7 Questions to Ask Your Masonry Restoration Contractor

Not everyone is an expert in bricklaying, tuckpointing, or foundation repair. And that’s okay. As a homeowner, you don’t have to understand everything there is to know about masonry repairs. What you do need to know, though, is how to find a masonry restoration contractor you can trust. Fortunately, these seven questions will help you locate a professional who can help you with your brick, mortar, or stone repairs. Check them out here:

What Are Your Credentials?

The first thing that any homeowner should do before hiring a masonry pro is question their credentials. It’s very easy for untrustworthy professionals to make big claims about their ability; you can’t fake national accreditations, however. Ask if they belong to organizations like the National Chimney Sweep Guild, if they’re certified by Heat Shield, or if they’ve been approved by groups like the Better Business Bureau or Basement Health Association. Ensure that you’re dealing with a real pro before you go any further.

How Experienced Are You?

It’s important to find a masonry contractor who has lots of experience working with a variety of projects. What’s more, masonry contractors should, ideally, be familiar with the area. This way, they’ll have first-hand knowledge of the local soil and weather patterns, which can have a big impact on masonry work. Enquire also about recent jobs they’ve completed and ask for references.

What is Your Specialty?

Some construction professionals specialize in commercial projects; others focus particularly on stone restoration. If you have a specific project in mind, make sure to find a company that addresses your unique needs.

What Materials Will You Use?

Different projects require different types of mortar and different tools. So ask any contractor you’re hiring how they’ll go about the job and what materials they plan on using.

How Long Will it Take?

The key here is to solicit an honest answer. Major foundation repair projects, for instance, can take a long time to complete. As such, beware of contractors who project overly-optimistic completion dates. It’s better to hire a professional who will tackle the task at hand on schedule than to bring in a company that constantly moves the goalposts and changes their timetable.

How Much Will it Cost/What’s the Payment Schedule?

No one wants to over-pay for brickwork or masonry repairs. That’s why it’s a good idea to compare prices of different contractors before you make a final decision. In addition, ask about the payment schedule. Some companies require larger upfront payments. You should also find out if you’ll be able to defer payment until after the project is completed.

Will You Clean up When the Project is Finished?

Though this should be obvious, it’s still worth asking. Just because a contractor has “completed” a project, doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t leave you with a mess to clean up after.

The Bottom Line

At Brickworks, we’re happy to answer any questions new clients may have about us and our process. Why? Because we only employ dedicated professionals, we only use the best materials, and we have years of experience to our name. Still unsure? Then just check out any of our 800+ 5-star reviews. You can contact us here for more information, or to get started with a project today call us at 586-868-3234.