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Prestige San Rafael Concrete & Masonry
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Masonry contractor in Larkspur, CA - repairs built for hillside lots and older brick

Prestige San Rafael Concrete & Masonry repairs and builds brick, stone and block work for homes in Larkspur and Greenbrae, from retaining walls on sloped yards to chimneys, steps and older brick that needs repointing.

Request an estimateCall (628) 234-2038
Service area
Larkspur, CA
Phone
(628) 234-2038
Hours
Mon–Fri: 8 AM–9 PM, Sat–Sun: 6 AM–9 PM
Stone retaining wall borders a paved patio with chairs, a grill and flower planters.

Masonry work on Larkspur's older homes

Most of the masonry calls I get in Larkspur come from older houses. Downtown still has its Queen Anne Victorians and false-front storefronts, and up the hills and over in Greenbrae you find brick steps, stone garden walls and chimneys that have seen a lot of winters. We're based in San Rafael, a short drive north, and we do the same kind of work next door in Corte Madera and down the road in Mill Valley.

On a sloped lot, a lot of the work comes down to holding ground back. With old brick and mortar, a repair has to match what's already there and fix why it moved in the first place, or you'll be calling someone again in a few years.

What we do for Larkspur homes

Most of what Larkspur homes need from us is repair, because old mortar washes out, walls on sloped yards start to lean and chimney tops loosen over the years. When a wall can't be saved, our retaining wall construction starts with drainage and footing, since that's usually why the old one gave out.

What earthquakes and fire zones mean for your job

Larkspur falls in some of the strictest earthquake categories in the building code. The city's own findings put structures here in Seismic Design Category D to F, depending on how a building is used and how the ground moves at the site, and say the area carries a higher seismic risk than most of the country. For masonry, that means reinforcement and footings matter more than looks, so I plan every wall and chimney around how it'll hold in a shake.

The City Council has also mapped Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the city, following the state fire agency's recommendation. If you're planning a fireplace or an outdoor kitchen, it's worth knowing whether your lot is in one, and I'll check with the city what that means before we draw anything up.

In Larkspur you get the owner at your house for the estimate, a straight answer on what's wrong, and a repair that goes after the cause.

Tell us about your Larkspur masonry job

Tell us what's cracking, leaning or loose and your Larkspur or Greenbrae address. I'll reply within one business day and come out for a free on-site estimate, with no obligation.

Larkspur masonry questions

These are the questions Larkspur homeowners ask me most. If yours isn't here, call (628) 234-2038 and I'll give you a straight answer.

Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in Larkspur?

A retaining wall can need a Larkspur permit, so check before anyone digs. The city's Building Department issues permits to build, alter or repair a structure, and the city requires a grading permit for earthwork beyond hand-dug excavations under 25 cubic yards. I check with the office that covers your address before work starts, and if a permit's needed we handle the paperwork and set up the inspections.

Who handles permits for a Greenbrae address, Larkspur or Marin County?

It depends on your exact address, because some Greenbrae properties fall under the City of Larkspur for permits and others fall under the County of Marin. I find out which office covers yours before work starts, so nothing gets filed in the wrong place.

Does my masonry contractor need a Larkspur city business license?

Yes. The city expects every building contractor and subcontractor working in Larkspur, including incorporated Greenbrae, to hold a current city business license. You can apply for a permit without one, but the city won't issue the permit until the license is current, so ask about it up front.

Does a masonry contractor in California need a state license?

Yes, when the job meets any of the state board's conditions. The Contractors State License Board licenses anyone who builds or alters a structure in California, and a license applies when the project needs a building permit, uses any additional workers, or the total cost, labor and materials, of one or more contracts on the project is $1,000 or more. We're fully licensed and insured.

Can a contractor keep bricks and equipment on my Larkspur street?

No. The city doesn't allow staging or storing equipment and materials in the public right of way, and any work there needs an encroachment permit. On a tight hillside lot, I work out at the estimate where deliveries and the mixer will go, because that shapes how the whole job runs.

How much does masonry repair cost in Larkspur?

There's no flat price, because it turns on what's failing and why. The size of the job, how hard the site is to reach, any drainage or footing work underneath and whether a permit is needed all move the price, and the schedule mostly turns on permits, inspections and weather. I write the estimate out so you can see what's included.

Looking for a mason near you?

We work across Marin and around the bay. Pick another city below, or call (628) 234-2038 if yours isn't listed and I'll tell you whether we can get there.

Call (628) 234-2038