Brian Anderson of Anderson Masonry in Olympia used to joke about the "windfall" a big earthquake would bring to his masonry enterprise.
Now, as hundreds of requests for chimney repairs inundate an already scarce number of local masons, Anderson is one overwhelmed professional.
"It's kind of 'watch out what you wish for,' " Anderson said. "Yikes. I'm right in the middle of it."
A month after the quake, many South Sound chimneys still sit damaged, their temporary blue tarps flapping in the wind.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved more than $1 million for chimney repairs for 663 homeowners in Thurston County alone.
As of Monday night, chimney repairs accounted for 60 percent of FEMA dollars in Thurston County, 63 percent in Lewis County and 45 percent and 47 percent in Grays Harbor and Mason counties respectively.
But as the money comes in, the waits for local masons may grow longer with many committed to regular jobs.
Anderson, who even before the Feb. 28 Nisqually Earthquake specialized in chimney repair, is one of few masons doing the high-maintenance, physically demanding chimney work.
Thirty homeowners have accepted his bids, and he expects as many as 30 more to do the same.
That's doesn't include his regular customers. This week he'll start on a chimney job, but also must finish a facade on a new home in Olympia, weather permitting.
Richard Myer, who has a masonry business in Shelton, said he'll be working on chimneys until next winter or later, but he'll do much of the work on weekends and between other jobs.
He's had more than 175 inquiries.
"There's only so much we can do," he said. "We do a lot of new construction. You can't just turn your back on your contractors.
"I come home every night and there's 20, maybe 25, more calls. I didn't have any idea it was going to balloon into this much. It's pretty wild."
Myer's cousin, Marty Myer, isn't taking most of the calls he gets on earthquake-related chimney repairs because the work is strenuous and requires elaborate scaffolding and setup, which eventually cost homeowners a bundle.
"I'm just getting ready to start an all-brick house," he said. "I really don't want to mess with (chimneys)."
For homeowners Michael and Lucy Harter, who live on Water Street, the answer for their two crumbling chimneys might be a Grandview mason whom a relative recommended after the Harters had trouble connecting with local masons.
Lucy Harter said they're expecting an estimate soon and already have received a FEMA grant to pay for the work.
"I guess people are having to get creative to get the work done," she said.
John and Patricia Johnson, who live on Capitol Way, found a trusted Tacoma business expected to be on the job as soon as the rain eases.
"It's going to depend on the weather," Patricia Johnson said.
Ricardo Zuniga, a spokesman for FEMA, said homeowners should take chimney damage seriously. Even chimneys without visible damage can contain cracks in the flue or vents.
Damaged chimneys, if used, could allow deadly carbon monoxide fumes to leak into homes.
"It is important because it is a safety and security issue," Zuniga said. "Even though it's not a disaster where we're living in tent cities, it's going to be a while before we're back to pre-earthquake conditions."
Zuniga said FEMA inspections verify damage and assess the need for assistance, but shouldn't take the place of detailed inspections.
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