Hiring a masonry contractor can be tricky, especially if you don’t know what to look for. Masons are responsible for all aspects of construction, from design and planning to materials and labor. You want to ensure that your mason does quality work and provides better customer service throughout the process. Here are some important questions to ask to help you find the right masonry contractors Philadelphia for your project.
What Certification do they Hold?
If they don’t have any certificate, it doesn’t mean they might not be knowledgeable or capable—but you’ll have to do some extra research on their behalf. You can find out what Certification is required for your area by contacting your city’s building department (or the equivalent). You can also check online for lists of recognized certifications for masonry contractors.
What is Their Speciality?
Masonry contractors philadelphia are a diverse group of professionals with a wide range of skills and experience. However, many different types of masonry construction require specific expertise. For example, suppose you want to build an entire house out of stone or brick. In that case, you’ll need a contractor specializing in those materials. If your project is smaller and needs some repair work done on the walls or flooring (like sealing cracks), then any contractor can help you.
How Many Years of Work Experience do They Have?
When you have a builder with many years of experience under their belt, you can expect that they will be able to provide high-quality workmanship and communication. They will partner well with other contractors, pay attention to detail, and ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.
Will There be a Written Contract?
Make sure there is a contract, and review it with an attorney before signing. We recommend including the following information in your masonry contractor’s contract:
- The names of the parties (you or your company)
- The date of the agreement
You may want to consider adding other details, such as what work will be done by whom and when payment will be made.
What is The Quality of Material Used in Construction?
Asking this question will help you understand how your project was constructed. It’s important to know that materials and workmanship have different qualities, even if they come from the same brand.
When asking this question, be sure to listen for:
- Quality of material used in construction (i.e., stone)
- Quality of workmanship (i.e., mason’s attention to detail)
- Quality of customer service (i.e., communication with customers)
- Quality of product (i.e., the finished product meets all expectations)
How Much Does the Total Project Cost?
A good contractor can confidently give you an estimate because they know exactly what materials they’ll use. They will also be able to give you a justified number based on their experience.
Do You Need a Permit Before Construction?
If the answer is yes, they need to understand why. It’s required by law for safety reasons and for legal reasons. This means that you will be protected against lawsuits and injury claims if anything goes wrong on-site during construction. Moreover, you won’t have to worry about getting fined or paying fines if they don’t get their paperwork in order.
Who Will be Responsible for the Cleanup?
The cleanup of any waste includes the disposal of any debris and materials after completing your project. The same goes for hazardous materials like asbestos or lead paint—you want to ensure your masonry contractor properly disposes of them.
Conclusion
We hope these answers help you make an informed decision when choosing your contractor for your upcoming project. If you have any other questions, please ask them in the comments section of this article.
