When you want to do a masonry project for your home, you want to make sure that it is done right. Finding the right mason can save you time and money in the long run, because you will not need to worry about the job being completed incorrectly and needing to be redone, at your expense. Whether you are looking to install a stone fireplace or paver walkway, a patio or anything else that involves natural stone or stone veneer, it is crucial to thoroughly vet your mason options and pick the one who is most qualified to perform the work at hand. Let’s take a look at some of the things you should be looking for in a mason.
Licensure
Having and operating under a business license are essentials that you should be looking for in any contractor that you hire for work. Ensure that this license is up to date and accurate, as this proves experience and accountability in the field. Certifications and accreditations are also good things to look for, however, they are not as essential as a contractor or business license.
Insurance
Another essential to look for when you are trying to pick the right mason is whether or not they are insured. Having a business or liability insurance policy gives you the peace of mind of knowing that if something occurs while the mason is on the job site, read: working on your property, you will not be held responsible. This could end up saving you money as well, as you would not be held liable legally or financially for injuries or damages sustained.
BBB
While not essential, it is always a good idea to see if a mason is registered with the Better Business Bureau as well. The BBB is a good way to get reputable feedback about a business based on actual customer reviews that have been verified. This eliminates the sensationalism that often occurs on other review sites such as social media and Yelp. Often, you can get a good idea of the quality of work provided by companies that are registered with the BBB based on their ratings there.
Check References
Another great way to verify the quality of a company or contractor is to ask for a few references, or at least see the past work that they have done. If a mason is happy with and proud of the work they have accomplished so far, there should be no hesitation to share this with you, a potential client. While they may not want to divulge in contact information from past clients given that confidentiality and trust is a factor, they should have a portfolio prepared and ready for viewing.
Check the Cost
Last but not least, it’s always a good idea to get an idea what the cost is up front. In addition to just being on the same page with pricing, it’s also important to discuss what the payment schedule is expected to be. Many contractors expect a deposit prior to beginning work and then the rest of the payment after the work is completed.
Whatever your masonry goals are, our team can help. Contact us today.
