C.R. and Elmer General Construction in Baltimore: Masonry and Concrete for Residential and Commercial Projects

C.R. and Elmer General Construction is a masonry and concrete contractor serving Baltimore's residential and commercial property owners with foundation repair, new concrete installation, brick and stone veneer work, and structural masonry restoration.

What C.R. and Elmer actually does

The company handles both new construction and repair work across concrete and masonry disciplines. That includes foundation work (pouring new footings, repairing settled or cracked foundations), concrete slabs and driveways, brick pointing and repointing, chimney repair and rebuilding, stone veneer installation, and structural restoration on older Baltimore row houses and commercial buildings. They work on both interior and exterior projects and take jobs ranging from single-room updates to whole-facade renovations.

Services and pricing

C.R. and Elmer provides free estimates on-site. Concrete work pricing depends on square footage, finish type (standard broom finish, troweled smooth, or decorative), and site accessibility. Foundation repairs are quoted individually based on the scope of settling, cracking, or water damage. Masonry pointing and repointing work is priced by the linear foot or by the job; Baltimore row house facades with deteriorating mortar typically run between $3,000 and $8,000 depending on wall area and mortar condition. New brick or stone veneer installation costs $15 to $25 per square foot, including materials and labor. Specific pricing should be confirmed with the company directly, as rates vary by material costs and job complexity.

How it compares to other Baltimore masonry contractors

Baltimore has several established masonry firms. Schaefer Masonry focuses heavily on decorative brick and architectural stone work, often positioning at the premium end for visible facade projects. Brasco Masonry emphasizes residential foundation and chimney repair, similar to C.R. and Elmer's core work, with comparable pricing in the foundation repair range. Rallo Concrete specializes in large commercial and municipal concrete pours. C.R. and Elmer occupies the middle ground: experienced with both masonry and concrete, comfortable with older-home repair (where Baltimore's stock concentrates), and willing to take smaller residential jobs that some larger firms deprioritize. Choose C.R. and Elmer if you need someone equally comfortable with foundation underpinning on a 1920s row house and new patio concrete. Choose Schaefer if the facade finish is the design centerpiece. Choose Brasco if chimney work is your only need and you want a focused specialist.

Who it suits and who it does not

C.R. and Elmer suits Baltimore homeowners with aging foundations, deteriorating brick or mortar, or older chimneys needing structural work. It suits contractors and property managers doing larger restoration projects. It suits commercial property owners needing concrete pads or structural masonry repair. It does not suit customers needing only aesthetic brick cleaning or cosmetic repointing where structural integrity is not a concern; those jobs may be overengineered for the scope. It does not suit rush jobs requiring work within days; residential masonry work requires scheduling and material lead time.

What the first visit involves

After you call or submit an estimate request, a representative visits the property, inspects the affected area, discusses the scope (whether the work is structural repair, new installation, or both), and explains material options if relevant. For foundation work, they may check for active moisture, look at crack patterns, and assess whether underpinning or spot repair is appropriate. The estimate is written with a breakdown of materials, labor, and timeline. No deposit is required to receive the estimate.

Hours, parking, and logistics

C.R. and Elmer operates during standard business hours Monday through Friday. Work crews typically arrive on-site at 7 or 8 a.m. and work through mid-afternoon. On-street parking in Baltimore neighborhoods can be tight during active projects; the company's crew will need access to the work area. Most projects require 1 to 3 weeks depending on size and weather. Foundation work and repointing may require follow-up inspections or curing time, extending the calendar timeline.

C.R. and Elmer's long-standing presence in Baltimore, combined with technical competence across both masonry and concrete, makes it a practical choice for homeowners whose 1950s-and-older row houses face the settling, moisture, and mortar-joint deterioration that defines Baltimore's aging housing stock.