Masonry Contractor in West Covina, CA - Brick, Block and Stone Work That Holds Up
K&L South Whittier Concrete & Masonry builds and repairs brick, block and stone work for homes in West Covina, from block and retaining walls to chimneys, tuckpointing and paver driveways. We're based in South Whittier.
- Fully licensed and insured.
- Free quotes on site.
- Replies within 1 business day.
Masonry work we do in West Covina
Foundation repair
Where a foundation wall has cracked or a corner has dropped, we find what's moving first, then repair the block or concrete so the fix fits the cause.
Chimney repair
A chimney that leaks or sheds brick usually has failed mortar or a cracked crown, the concrete cap on top. We repair what's letting the water in.
Tuckpointing
When mortar joints have worn back and crumble at a touch, we grind them out and refill them with fresh mortar so sound brick stays put.
Brick repair
Bricks that have cracked or lost their face can usually be cut out and replaced one at a time, matched as close as we can get.
Driveway pavers
Pavers hold up on a driveway when the base under them is dug and packed right, so that's where most of our time on these goes.
Retaining wall construction
If part of your yard needs holding back, we build block retaining walls on a proper footing with drainage behind them so water doesn't push them over.
Masonry restoration
Older brick and stone that's stained, cracked or badly patched can often be cleaned, repointed and repaired instead of torn out. I'll tell you which it needs.
Fireplace installation
A new brick or stone fireplace starts with the footing and firebox, and we follow the maker's instructions for any insert we set.
Stone veneer installation
Stone veneer is a thin face of real or cast stone over a wall, and the mesh and water barrier behind it decide whether it stays put.
Concrete block walls
For property-line and garden walls, we lay block on a poured footing with steel and grout in the cores so the wall holds together.
Foundation block wall installation
When a room addition, garage or raised floor needs a block foundation wall, we pour the footing, lay the block and fill it to the plans.
Outdoor kitchen masonry
We build the block base, counters and stone or brick facing for a backyard grill station, leaving room for the gas, power and water other trades bring in.
Walkway construction
A walkway that heaves or puddles usually has a weak base or no slope. We rebuild them on a packed base with enough slope to drain.
Brick wall installation
We build brick garden walls, planters and entry columns on a real footing, and tool the joints tight so rain runs off instead of soaking in.
Stone masonry
Natural stone takes longer to lay than block because each piece gets fitted by hand. It's worth it for steps, walls and borders you see every day.
Brick pointing
If only a few joints are cracked or open, spot pointing may be all a wall needs. I'd rather fix that than sell you a full repoint.
Building and repairing masonry in West Covina
West Covina sits in the San Gabriel Valley. We're a masonry contractor based in South Whittier, CA, and we build and repair walls, chimneys and walkways here, as we do in El Monte and Whittier.
Size, material and footing depth set the price, and whether a permit is needed sets the schedule. The on-site estimate puts a number on yours.
Hot days and fresh mortar
On hot, dry days mortar and concrete lose water fast, so we keep new work damp and covered while it sets.
The city's permit limits
The city issues building permits here, and its list lets some low retaining walls, fences and walkways go without one. The answers below spell out the limits.
What's under the wall
Where a yard slopes or the soil is soft, footing depth and drainage behind a wall decide how well it holds, so I check both first.
Before I come out
Note where a crack starts or when a leak shows up, because that tells me what's moving and whether it needs work now or can wait.
From your call to the final walk-through
I come out myself and work beside my crew, so you know who's on your property and why.
Call or send a request
Call or send the form, and we get back to you to set up a visit.
I look at the job
I come out, look at the job and note your address to see which permit office covers it.
Your written estimate
I put what the job needs and what it costs in writing, so you can decide.
We do the work
We take care of any permit as the licensed contractor, then my crew and I do the work.
We walk it together
I walk the finished job with you, and we clean up before we leave.
Questions about masonry in West Covina
Here are straight answers on permits and paperwork for masonry work here, and if yours isn't covered, call or send it in.
Ask me directly
Call (562) 358-3030 or send the form with any other question, and we'll get back to you.
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in West Covina?
Not under the city's list of work that needs no building permit if the wall holds back 4 feet or less, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. That changes when it carries extra weight above it, like a slope or a driveway, or holds back liquid. We check which applies before we start.
Do I need a permit for a block or brick fence in West Covina?
Under the city's list, a block or brick fence 6 feet or under needs no building permit if it isn't a pool, spa or hot tub barrier and sits back from the street at least as far as it's tall. Outside those limits, we take care of the permit as the licensed contractor.
Does a paver walkway or driveway need a permit in West Covina?
Under the city's list, walks and driveways need no building permit when they sit no more than 30 inches above the ground, have no basement or room under them and aren't part of a required accessible route. Planning rules can still apply, as the next answer explains.
Can permit-free work still need Planning approval in West Covina?
Yes. The city says a project that needs no building permit can still need Planning Division approval, and Planning may limit where a wall sits, how tall it is and how it's designed. You can reach the Planning counter at (626) 939-8422, and we check this along with the permit.
How do I apply for a building permit in West Covina?
You apply through the city's One Stop Building Permit Center online, or in person at the Building Counter at City Hall, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. The Building Division no longer takes applications by email. When your job needs a permit, we handle it for you.
Does a contractor need a business license to work in West Covina?
Yes. The city requires any business operating in West Covina to get a city business license, due within 15 days of starting business there. It's a fair thing to ask any contractor you're thinking of hiring.
Get a free estimate for your West Covina job
Call (562) 358-3030 or use the form with what needs work and your address. We reply within one business day, and the on-site estimate is free with no obligation.
Whittier, CA 90604