Masonry is the skilled trade related to stonework, encompassing everything from creating foundations from cinderblocks to laying paths of bricks. The odds are good that you have some sort of masonry restoration or construction project on your to-do list. But for the most part, masonry repair is a job best left to the professionals. If you may be looking for a mason soon, read on for some notes on choosing the best masonry contractor.
Word Of Mouth
Your first concerns should be ability and credibility. Have potential masons show you examples of their work and then reach out to past clients. If you have a local Facebook group for your neighborhood, ask for anyone who has dealt with your contractor before. You can also check the Better Business Bureau and look at online review sites like Angie’s List if you’re a member. If you can find other people who have used the mason before, make sure you ask for pictures of their work especially, if it’s been a while to make sure that it holds up against common damage. You should also ask if they stayed close to their budget and close to the timeline that they offered at the beginning of the project.
Warranties And Insurance
Your contractor should show you proof of their insurance. If something should happen while they’re working on your property, they need to be covered by their own insurance not your homeowner’s insurance. You should also ask if they provide any warranties for their work. Many will provide warranties for a certain number of years (depending on the project) covering their craftsmanship.
A Detailed Quote
When they give you a quote for the project, it should be fairly detailed. It should show that they have a full understanding of the scope of the project, including materials and work hours and they should be willing and able to give you a written estimate, not just an off-the-cuff estimation. Make sure you’re being clear about your view for the project up front so that you’re not catching them off guard with special requests that could push them outside of the budget that they planned for. You also need to make sure that you’re clear upfront about your budget. You should not start this type of project without knowing what you can afford and can’t afford.
A Timeline
Finally, your masonry contractor should be able to give you a timeline. When you’re talking references, find out how long their project took so you have a good frame of reference. If the proposed timeline seems too good to be true, it probably is. If it also seems excessively long, they may be putting off your project in favor of another more profitable one. Neither of these is ideal – you want someone who values your project as much as any other.
Contact Del Prete Masonry Today!
Whether you are ready to start your next masonry project or are still hesitant and have questions, Del Prete Masonry is here to help. We have the experience and expertise to get it right the first time. Questions? Want to visit some of our residential or commercial projects? Ready to set up a consultation? Feel free to give us a call at 410-683-0650 or visit us online. We are happy to serve Baltimore City and County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. To see examples of our work and to keep up with our new and exciting projects, be sure to Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Tags: masonry contractor, Masonry repair, masonry restoration