The work of a masonry contractor is to do repairs using stones, concrete, and bricks. As a homeowner, you might have to seek the services of a masonry contractor at some point.
If you’re looking for such a contractor, there are factors you’ll need to put into consideration. You don’t want to be working with a contractor that is unsure of the work process.
Here are some of the things you should have in mind when hiring a masonry contractor.
Certification
You should make sure that the mason that you intend to hire has the necessary certification. Ideally, the certification should be from the MCCA.
The contractor should also be licensed as it is a requirement by the law. To be on the safe side, you’ll need to verify the credentials of the masonry contractor. In addition to that, the contractor should also have the right insurance. This is because you might be liable in case of injuries.
Reliable Brooklyn masonry contractors should be able to provide such information easily without being forced or pressured to do so.
Specialist
Any masonry job should be done with a specialist. They’re the ones that are the most qualified. It is also something that comes with experience on the job.
To determine the experience of the masonry contractor, the first thing you’ll want to find out is the number of years that they’ve been operational.
It is also recommended that you’re asking for references for past clients. A contractor with nothing to hide will be more than happy to share their references. Have a list of questions you’d like to ask the contractor before making a hiring decision.
Safety
Dealing with brick is dangerous work and safety should be a key consideration for any contractor. The contractor that you hire should follow the recommended safety procedures put in place for such work.
They should also have experience in safely handling the tools and equipment for the job. This is one of the reasons for reaching out to past clients.
You’ll want to ask them about their experience working with the masonry contractor and if there were damages to the property. An experienced contractor will ensure that there are minimal incidences while working on your property.
The last thing you’d want to go through is to be responsible for the accidents that could happen because of the contractor’s failure to not follow the right safety procedures.
Respectful of Your Time
There are a lot of moving parts for a masonry project. For the finished product to be up to the desired stand, the contractor should be highly skilled, knows how to select the right materials and colors, and has the right equipment.
This means that work will be done in the shortest time possible without compromising the quality of output. A skilled contractor is one that will complete the job on time while delivering the promised results.
Reliability
Reliability is an important trait when hiring any contractor to work in your home and a mason is no exception. You’ll be trusting the contractor to do the job to the best of their ability.
You can be assured that there will be a fix to the problem. A reliable contractor is one that has completed several projects and can back up their claim by providing solid references.
Contract
You could be making a big mistake when you decide to work with a masonry contractor without a written contract. The contract will highlight all the details of your working agreement.
It will cover some contentious issues such as cost, duration of the work, refunds, and how to break the agreement amicably when you fail to agree.
Warranty
Any reputable contractor should be able to stand behind his or her work. This is done by providing a warranty on the workmanship.
There is no reason why you should be reaching out for repairs when the work was already finished. The warranty should also cover the materials that have been used for repairs or installation.
To Conclude
It is imperative that you’re sure about the experience of the masonry contractor and their capacity to finish the job on time. A contractor that is unwilling to provide important information should be a red flag.
It means that such a person could be having a lot to hide and it could be devastating to find out the hard way. Don’t just take their word for it. Follow up with the references just to be sure.
