Bluestone Sidewalk Repair: Does anyone have experience with Stones R Us or Biordi Construction?

Does anyone have experience with either of these contractors – Stones R Us or Biordi Construction – good or bad?  About 18 homes on our block were hit with DOT sidewalk violations – tripping hazards, leveling, broken bluestone, patching, etc.  We spoke to various contractors and, after obtaining bids as high as $12K and a lot of unreturned calls (seems to be a busy season), the lowest bids have come from Stone R Us Construction (Fernando 718-699-2613) and Biordi Construction (Frank at 718-357-6500).  Both are licensed, insured, have experience with landmarks and specialize in masonry/concrete work.  Stone R Us preferred to make repairs in bluestone only with quotes about $2-3K for the full job (sidewalks are in different states of disrepair, some need tree pits and are more expensive); Biordi was charging $2,100 for leveling then $50/sq ft for bluestone replacement and $12/sq ft for concrete replacement.  2″ deep bluestone for both, all comes from same quarry in Pennsylvania, both will follow minimum landmark guidelines and get the violations lifted. We are obviously looking at references, but would really appreciate any feedback and first-hand experiences. *** NOTES – In case it’s helpful for anyone else … M. Hamid Construction, Innovation Construction, and Vin Roy Baronette never called me back – called them three times each before giving up. I also called J Mos Brownstone Authority due to positive reviews on Brownstoner.  He said he was too busy right now, but he referred me to Jeff Hewitt (917-848-4946) of Williamsburg Garden Company.  I really liked Jeff but his quotes were in the $5-6K range.  He said he is endorsed by the Brooklyn Heights Block Association, and he really seems to know what he’s doing.  Beautiful work on his website.  May reach out to him in the future for garden work.  For now, since the sidewalk is technically not mine (except when it’s time to make repairs!), I’m just looking for the cheapest price possible.

pepinohill

in Facade and Brownstone Repair 12 years and 8 months ago

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gowanusgus | 12 years and 8 months ago

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yikes, what block do you live on?

cupolacoffee | 12 years and 8 months ago

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Biordi recently did concrete work for neighbors who have quite a deep sidewalk. I was impressed enough by their efficiency and the end result to talk with Frank and get Biordi’s card. But not my house, and not done long enough ago to say how the work will stand up to time.

bklynpwds | 12 years and 8 months ago

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We just had Stones R Us repoint our brick facade and they did a very neat and thorough job.  We were very concerned because the joints on our facade are super thin and we wanted to keep them that way. Our architect recommended them for this very reason, knowing that they could handle the job. They even found antique bricks to replace some that were cracked and if it weren’t for the slight color difference, you wouldn’t be able to tell at all.  We had them price out fixing our bluestone sidewalk as well because their rates are so reasonable.  We just aren’t at that stage yet.