Every blog needs a topic to serve as the over-arching connection between the posts. For this blog, we chose the topic of construction and contractors. We have a few reasons for that choice. For one, we wanted a topic that would appeal to a lot of people. Most people have hired a contractor or will hire one at some point, so that means the topic applies to a large audience. Our other goal was to choose a topic that we could write a lot about. That certainly applies to the field of contracting. After all, everyone from painters to road workers belongs to this industry.
Without further ado, welcome to our blog. Enjoy what you read!
Top Tips When Choosing A Masonry Contractor
Whether you are building a wall, a patio, or a fireplace, you will need to hire a professional mason. However, the task of finding a suitable masonry contractor is not easy. There are many contractors in the market, and the following tips can help you know the right questions to ask when selecting a masonry contractor.
Type and Scope of Work
It is essential to assess the capacity of the masonry contractor to complete different types of projects. Although masons are trained to undertake various stone projects, they may focus on a specific kind of work. For instance, a masonry contractor may specialize in building perimeter walls or building patios. Thus, select a contractor who focuses on the work need. Also, find out whether the contractor can undertake design work in addition to material installation. Moreover, establish whether the masonry contractor has experience undertaking projects of different scales.
Building Materials Specialty
Masonry work deals with different types of construction materials. The most common materials include natural stones, bricks, and concrete blocks. Each of these materials requires specialized training for preparation and installation. Not all masons have the expertise of dealing with the different types of building materials. Therefore, make a point of hiring a masonry contractor who has the training and experience working with the specific materials you desire for the construction project.
Licensing and Certification
The ideal masonry contractor should have an operating license. The license gives the contractor the authority to run a masonry business within a specific state. As such, a license shows that the contractor is running a legal business. Primarily, engaging a legal entity gives you confidence in your contract. More so, ensure that the contractor has masonry certificates. The certificates indicate that the contractor has attained the necessary academic and professional qualifications. In this way, you will have assurance over the quality of artisanship.
Insurance and Bond
Before hiring a masonry contractor, check if they have the necessary insurance and bond. The most important types of insurance are workers' compensation and general liability covers. These types of insurance ensure that the workers and third parties can receive compensation in case of injuries and damages. In this way, you can avoid legal suits for construction accidents. The masonry contractor should also be bonded. The bond provides financial protection if the contractor fails to complete the project or to pay subcontractors and suppliers.
Work Portfolio and References
A masonry contractor should also provide a portfolio of previous tasks. The portfolio can be in the form of photos or videos of previous work performed. In addition, it is wise to seek references from previous clients. The contractor can provide recommendation letters, or you can look for independent referrals. As such, you can assess the level of satisfaction from previous customers.
The quality of masonry work relies on the choice of a contractor. Thus, engage a masonry contractor with the skills, experience, capacity, and reputation for completing quality work.