Knowing which masonry contractor to hire can be confusing. With all of the different types of masonry work that can be done, it is hard to know who will be the best for your project. Read on for some tips on how to pick the right masonry contractor for the job.
1. Figure out what kind of masonry work needs to be done.
First and foremost, you need to decide what type of masonry work you need to do. There are three main types of masonry: brickwork, stonework and concrete work. Each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. You need to figure out which type of work is best suited for your project.
If you need outside brickwork or stone veneer installed, then you need to find a contractor who specializes in those areas. Otherwise, if you just need regular concrete work done, any reputable masonry contractor can do the job.
2. Get recommendations from friends and family.
If you know anyone who has had masonry work done recently, ask them for recommendations. They will be able to tell you about their experience with the contractor and whether they would recommend them or not.
You can also check online review sites like Yelp or Angi. Just make sure that you read the reviews carefully and take them with a grain of salt. People are more likely to leave a review if they had a bad experience, so keep that in mind.
3. Research several contractors.
Once you have a few recommendations, do some research on each of the contractors. Look at their website and see if they have any testimonials or reviews from past clients.
You should also check to see if they are licensed and insured. This is important because it protects you in case something goes wrong during the project.
4. Check the Better Business Bureau.
The Better Business Bureau is a great resource for finding out if a business is reputable. You can search for the contractor’s name, to see if there have been any complaints filed against them.
5. Get estimates.
After you’ve done your research, contact each of the contractors and get an estimate for the job. Be sure to ask about any hidden fees or charges that might not be included in the estimate.
This is an important step because it will help you compare prices and find the best deal. Make sure to get at least three estimates so you have a good idea of what the average cost is.
Don’t be quick to jump on the cheapest price. Sometimes you get what you pay for. Balance the price with the other factors on this list to make sure you’re getting a fair price.
6. Ask questions.
When you meet with the contractor, be sure to ask them any questions you have about the job. Masonry is a skilled trade that requires training and experience. Be sure to ask each contractor about their experience level and if they have any specialized training. You should also ask to see examples of their work. This will give you a good idea of their skill level and what you can expect from them.
There are a few other things you should ask them, like:
- How long have they been in business?
- Do they have experience with the type of project you need?
- Can they provide references from previous clients?
- What is their estimated cost for the project?
- When would they be able to start/complete the project?
7. Get everything in writing.
Once you’ve chosen a contractor, make sure that you get everything in writing. This includes the estimate, the timeline and the scope of work. This will protect you in case anything goes wrong.
Reputable masonry contractors, like Ray Arnold Masonry, will put their policies and quotes in writing. We also will notify you if the price of steel goes up more than 10 percent.
8. Inspect the work regularly.
Once the work is underway, be sure to inspect it regularly. This will ensure that the work is being done to your standards and that there are no issues. You can catch any problems early on and make sure that the contractor is doing the job right. If you see something that you’re not happy with, speak to the contractor immediately.
9. Hire Ray Arnold Masonry.
For over 70 years, Ray Arnold Masonry has focused on masonry needs for residential buildings. Whether you’re in need of chimney repair or general contracting, our team of experienced tradesmen can help. Contact Ray Arnold Masonry today for all your masonry needs.