Question 1

Do you give free estimates?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every estimate is free and on-site. We come walk the project with you, talk through materials and drainage, and follow up with a clear written quote. No deposit, no obligation.

Question 2

How much does a paver patio cost in NJ?

Accepted Answer

Most paver patios run between $15 and $35 per square foot installed, depending on the paver you choose (concrete pavers, clay brick, bluestone, travertine), the base prep required, and whether the site needs grading or drainage work. We don't quote square-footage averages over the phone — too many variables. Call us at (908) 233-6287 and we'll come look.

Question 3

How much does a retaining wall cost?

Accepted Answer

Segmental block walls typically run $30–$60 per face foot installed. Natural stone walls are higher. The big cost drivers are wall height, drainage requirements, and whether engineering is required (anything over 4 feet usually needs an engineered design).

Question 4

What's your payment schedule?

Accepted Answer

Standard for our jobs: a deposit at contract signing to lock in the start date and order materials, progress payment when the bulk of the work is done, and final payment on completion. Exact percentages depend on the project size — we put it all in writing before anyone signs anything.

Question 5

What paver materials do you work with?

Accepted Answer

All of them — concrete pavers (Belgard, Cambridge, Nicolock, Techo-Bloc), clay brick, natural bluestone, travertine, granite, and limestone. The right paver depends on style, foot traffic, climate exposure, and budget. We'll walk you through the trade-offs on site.

Question 6

Why does base prep matter so much?

Accepted Answer

Because that's what determines whether your patio looks new in 20 years or starts heaving in 2. We dig down 8–12 inches below grade, lay compacted gravel base in lifts, finish with a leveling sand bed, and pitch the whole assembly for drainage. Cheap installers skip the depth, skip the compaction, and skip the pitch. Then in a couple of NJ winters the freeze-thaw cycle tears the patio apart. That's not how we work.

Question 7

How do you handle drainage?

Accepted Answer

Every patio, walkway, and wall we build is pitched to shed water away from the house — minimum 1/8 inch per foot. For lower sites or heavy-runoff areas we'll add drain tile, French drains, or a swale before the masonry goes in. Drainage is part of the original design, not an afterthought.

Question 8

Do paver patios get weeds growing through the joints?

Accepted Answer

Not if they're built right. We use polymeric jointing sand that hardens between the pavers, then top it with a sealer. Weeds and ants can't push through. Re-seal every 3–5 years to keep it tight.

Question 9

How long does a paver patio take to install?

Accepted Answer

A typical 300–500 sq ft residential patio is 3–6 working days on site, weather permitting. Bigger jobs with retaining walls, steps, or built-ins can run 1–3 weeks. We give you a realistic window before we start and stick to it.

Question 10

How far out are you booked?

Accepted Answer

Depends on the season. Spring and fall are the busiest. Call (908) 233-6287 to get on the schedule — we'll be straight with you about when we can start.

Question 11

Do you work in winter?

Accepted Answer

We work as long as the ground isn't frozen and we can get materials in. Repointing, indoor masonry, and chimney work can run year-round. Major patio and wall installs usually pause from late December through early March.

Question 12

What happens if it rains on a scheduled day?

Accepted Answer

Light rain we work through. Heavy rain we don't — wet base prep doesn't compact properly and the work suffers. We'll call you the morning of, push the day, and pick up the next clear window.

Question 13

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mazzilli Mason Contractors is fully licensed in New Jersey, bonded, and carries general liability and workers' comp insurance. We can email a current certificate of insurance to your homeowner's association or municipality if requested.

Question 14

Do you pull permits?

Accepted Answer

When the township requires one — yes, we handle it. Patios at grade usually don't need a permit. Retaining walls over 4 feet, structural masonry, chimneys, and most concrete driveways do. We'll tell you up front.

Question 15

Do you warranty your work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We back our installation with a workmanship warranty — settling, heaving, joint failures from anything we did wrong, we come back and fix it at no charge. Manufacturer warranties on the pavers and stone are separate and carry their own terms.

Question 16

Can my masonry restoration match the original brick or stone?

Accepted Answer

Almost always. For older homes we source matching brick from yards that stock historic profiles, hand-blend mortar color to match the original, and replicate the joint profile (struck, raked, or weather). When an exact match isn't possible, we'll show you the closest options before we cut anything.

Question 17

What towns do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Mountainside, Garwood, Fanwood, Summit, Berkeley Heights, New Providence, Springfield, and Clark. If you're outside Union County but close, call us — we'll let you know if we're a fit.

Question 18

Do you do commercial work?

Accepted Answer

Yes — both residential and commercial. Storefronts, retaining walls on commercial properties, restoration work on municipal buildings. Larger commercial projects usually require a site visit before we can scope.