
The wall run getting the drain — a full 30×40 ft basement is about 140 ft.
Estimated range
$7,600 – $15,000
Typical waterproofing project around $11,300
Tough Build Masonry is a Melrose family shop run by John Hanifin — third-generation masons, per the company — working across the greater Boston area on brick and stonework, chimneys, and basement/foundation waterproofing. Its Massachusetts home improvement contractor registration is active, and the Better Business Bureau lists the company as A+ and accredited with 25 years in business. Every review on file — 22 of them from 2022 through 2025 — is five stars, and the specifics hold up: a 2025 review described a porch support column that turned out to be rotted clean through with the foundation crumbling beneath it, and John walked the homeowner through several fair-priced repair options rather than pushing the most expensive fix. A 2023 review described sealing fieldstone foundation openings on an old house to keep mice out, coming in under competing Yelp quotes. Chimney work recurs often too — repointing, cap installs, and, in a 2024 review, a repair where the crew documented hidden damage with photos before doing more work than originally scoped. There's nothing negative on the record to flag; the main thing worth confirming directly is current scheduling, since the newest review on file is from August 2025.
John is very nice person I ma very haapy to work with him He is very cordinating co operative person
Great company. Great guys
Tough Build Masonry just finished replacing all the old bricks around our house and redoing our patio. They were quick to get back to us and provided an estimate when they said they world. The began work when they said they would. John and his team were a pleasure to work with. John not only listened to our ideas, but he was able to provide feedback and suggestions. His instincts are good and his design ideas a welcome addition to the planning. His crew worked hard, were always good natured. They arrived on time, and were careful of my garden. Even though there were some unanticipated issues, John and his crew worked through them. The finished job is better than I could have hoped for. Our new walk is beautiful, but the patio is really stunning and has transformed the space into something special. We have high standards for the work we have done for us. John and his crew exceeded our exceptions and we would highly recommend them.
They are very professional, thank you John. Your work is excellent.
I am extremely grateful for John and his crew at Tough Build Masonry for the work they work they performed on my home. I had noticed that a support column on my porch had been leaning and buckling outward. Upon further investigating the issue it turned out that the extent of the damage was greater than appeared on the surface as the post had completely rotted through, the wall had pulled away from the deck and the foundation underneath had crumbled. Despite the amount of work involved, John remained honest and fair as he provided me with several options and worked with me and my budget to get the best result possible to meet both my expectations as well as his high standard of quality. I am beyond pleased with the final outcome! They managed to get the entire side of the porch torn down, the foundation properly repaired and then have it all rebuilt and tied back into the existing stairs and porch within just a few days. If you are in need of any masonry, carpentry or decking work I can't recommend Tough Build Masonry enough. They were honest, hard working and kept me in the loop throughout the entire process. I absolutely intend to call them in the future for any projects. Thank you, John!
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Certified attributes are verified against the public registry. Others are the business's own statement.
Established 4.4 rating