Can I see your portfolio?
Yes. Here it is, https://sites.google.com/view/portfolioclaybannermasonryllc
What do you charge per hour?
My usual contracts are lump sums; meaning, the price you’re told at the start is the same price you will see on the bill. However, depending on certain variables and the skill needed for a project, I may choose to do a time and materials contract, and charge as little as $35/hr or as much as $55/hr.
Do you have a crew?
Nope, it’s just me. I will occasionally hire a helper, but most of the time I work alone.
Do you pour concrete?
I don’t typically say yes to flatwork jobs, but I will pour small slabs about 8×8 or less.
Do you do tile work?
Nope. I’m not that good at tile work and I lack the proper equipment for it.
Do you offer any warranties?
Yes. Cold weather is the arch enemy of masonry materials, so, if anything I build for you starts to crack, peel or crumble after the freeze-thaw cycle, don’t feel bad about sending me photos and requesting a repair. I usually don’t charge for repairs on my own work, and if I do, it’s very little. Repairs are usually just a matter of filling cracks and repainting/resealing.
Do you require down payments or retainers?
I seldom require down payments, unless the job is really big. And I don’t ask for retainers.
Do you offer free, in-person estimates?
Yes, with a few exceptions. But, I can usually give estimates over texting/email provided I can see photos of the work area and gather enough details from you about the scope of the desired project.
What is the farthest you are willing to work?
I live in Salem, OR. The farthest I will drive for a job is about one hour. I usually charge an additional trip fee for jobs that are more than 35 minutes away from me.
What are all of the services you offer?
Bricklaying, stone masonry, plaster/stucco, simple carpentry and painting work. My most popular service is resurfacing old, crumbling driveways using a one-part epoxy.
What work do you NOT ever do?
Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, doors, windows, or anything to do with the structural integrity of a house, such as foundation pours or walls that support a ceiling.
Why is your company called "Clay Banner Masonry"?
A long-time hang up for me starting my own company was me not being able to come up with a cool name. After several years and hundreds of name ideas, I settled with Clay Banner masonry because I love clay (and it’s my last name translated to English) and I think that banners are really cool. This has resulted in people reaching out to me and assuming that my name must be ‘clay banner’ when it is actually Levi Barros. I don’t mind this. It has become my business alias.