Expert: James Ball - 3/2/2011

Question
Mr. Ball,

I need to have a brick hearth rebuilt because the bottom layer of brick (visible from the basement looking up) cracked down the middle along a long joint of mortar and is partially sagging as a result.  Had a structural engineer look at it and he is not concerned about structure (other than the hearth -- in other words, it's not the weight of the fireplace/chimney causing the problem, it's just a hearth problem).  Problem is that it sits directly over our hot water heater and natural gas heater, so it's a bit tricky getting the support measures in place in the basement to hold up the underside of the hearth during reconstruction (we will of course be turning off the gas before doing anything).  Do you have any idea how much a job like that should cost?  The alternative would be propping it up somehow in a permanent way.

Thanks,
Steve

Answer
Hello Steve, not sure what it would cost , get a few estimates from a few masons, then pick the one with the best references and you feel the best with, have them go over what they will do and how. You should also check with your local building department
James