When you are looking for a masonry patio contractor, pool deck contractor, or concrete mason in the Rochester, NY, area, you should always discover if they will meet certain criteria and that they are the right contractor for your particular project. Hiring a masonry pool deck or patio contractor should be made based on quality, artistry, experience, examples of their work, and testimonials or reviews from those who have used them for their projects.
Should you go with the lowest price? Many people are focused on price over quality. This could potentially cause issues with your patio or outdoor living space that will cost you more money in the long run because of poor workmanship.
Location isn’t everything. If you are trying to find a masonry contractor based on Google results by searching the keywords, “masonry contractors near me”, you may not be making decisions based on quality and workmanship. It doesn’t matter if their business is located 2 miles from your home or 20 miles.
To help you make the right decision about which masonry contractor you should hire for your project, we’ve compiled a list of questions that you should be asking before you decide on which contractor to use so that the project will be done right the first time.
1. What level of experience do they have?
Ask them how many years the business has been in operation and how many years of experience their masons have. Also, ask them if they have a great deal of experience in the type of project you are considering hiring them for. If you're looking for a stamped concrete patio, a company that does the majority of its work repairing chimneys may not be the ideal contractor for your project.
2. Who will be responsible for purchasing/acquiring materials to be used?
Getting a clear understanding of who is responsible for acquiring the materials that will be used in your project is something to ask upfront. Masons typically purchase all materials, but it’s still a question you’ll want to ask upfront. Also, if the mason is going to be purchasing and using natural stone or brick for your project, will they provide samples for you to choose from?
3. Do you have photo examples of your work?
It's great to read written reviews from others to give you an idea of the quality of the masonry contractor you're considering, but a picture is truly worth a thousand words. Be sure that you can view quite a few photos of their work showing projects that are similar to your future project.
4. Are they fully insured?
Every concrete masonry contractor and their workmen should be fully insured in the event of an unforeseen accident. If they carry insurance, the contractor is liable for any damages that occur. The type of insurance you’ll want to confirm is called Liability Insurance and Workers’ Compensation Insurance.
5. What will the timeline be for project completion?
How long the project will take? While there are unforeseen circumstances that can occur that will alter the completion date, it’s a good idea to get a sense of how long the project will take to complete and if that timeline meets your needs.
6. Will you need to prepare your outdoor project site before they begin?
Depending on the masonry contract you hire and the type of project, you may need to complete some prep work that will help move the process along. This may include clearing out the area where your project will be installed or clearing out landscaping that may be in the way. Have your masonry contractor spell out who will take care of prepping the site.
7. Will your masonry contractor provide a detailed written estimate and/or contract before proceeding?
Your estimate should spell out every aspect of the project and how much it will cost, what the timeline for project completion will be, how the payment schedule works, and what available methods of payment are there. Ask them if they will need a deposit upfront or if will they require payment in full after the project is completed. You may also want to ask the masonry contractor if any other fees may occur such as overtime wages.
8. Does your mason offer some type of quality assurance?
Ask your contractor what will happen if you're not completely satisfied with the final project. Will they come back and take measures to ensure that your project is completed to the specs of their estimate? If your masonry contractor gives you some so
rt of quality assurance or warranty, this tends to be a sign that the company is confident in its abilities and believes that you will be satisfied with its work.
9. Will your masonry contract ensure that the area will be cleaned up well at project completion?
It might seem like common sense, but not all masonry contractors clean up before leaving.
Leaving your property clean and tidy is a sign of professionalism and integrity, demonstrating respect towards you and your home.
Hire the Right Masonry Contractor
Asking the right questions is important. You're about to make an investment in your home that will not only provide you with a better quality of life but will also add to the value of your property. If you're looking for a quality Rochester, NY, masonry contractor to work on your next outdoor living project, call us today at (315) 310-7193 or contact us online.