Yes, I've Googled
Yes, I've opened the phone book
I've called eight masons; four never called me back, three made appointments and never showed up, one was blessedly honest and told me that they were too busy.
Apparently the prior owners of our house had a problem with rain splashing off the roof and into the chimney. They put a cap on the top of the chimney but didn't leave enough space for moisture ventilation. Over time water got in but couldn't evaporate fast enough and the mortar got soaked and failed. When a chimney sweep put his brush up the chimney, the firebox disintegrated.
It shouldn't be a tough fix or even all that expensive, but I don't know how to do it and I don't think I can get the damper seated correctly. I'm more than happy to pay contractors because they know what they are doing and I don't.
I need to have the firebox re-bricked, the damper seated, and I want to get the right kind of cap installed.
Can any of you recommend a mason or a handy man? I am absolutely ok with paying cash for the work.
Many thanks!