Masonry contractors work with an array of materials such as brick, stone and concrete to install exterior masonry structures, including retaining walls, porches, patios and homes. Their wide experience is a highly untapped resource not only for new home owners but also for remodelers and builders. Even the simplest improvement can improve a backyard space, for instance a stone veneer wall for modern interior design or a simple pathway for improved curb appeal. It doesn’t take a master architect to incorporate the wonders of stone and masonry into the design of a new home, and there are many design professionals that can provide assistance.
Before hiring a masonry contractor, there are several things to consider. For instance, how will they know what type of work to perform, and what kind of warranty do they have? Masonry is an artistic and specialized craft, and it requires certain skill sets, equipment and protective gear. Without knowing all of these details ahead of time, you may be hiring an artist instead of a contractor. The best way to protect yourself, your family and your investment is by hiring liability insurance for your projects.
One of the first things you should look for in a masonry contractor is whether they have the necessary liability insurance. This not only protects you, your company and any subcontractors working on your project, but also covers the general public. In the event of any injuries on any masonry work, you can rest assured that compensation is available to you. It’s better for your reputation to choose a masonry contractor with good references who offers this kind of insurance. Additionally, a great benefit of this insurance is that it will cover any concrete block repairs.
It’s not uncommon to have some problems while working on masonry work. Whether it’s cutting a corner incorrectly or preparing the base of the structure incorrectly, there are a lot of little mistakes that can lead to major problems down the road. By hiring a qualified masonry contractor you can be sure that any of these problems can be caught right away. And by choosing a company that has the right experience and has dealt with similar problems before, you can be more at ease hiring them than trying to find the right person on your own. If you’re hiring just one mason, ask for their list of references so you can get some examples of their work.
It’s also important to look at the experience level of the mason you’re hiring. You don’t want to hire someone who’s just started in the business, since experience counts. Instead, you want a mason who has done several jobs in the past, and who can give you good references from his past clients. If the prospective mason is unable to provide you with a list of previous clients, pass him by – he won’t be able to provide you with the information you need.
The final factor you should look at when hiring a masonry contractor is the structural engineer that will oversee the work. Make sure that the person you’re considering hasn’t been previously involved in any projects involving rebar, because experience with rebar is something that must be considered alongside a construction supervisor’s training, certification and education. The construction supervisor is responsible for making sure that everything is up to code, while the engineer tests the year and ensures that it’s going to work according to the specifications laid out by the manufacturer.