Some words about Top•Hat Masonry & Chimney, LLC

My name is John C. Schinko. I have 30 years masonry, renovation & restoration work experience. Over the years I’ve worked as a foreman/leadman for remodeling companies, restoration contractors, chimney doctors and waterproofing outfits. The things these guys all had in common were; getting paid top dollar for every job, the speed in which the job got done (regardless of quality),  if the check was collected, and how fast they could start the next project.  An investment that pays!

When I started Top Hat 20 years ago, I wanted to combine all masonry specialties together. We used very little advertising, and developed our reputation through word of mouth, and a lot of hard work. We are a local, small business that is family owned and operated. We offer affordable rates, with “extra special” attention to detail. I am proud to say with absolute confidence that we ARE the company that I envisioned.

Our work speaks for itself. We have a great reputation, an A+rating with the BBB and we are recommended through Angie’s List. We keep our prices down and our value up. Although often overlooked,our services can be worth their weight in gold to a property owner. Whether it be preventative maintenance or simple waterproofing. In a climate like ours, these services could be the key to avoiding major structural repairs down the line.

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Partial list of repair and restoration services offered:

  • Foundation Work
  • Building Restoration
  • Waterproofing
  • Chimney & fireplace repairs
  • Tuckpointing
  • Rebuild
  • Reline
  • Replace
  • Residential & Commercial Brick
  • Block
  • Stone
  • Stucco
  • Concrete repairs & installs
  • Caulking
  • Chemical cleaning
  • Historical restoration
  • Masonry coatings
  • Parapet Walls
  • Expert mortar matching
  • Basement tuckpointing
  • Beams
  • Lintels
  • Window sills
  • Replacement windows
  • Steps
  • Patios
  • Landscaping
  • Retaining walls
  • Drain tile
  • Sump pumps
  • Planters renewed
  • Piers
  • Columns
  • Pilasters
  • Epoxy injection
  • Flashing repair
  • Leak control
  • Custom stone work
  • And more!

What clients say

  • In 2011, we bought a new home in Brookfield and in the process of removing overgrown shrubbery, we were shocked to learn the brick of our 1979 Colonial home had been painted. Top•Hat Masonry & Chimney, LLC was the ONLY company that responded to our request for bids. John, the owner, carefully inspected our brick and thoroughly explained and demonstrated why a chemical process would be needed to remove the paint. He put a lot of thought into our bid before presenting it to us. He showed us pictures of damage to our chimney brick and that the window sills were incorrectly pitched. The work was extensive and took over 3 weeks. The guys worked very hard and were always respectful of our home and property. There was daily communication about the progress and day to day tasks being completed. Top•Hat Masonry & Chimney, LLC literally saved us from financial ruin because the brick was only going to get worse over time. We have received so many compliments from our neighbors because the house looks the way it’s supposed to. The common joke is “who paints brick?” A year after the restoration Top•Hat Masonry & Chimney, LLC suggested a waterproof for the brick to prevent further deterioration after the abuse of being covered with paint. We never felt that Top•Hat Masonry & Chimney, LLC was doing this to make money, they were doing it to help us protect our restoration investment. It looks great and we are so grateful to Top•Hat Masonry & Chimney, LLC. We tell anyone who needs a Mason to give them a call. It takes a special skill to work with an existing problem versus building new. They are the best in their trade.

    Glenda & Jeff Stanlick
    Greater Milwaukee, WI

  • Hey guys! Thanks again for a job well done! Final payment enclosed,yahoo! I appreciate the financing and all the flexibility with balance.We will be calling you back in spring to figure out structural issues w/basement.

    Jim & Jackie H.
    Greater Milwaukee, WI

  • Top•Hat Masonry rebuilt my Lannonstone planter box adjacent to my home.The color of the new mortar between stone matches perfectly with house.The owner actually brought flowers and planted them @ no charge.What a nice touch.We have and will continue to recommend Top•Hat to others!

    Laura M.
    Wauwatosa, WI

  • We hired Top•Hat Masonry to repair our fireplace/chimney. Everything the mason did exceeded my expectations. Absolutely beautiful brickwork. The guys were super friendly and informative as work progressed. The repairs that were done turned out so nice,we actually got an offer and sold our house shortly after. We would definitely recommend them to others.

    Mrs. Grace Perry
    Brookfield, WI