Are you installing a sturdy stone wall, an elegant brick patio, or maybe a warm outdoor hearth? Masonry construction can add value and beauty to your property — and if done correctly, of course. Hiring the wrong masonry contractor can lead to low-quality work, wasted time and money, and endless frustration.
Choosing a competent and experienced masonry contractor is the difference between a smooth project and a project of acceptable quality that would make everyone proud. Firms like AKT Construction NY Inc. specialise in quality masonry work that you can rely on.
Confused? Don’t worry — you’re in the right place!
What is a Masonry Contractor?
A masonry contractor is one who does the building and repairing of buildings made from concrete blocks, stones, or bricks. A masonry contractor can build durable and attractive walls, patios, fireplaces, and pathways around your house or garden.
A respectable masonry contractor knows how to handle heavy materials, the value of keeping the workspace clean, and how to put together a durable or resilient product.
If you are hoping to build something new or modify your existing building, a masonry contractor can help you make your house more strong as well as more beautiful.
Why Do You Need One?
Hiring a masonry contractor is worthwhile because they know the correct way to build and repair stone, concrete, and brick. They have blueprints, have tools that are precise, and have skills that will add beauty and longevity to your patios, walkways, or walls.
Think for a moment about how challenging it could be and how dangerous it could be to do it yourself. Not only can a professional save you time, but they will save you money by not doing it wrong.
If you want to add a feature to your new home or fix a few cracked bricks, consider hiring a reputable masonry contractor, as they will be a guide to helping you achieve your vision and the durability of your house for years to come.
10 Tips To Help You Hire The Correct Masonry Contractor For Your Home
Choosing the right masonry contractor can make or break your home remodeling project. With all the different contractors you have to choose from, it makes sense that you should also know what to look for and what not to look for when choosing the right one. From license checks to going with your gut feeling, these 10 tips are the answer to getting you a good, competent professional who can complete the job, to your design and budget.
1: Get Personal Referrals
Word of mouth is probably the best source for a great masonry contractor. Ask family members, acquaintances, or neighbors whose experience was comparable to yours. Ask about their experience. Was the contractor a pleasure to deal with? Did he show up promptly? Was the job finished as agreed?
Personal referrals will take you to qualified local practitioners who take their reputation seriously. You will also receive genuine feedback that you won’t be able to find on the internet.
2: Online Reviews and Ratings
Even if you have a good referral, do a quick web search. Look up Google, Yelp, or highly regarded home improvement sites for reviews. Look for patterns in the comments — are the majority of customers satisfied with craftsmanship and communication? Are there complaints regarding delays or surprise costs?
The occasional bad review or two can be anticipated, but if you see a thread of red flags, it’s best to keep looking. A solid contractor is going to have a healthy, positive number of reviews.
3: Verify Credentials and Licenses
Even before you hire a contractor for your property, verify if they possess the necessary credentials. Based on your state, masonry contractors may need a state license or city permits to conduct business legally.
Don’t be nervous — ask for proof of insurance and licensure. Insurance matters. It protects you if someone is injured on your property. A competent contractor will be willing to provide these documents to you.
4: Ask About Experience with Your Type of Project
Masonry is all kinds of projects — stone retaining walls, brick fireplaces, paver patios. Not every contractor does all kinds of work.
Ask how much experience they have with the kind of projects you want. Ask to be shown photographs of similar completed projects. An experienced contractor will be able to spot potential issues in advance and deliver good work.
5: Ask For Multiple Quotes
Don’t take the first quote that you get. Call at least three qualified contractors and request that they give you complete, written quotes. This will allow you to have a sense of the reasonable market price for your job.
Watch out for outrageously low bids — that typically means the contractor will cut corners on quality or add on charges later. A quality, itemized estimate shows the contractor is qualified and would prefer to be honest.
6: Check References
Professional contractors are proud of what they do and are happy to offer references. Ask for a list of past customers you can reach. When you speak with these owners, ask the following specific questions:
- Was the project finished on time?
- Were the employees respectful of your property?
- Did the final cost match the estimate?
- Would you hire them again?
Heeding the past customers straight from the horse’s mouth gives you a feeling of assurance about what to expect.
7: Read a Written Contract Thoroughly
Never sign an agreement for a masonry job by hand. A written contract protects you and the contractor. Make sure it includes:
- Detailed description of work
- Materials to be used
- Payment plan
- Projected start and finish dates
- Warranty provisions
Read every line thoroughly and ask questions if something does not sound right. If a contractor refuses to provide you with a contract, consider it a big red flag.
8: Make Sure Someone Will Do the Job
There are contractors who will have subcontractors or day laborers do the work instead of their employees. There is nothing in itself wrong with this, but you want to know upfront.
Find out who will be on your site daily and who will be in charge. A good contractor takes charge of his people and ensures they all comply with safety and quality protocols.
9: Look for Good Communication
Pay attention to how they communicate from the very first email or phone call. Are they fast at responding to you? Are they courteous and concise in responding to your queries?
Effective communication is key to a smooth-running project. If you are not able to get clear responses before starting work, it will get more confusing as work is already underway. Choose someone who values your time and keeps you informed.
10: Trust Your Instincts
And finally, listen to your instincts. Is the contractor professional and trustworthy? Do they listen to you and take your ideas and concerns into account? Are they pushy or superior?
Sometimes your common sense will be wiser than any review or estimate ever will be. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Shop around until you’re sure and feel comfortable with your choice.
Read More: How Much Does a Masonry Contractor Charge Per Hour?
Conclusion
Hiring a masonry contractor doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these ten tips, you’ll be well-prepared to find a skilled, honest professional who will treat your project — and your property — with care. Companies like AKT Construction NY Inc. work hard to ensure your masonry dreams turn into reality with top-notch quality and reliable service.
Take your time, obtain the right questions, and take your time to make the decision. It is good to wait for a good contractor. At the end of the day, you will be able to relish a breathtaking, well-set extension of your home that you will be proud of for years to come.
Ready to start? Grab your notes, make some calls, and construct your dream project with confidence!