Foundation repair
When a crack runs through a slab or block foundation, we find out what moved first, then repair the masonry so the fix addresses the cause and not only the crack.
Optimum Yorba Linda Concrete & Masonry is a masonry contractor that builds and repairs brick, block and stone work for Costa Mesa homeowners, from leaning garden walls and loose chimney brick to new walkways and outdoor kitchens.

Costa Mesa is a fair drive down from our base in Yorba Linda, and we're glad to make it, as we are for jobs in Santa Ana, Irvine and Buena Park. Many of the calls I get from here are about established yards, where a block wall between neighbors has started to lean or crack, a brick planter's joints are crumbling, or the front walk is ready to be rebuilt in brick or stone.
What moves the price is mostly the size of the wall or surface, the material you pick, how much old masonry has to come out first and how easily we can get block and mortar into the yard, because a narrow side yard means carrying everything in by hand. The schedule mostly turns on whether your job needs a permit and inspections, and I'll give you your own figure when I come out to look and write the estimate.
Our own crew of masons and helpers does the work from start to finish, and I'm on site to check it, because my name stays on every wall we build.
The city's Building Safety Division posts a retaining wall specification handout with its residential forms, so I go over what it asks for with you before we settle on a design.
We clean up properly at the end of each day, so you can use your yard and driveway in the evening, even while a wall is only half built.
When a crack runs through a slab or block foundation, we find out what moved first, then repair the masonry so the fix addresses the cause and not only the crack.
We repair loose brick, worn mortar and the cracked concrete cap on top of a chimney, because a damaged top lets water work down into the rest of the brick.
We grind out crumbling mortar joints and refill them with fresh mortar mixed to match the old color as closely as we can, so the repair blends into the wall.
We cut out cracked, chipped or loose bricks in planters, steps and walls and replace them with brick close to the original in size and color, set in fresh mortar.
We dig out, grade and compact a solid base before laying driveway pavers, because a paver drive is only as level as what sits under it, especially where cars turn.
We build retaining walls on a proper footing with drainage behind them, because water trapped behind a wall is what usually makes it lean, and we size the wall to the slope.
For older brick and stone that has weathered, we clean, repoint and replace damaged pieces with care, aiming to bring back the original look rather than cover it with new material.
We build masonry fireplaces indoors and out in brick or stone, laying the firebox, where the fire burns, and the surround to the maker's instructions for any insert you choose.
We put stone veneer, a thin facing of real or cast stone, over block walls, columns and house fronts, on a properly prepared backing so it stays bonded to the wall.
We build block walls along property lines and side yards on a footing, with steel and grout in the hollow cores, so the finished wall stands straight and solid.
We lay block foundation walls for additions, garden rooms and raised floors, keeping every row of block level and square so the framing above starts on a true base.
We build the block base for outdoor kitchens and barbecue islands, then face it in brick or stone and leave clean openings sized for your grill and cabinet doors.
We lay front and side walkways in brick, pavers or flagstone on a compacted base, sloped slightly so rainwater runs off rather than pooling at your door.
We build brick garden walls, low front walls and planters, with neat mortar joints and a cap along the top that sheds water and gives the wall a finished look.
We set natural stone for walls, steps, columns and borders, fitting each piece by hand so the joints stay tight and the weight sits where it should.
When mortar joints are only starting to wear, we rake them out and refill them with new mortar, a smaller job than waiting until the bricks themselves begin to loosen.
Send the form and we'll reply within one business day to arrange a visit. I come out to look at the job myself and write your estimate, which is free and comes with no obligation.
Once your request comes in, we reply within one business day to find a time that suits you for me to come out and look at the job.
The estimate is free and done at your house, so I can measure, look at the ground and see how we'd get in. There's no pressure to decide that day.
We're licensed and insured, and we put one plain promise behind each wall, walk or repair we build in Costa Mesa, satisfaction guaranteed on every job.
These are questions Costa Mesa homeowners often ask about permits and contractor licensing before a brick, block or stone job.
Most masonry jobs need a licensed contractor, because California's Contractors State License Board requires a license when a job needs a building permit, uses employee labor, or the contracts total $1,000 or more in labor and materials. A larger job can't be split into smaller ones to get under that figure. We're licensed and insured.
Building permits in Costa Mesa are applied for online through TESSA, the city's permit system, and issued by the city's building office. As the city's building permits page explains, paper forms are ignored and incomplete applications are sent back, so every detail has to go in complete. When your job needs a permit, we handle that paperwork and schedule the inspections.
Masonry isn't among the Insta-Permits Costa Mesa lists, which cover residential HVAC, re-pipe, water heater, EV charger, panel upgrade and re-roof work. Insta-Permits are meant for simple projects with a limited scope. That list doesn't settle whether your wall or repair needs a regular permit, so I check with the city's building office before any work begins.
Each city below has its own page, and the list isn't everywhere we go. If your city isn't on it, call (714) 386-7680 or send the form and ask.
We're open until 10 PM every day of the week, so call (714) 386-7680 after work or send the form whenever it suits you.