Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Masonry Contractor

Are you ready to get a new brick patio, paver walkway or chimney? If so, you must be excited about all the possibilities for how it could improve the look of your home and also its function.

While the possibilities are certainly endless, it’s important that you do your research before hiring a masonry contractor to ensure you are getting the best possible work at the best possible price.

A masonry contractor is a professional who specializes in building, repairing, and restoring structures using materials such as brick, stone, concrete and cement blocks. They can work on a variety of commercial and residential projects, building things such as retaining walls and outdoor features such as walkways and patios.

Masonry contractors also have the expertise to provide services for historic preservation and restoration projects.

Not any old mason will do for your next project, though. As you are vetting prospective contractors, here are a few topics you should consider and questions you should ask.

Types of Masonry Contractors

First, you should understand that there are different types of masonry contractors, each of whom specializes in a different skill. This includes stone masons, concrete masons and brick masons.

Beyond the particular skill sets, some masonry contractors will specialize in one type of work, such as using manufactured stone veneer or solid masonry. Others still may focus on just masonry repair and restoration services.

It’s important to know what type of masonry contractor you will need based on the type of project you have.

Planning Your Masonry Project

There are many key steps you need to take during the planning phase of your project. Here are some things to consider.

What to Consider Before Hiring a Contractor

Before you hire any contractor, you should consider what materials will be required for the job and then check to see if the contractor has experience working with those materials. 

As mentioned above, if your project involves bricks, you want to make sure that you’re hiring a brick mason or a contractor who has brick masons on staff. 

It’s also important to consider the size and scope of the project and the complexity of the work. Then, make sure you choose a mason who has enough experience and a big enough crew to get the job done based on those details.

Do You Need a Permit for Your Project?

Depending on what your project is, you may need to obtain a permit for the work. Your local government agency should be able to tell you what’s required for your project.

Your contractor should be aware of the permitting requirements, and they should include them in the project plan. This can be a complicated process, which is why a reputable masonry contractor will always help to guide you through the process of applying for and obtaining permits.

Evaluating a Contractor’s Qualifications

How can you evaluate the qualifications that are necessary for a masonry contractor? Here are some questions to ask.

What Certifications Should a Masonry Contractor Hold?

First, look to see whether the contractor has certifications from the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) or another reputable organization. A masonry contractor who is certified will have to demonstrate that they have knowledge and expertise in their field. 

You should also check to see if they have a general contractor’s license and are registered with your state to do business as a mason.

Can You Provide Client References?

During evaluations, ask each prospective contractor to provide references from previous clients, and then contact those clients to discuss the experiences they had.

A professional mason will be proud to share these references as they showcase their work. It should be a red flag if a mason doesn’t have references or doesn’t want to share any.

In addition, you can check online ratings and reviews from sites such as the Better Business Bureau and others to get independent, non-curated feedback.

Assessing a Contractor’s Business Practices

As you whittle down your list, you can start to drill down on the pertinent topics to your project.

What Happens if There is Inclement Weather?

To get an understanding of the logistics, you should ask the contractors about what plans they have in place for inclement weather. What safety protocols will they have in place for working through weather, and what delays might occur?

It’s important to ensure that the contractor has a clear policy in place for how they’ll handle weather-related issues. Any reputable contractor should always have a plan for such things and should always prioritize the safety of everyone on site.

Will There Be a Written Contract?

It’s a good idea to insist that a contract be written that will outline the scope of the work, the timeline of the project and the payment terms — among other things. The contract should also include details about warranties, labor and materials.

A professional masonry contractor should always provide a comprehensive, written contract. If a contractor says they don’t, this should be a red flag to you.

Insurance and Liability

There are inherent dangers on construction sites, making insurance and liability an important topic to cover.

Can I See Proof of Your Insurance?

You should ask masonry contractors to provide you proof of their insurance, including general liability and workers’ compensation. Once you have this proof, you can verify it to ensure it meets the requirements of your state.

If they don’t have adequate insurance coverage, or don’t have any at all, then they’re likely not a reputable contractor.

Project Management and Communication

Communication is a big factor in how well the project goes. So, make sure you know how everything is going to progress.

Who Will Be Managing My Project?

Find out what your contractor’s project management process is and who is responsible for overseeing the work. Know what the communication plan will be and who your point person is for every step of the way.

Professional masonry contractors should always have a dedicated project manager to serve in this role.

Who are the Subcontractors You Will Be Using?

Depending on the scope of the work, your masonry contractor may need to hire subcontractors such as electricians and plumbers. You should ask your contractor about the subcontractors they use and what qualifications they have.

Ensure that all subcontractors are also experienced, licensed and insured. 

Materials and Cleanup

Other logistical concerns include materials and cleanup of the site once the work is completed.

Who is Purchasing the Materials for the Project?

Figure out whether you’ll be responsible for purchasing the materials or whether the contractor will. Also inquire about whether there’s a potential cost-savings for one option over the other.

Make sure that your contractor also has a plan in place for the materials to be stored properly once they’re delivered. 

Most professional masons such as the ones at All Brick will handle all the purchasing and logistics for materials so you don’t have anything to worry about.

Warranties and Guarantees

What happens once the work is completed? This is an important aspect of any project.

Is There a Warranty for Your Work?

What guarantee and warranty policies does the contractor have? You want to make sure that the warranty at least covers the labor and materials for a reasonable period of time, in case something goes wrong.

Any reputable masonry contractor should stand behind their work, offering a warranty that’s comprehensive.

Finalizing Your Decision

As you finalize your decision, there are a few last things to inquire about.

Can I Get a Written Estimate for My Project?

Insist that you receive a written estimate outlining the costs, materials and labor that your project requires, with the cost broken down for each section. It’s important that your contractor provides you with a comprehensive estimate so you can double check everything.

What Sets You Apart from Other Masonry Builders?

Finally, ask the contractor what unique selling points they have and what sets them apart from the competition. They should offer quality workmanship, competitive pricing and exceptional service.

Reputable and experienced masons should easily be able to answer these questions and prove to you their the ones for the job.

Trust the Professionals at All Brick

Before you hire a masonry contractor for your next project, make sure to properly vet candidates, asking many of the questions above.

All All Brick, we have spent the last 10 years mastering the art of masonry. We have designed and constructed beautiful projects for customers throughout Southeast Michigan, and would be more than excited to help you build yours.For more information, and a free quote, contact us today.

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