It is possible to create significant benefits for your quality of life and home value by making masonry home improvements.

A masonry project requires you to be sure that you are hiring a highly qualified professional. Therefore, here are a few things to consider before selecting a stone masonry contractor. Before you hire a masonry restoration contractor, ask these ten questions.

Have you earned a Mason Certification? 

An appropriate certification can show that the contractor has received the proper training and certification for the job for which he is being hired. The government of every country will have some form of certification or license to ensure that safety procedures are followed, and work is of a high standard.

Can you provide me with proof of insurance?

Generally, government-certified stonemason contractors are required to carry liability insurance by the state. 

Should an accident or injury occur during a project, you need to be clear that you do not want the injured party to put a claim against your homeowners’ or business insurance policies. The last thing you want is to find yourself in the middle of a civil lawsuit because you hired an uninsured contractor. It is essential to include insurance in your contract.

Are you using a contract?

A verbal agreement and a handshake are not acceptable when working with a contractor.

It is essential to specify payment schedules, start and finish dates, and the scope of work in the contract. Ensure that you have accounted for all the details before allowing them to begin working.

What kind of masonry do you specialize in?

A masonry expert may not be skilled in brick, block, concrete, or stone construction. 

There are some masons who specialize in only certain types of masonry projects. In contrast, others have a wide range of experiences and can make intricate cuts and display an artistic side when combining different types of materials to create stunning custom masonry designs. The correct answer to this question will vary depending on the nature of your project.

What references can I obtain from my previous clients?

Prior customers should be contacted when hiring a contractor. You can use it to determine whether or not the masonry contractor completes his work on schedule. Check with the previous clients to determine their level of satisfaction with the service.

Even better, you can request a list of the sites where the masonry contractor is currently working. You can check out the work at a few locations.

What is the timeframe for a project?

An agreement or, at the very least, an understanding of the project’s timeline is essential before hiring a contractor. A better estimation of the project’s duration will result from this.

In some cases, the contractor and the client fail to discuss the project time frame. The client significantly underestimates the project length, resulting in disappointment and heated discussions with the contractor. 

It is always a good idea to obtain an estimate of a project’s duration in advance. Even if the project cannot be completed within the specified time frame, you will have a general idea of how long the project will take.

Would you be able to match my bricks?

Brick repairs can be complicated when the manufacturer has stopped producing the specific bricks you need. 

In the case of an older house, a mason would be most likely to be needed who will investigate various brickyards to find the brick that will match your existing bricks and architectural features the best.

The final product may even go through a specific painting and drying process if the mason is skilled.

What preparations do I need to make?

For the project to proceed faster, some contractors will require the homeowner to perform some preliminary work. Be sure to inform your mason beforehand so there are no misunderstandings and the project can be completed quickly.

How will the cleanup be handled?

It’s not pleasant to get home after a long day of work only to find a messed-up yard and have to spend a couple of hours cleaning up the contractor’s mess. 

You must know that the contractor is responsible for cleaning up regularly not to encounter any unpleasant surprises. To ensure that the cleanup process will be the contractor’s responsibility following the completion of the project, you should specify in the contract that the cleanup process following the completion of the project is part of the contractor’s responsibility.

When will the payment be made?

Payment or the budgeting of the project is a significant factor. Preparing an advance agreement regarding payment with your contractor will help you avoid any misunderstandings later on. Payment methods for contractors vary. Each contractor has its preferences.

For materials, some companies require partial payments in advance, while others allow you to pay in installments. The entire payment should not be made in advance because it may be risky.

Hire a Professional Masonry Restoration Contractor to Answer Your Questions

If you know what to ask and what to look for when searching for the best masonry contractor for your project, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.

Paragon Remodeling is a trusted masonry restoration contractor that specializes in this type of work. If you’d like us to help you with your masonry restoration project, we’d be happy to do so! To learn more about our services, how it works, and the advantages of hiring a professional like us, call 703-426-5555 today.