Chris Zwart came to my house and inspected my three rear steps. He pronounced the brickwork sound, needing only clean-out and replacement of the mortar, a simple job for perhaps $150-$200; he said he could fit it into his schedule in perhaps 2-3 weeks, and I said that would be fine. Chris made sure of the location of water and electric power, we shook hands, and he departed. At the beginning of October, having heard nothing, I began phoning Chris. I have called four times, each time leaving my name and phone number, and asking– begging– him to at least return my call. He has not done so. It is getting late for masonry work; nights have begun falling to freezing. I cannot say whether Chris is a competent mason, but I can report that his promises are not to be trusted.