Tough Build Masonry
Local business · 441 Main St Unit 205, Melrose, MA 02176, USA
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Call (617) 955-5164Visit websiteSee on GoogleYou reach them directly — we don’t take a cut.
Verified record
Highlights
- Active state license — verified directly with the registry, not self-reported
- BBB A+ accredited — 25 years on file, run by owner John Hanifin
- Strong Google average — 5.0 stars across 24 ratings
- Consistent multi-source praise — Google, its own site, and directories all describe a responsive, on-time crew
- Address discrepancy — BuildZoom lists a Wilmington LLC under the same owner, unlike the Melrose address elsewhere
- No recent reviews — nothing logged in the last six months to confirm current pace
- Single employee on record — BBB lists 1 employee though reviews describe a crew
- Second license unverified — BBB's CS-088209 wasn't independently confirmed, only HIC 214124 was
A five-star average across two dozen Google ratings is a good start, but what carries more weight here is the paperwork behind it: Tough Build Masonry's Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor license checks out as active with the state itself, not just claimed on a website. Based at 441 Main St in Melrose, the company describes itself as family-run by third-generation masons under owner John Hanifin, working masonry, chimney, paver-patio, and basement/foundation waterproofing jobs across the Boston area. The praise turns up everywhere you look — Google, the company's own testimonials page, and outside directories all repeat the same notes: responsive to calls, shows up on time, easy to work with. The Better Business Bureau backs that up with an A+ grade and Accredited Business status, with BBB records showing the operation on file since 2001. Across 22 reviews collected between 2022 and 2025 spanning five different sources, the tone is overwhelmingly positive; nothing has come through in the last six months to confirm that pace has carried into this year, so read the history as solid but not freshly refreshed. One thing worth clearing up first: a BuildZoom listing shows a related LLC registered at a Wilmington address under the same owner, distinct from the Melrose office every other source points to — ask which entity is actually signing the contract. BBB also has the business down as a one-employee operation, which doesn't quite square with reviews describing "his crew" on site, so it's fair to ask who's actually doing the work day to day. For masonry, chimney, and foundation-waterproofing work in the Melrose/Boston area, the state-verified license and BBB standing here are the kind of paper trail a lot of small contractors can't produce. Worth a call for a quote — just settle the entity name and crew-size questions before signing anything.
Read the comments
Most recent comments
- 5.0Aug 2, 2025
John is very nice person I ma very haapy to work with him He is very cordinating co operative person
— Shashi Bhushan PaswanView on Google Reviews ↗ - 5.0Apr 14, 2025
Great company. Great guys
— Michelle FerrantiView on Google Reviews ↗ - 5.0Apr 14, 2025
Tough Build Masonry just finished replacing all the old bricks around our house and redoing our patio. They were quick to get back to us and provided an estimate when they said they world. The began work when they said they would. John and his team were a pleasure to work with. John not only listened to our ideas, but he was able to provide feedback and suggestions. His instincts are good and his design ideas a welcome addition to the planning. His crew worked hard, were always good natured. They arrived on time, and were careful of my garden. Even though there were some unanticipated issues, John and his crew worked through them. The finished job is better than I could have hoped for. Our new walk is beautiful, but the patio is really stunning and has transformed the space into something special. We have high standards for the work we have done for us. John and his crew exceeded our exceptions and we would highly recommend them.
— Mary MorgantiView on Google Reviews ↗ - 5.0Apr 9, 2025
They are very professional, thank you John. Your work is excellent.
— Érico FritzenView on Google Reviews ↗ - 5.0Mar 19, 2025
I am extremely grateful for John and his crew at Tough Build Masonry for the work they work they performed on my home. I had noticed that a support column on my porch had been leaning and buckling outward. Upon further investigating the issue it turned out that the extent of the damage was greater than appeared on the surface as the post had completely rotted through, the wall had pulled away from the deck and the foundation underneath had crumbled. Despite the amount of work involved, John remained honest and fair as he provided me with several options and worked with me and my budget to get the best result possible to meet both my expectations as well as his high standard of quality. I am beyond pleased with the final outcome! They managed to get the entire side of the porch torn down, the foundation properly repaired and then have it all rebuilt and tied back into the existing stairs and porch within just a few days. If you are in need of any masonry, carpentry or decking work I can't recommend Tough Build Masonry enough. They were honest, hard working and kept me in the loop throughout the entire process. I absolutely intend to call them in the future for any projects. Thank you, John!
— Leandro MaltaView on Google Reviews ↗
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Update history
Added 22 new comments, added 49 new photos, verified active license, established rating 4.2
- confirmed against the state license registry
- behind the score: Address discrepancy — BuildZoom lists a Wilmington LLC under the same owner, unlike the Melrose address elsewhere