If you live in an urban or suburban environment, it’s more than likely that you’re surrounded by buildings or structures that are constructed with masonry. Unlike many other home-improvement techniques like plumbing, painting, and electrical work, masonry is one of those things that require a professional.
Being one of the world’s oldest trades, masonry work has been used throughout history to erect brick buildings, build robust home foundations, and create exquisite stone facades. Many builders still use masonry to construct contemporary buildings and use concrete veneers to amplify property values.
This skill requires essential building materials like bricks, concrete, tiles, stone, etc., along with a masonry contractor who has a foundational understanding of masonry. Finding a reliable masonry contractor can be tricky.
This laborious work requires more than just expertise and precision. Your masonry contractor must be licensed, insured, and have extensive experience.
Ready to hire a professional mason? Read this guide to learn how you can find a reliable masonry service provider.
Research, Research, Research
First and foremost, perform extensive research. Whether you’re planning a quick home makeover or a major renovation, having someone who knows how to do their job is crucial to getting the best results.
When researching various stone masons, compare the pricing, the kind of stones they use, and how they determine the final cost.
Researching the Materials
Learn all about the different brick and stone options available in the market, along with all of their pros and cons. It pays to know the total cost of this material and where to purchase them.
Find Out More About Your Specific Project
Even if you have a vision and plan for your property, you will still need to research the specifics and the details to have a clearer idea about the project. Some masonry contractors are more artistic with their work and can construct a stunning outdoor fireplace. In contrast, some are more inclined toward making robust structures like plain brick walls.
Once you have a better idea about what kind of skills your project requires, you can make an informed decision when hiring the masonry contractor.
Compare Pricing
If you’re not sure how to get an estimate for your entire masonry project, survey the neighborhood. Find buildings and homes in your area that were recently renovated with brick and stone. You can always talk to the owners about the estimated price.
Other Things to Consider
Make sure you’re not settling for a service just because it’s cheaper. You might think you’re saving money, but you’ll likely end up working with someone inexperienced who does a poor job.
Different masonry contractors excel in different property projects and have more experience working with certain materials. You should also ensure that the contractor you’re hiring is familiar with the kind of work that you require.
It’s also essential to check their portfolios and learn more about projects they’ve previously worked on. Make a note to discuss the project cleanup before you initiate work on a remodeling project. If the final cost does not include cleanup charges, ask your contractor whether they have any additional service charges for cleaning up the debris after the completion of a project.
Check Licensing, Credentials, and Work Experience
One of the first things you need to check when hiring a masonry contractor is their portfolio. Their portfolio will give you a comprehensive look into the services the masonry contractor specializes in. Since there are various kinds of masonry workers, you might want to hire someone who is an expert in the kind of project you’re planning to work on.
This could include someone being an expert at laying bricks and blocks, repairing and building chimneys, dry stacking, laying stones with mortar, concrete construction, or veneer stone installation. Once you find a masonry contractor who has appropriate skills and experience, you can move on to checking for accreditation, credentials, and possibly references from previous clients.
You can also check for online reviews from previous customers, which are readily available on almost every social media platform and website. Online ratings will also give you a good idea about the masonry contractor and the kind of work they do.
Check the Foundation
Before you start working with your masonry contractor, always ensure that the base you’re working on is firm.
Whether you’re working on a small project or something that requires a lot of work, determining that you have a robust foundation to work on is essential before you begin. Masonry projects are heavy, no matter what. This is why having a sturdy foundation is crucial to constructing a durable and long-lasting structure.
If the foundation warps or gets minor cracks, it can cause significant damages that will require extra time and repairs. Also, make sure that the ground you’re working on is stable and firm as well. You can also hire a construction specialist to check if the footing has maximized stability and is completely solid.
Get Bids from Multiple Contractors
Want to get the best deal on masonry services? Get bids from multiple contractors. This will also help you get to know the different contractors in your area and learn more about their price range and services.
Don’t hire someone who doesn’t come prepared with samples and quotes.
Determine the Project Management and Scheduling Plans
One of the things that you need to determine before you hire a masonry contractor is how they will be managing your project. Determining the project timeline is just as important as learning about the budget and details.
Ask your contractor how they intend to manage the project, and ask about the different planning stages, project time frames, subcontractors, and deadlines. Also, make sure to remember to ask about how to handle risky situations that can arise on site.
Preparing beforehand for any risky situations will help you mitigate the problem more efficiently and expertly.
Learn About the Insurance and Warranties
Masonry projects shouldn’t be initiated unless the company you’re hiring is fully insured and licensed to cover any unforeseen events. Most masonry contractors offer proper guarantees for their work. It’s best to get a written warranty for their workmanship, so you’re not stuck with a hefty bill if anything goes wrong.
Ensure the masonry contractors you’re hiring have general liability insurance to shield themselves from any on-site accidents and liability claims from the employees.
Questions to Ask Your Masonry Contractor
The trick to finding the right masonry contractor is to ask the right questions. You want to ensure you’re hiring someone with an in-depth understanding of masonry. Here are some questions you can ask a contractor before hiring them.
- How much work experience do you have?
- Are you insured?
- Do you have the appropriate licensing for this job?
- Have you completed a project like this before?
- Have you worked with this material before?
- Can you provide references that we can call or visit?
- What is the expected timeline for this project?
- Will you provide any debris cleanup services once the project is completed?
- Do you require anything from us before you begin this project?
- How will you build the foundation?
- Will you install wall ties?
- How can steel angle irons and load-bearing support boost our property’s value?
Get Everything in Writing
It goes without saying that you cannot begin working with a contractor with simply a friendly handshake and a verbal agreement. You should get everything in writing. This will shield you from any potential pitfalls that can happen during the project.
Ensure the contract you’re signing covers all the bases, including the start and finish dates, payment schedules, and other specific details. If you don’t have a contract, you might end up dealing with payments and surcharges that you have no written proof of.
Make Sure They Follow All the Rules and Regulations
Professional masonry contractors are required by law to follow every rule and safety standard when working on a project. If you’re hiring someone who doesn’t have appropriate experience or lacks the skill set required for masonry services, you will be putting your biggest investment at risk.
A professional masonry contractor will take all the liability, ensuring the entire process goes smoothly, and hazards are minimized.
Why Should You Hire Professional Masonry Services in Anthem?
Masonry projects cannot be completed without comprehensive logical and diagnostic work.
Here are some benefits of hiring a professional masonry contractor.
Smooth Project Management
Taking the DIY route with masonry projects can be risky. You might want to consider getting in touch with a professional masonry contractor who will be able to help you manage and execute the project more successfully and efficiently.
Masonry projects require logistical work like making purchases, scheduling, and installations. With the help of an experienced professional, you will be able to complete your project on time without any delays or additional work.
Cost-Effective
One of the major reasons why many homeowners gravitate towards hiring masonry contractors is because it helps them save money. Masonry projects are complex and may require extra effort, expertise, and expensive materials.
A masonry contractor will have adequate information about where to get high-quality materials from at a lower price and will easily be able to handle your project without mismanagement errors.
Any money you put in on this project will be a worthy investment since it will amplify your property’s value.
Maximized Protection for Your Building
Masonry isn’t just an ideal investment but can maximize protection for your property.
With masonry, your building will be protected from fire, weather elements like harsh winds, hail, heavy storms, and even pests.
They Have a Better Understanding of Complex Projects
When you’re DIY-ing a masonry project, it can take hours to figure out what the project actually requires. You might have to rely on resources available online, but those, too, can only help to some extent.
Professional masons have an in-depth understanding of the different complexities of construction and know which tools and techniques need to be employed to tackle complex projects successfully. With their specialized knowledge and extensive experience, you will soon have a solid and durable structure for your commercial or residential venture.
Enhanced Aesthetics
Masonry work can add a modern and sophisticated flair to any ordinary-looking commercial or residential building. You can even consider incorporating materials like steel, aluminum, or glass which will add a dose of visual dynamism to your building.
You can always get in touch with a professional masonry contractor to learn all about the different material options you have.
Hire Qualified Construction Specialists at CF VICE Construction Today
Finding a highly qualified contractor is no easy feat, especially if you require someone who can provide customized solutions and tailored recommendations.
This is why our experts at CF VICE Construction are here at your service.
As the leading construction company in Anthem, our masonry contractors have established a robust reputation as one of the most experienced and reliable contractors with ten years of experience and an eye for detail.
With our impeccable attention to detail and premium quality construction services, you will receive high-quality concrete construction and masonry services that will elevate your property’s look to a whole new level.
Our technicians are masters of their craft and can also provide personalized suggestions that are best suited to your home’s architectural elements. With our insight and basic understanding of concrete construction, you will receive the most reliable solutions to preserve the integrity of your building.
Our construction specialists provide a range of services, including mailbox installation, block wall repairs, cinder block installations, green installations, block masonry repairs, paver installations, stucco wall repairs, commercial painting services, and much more.
We are one of the top masonry services providers in Anthem and surrounding areas, providing exceptional construction services at reasonable rates.
Reach out to us today to get started.