Monday, November 26, 2012

How to Find a Qualified Masonry Contractor


Looking for a masonry contractor? Make sure you ask the right questions to get the quality workmanship and professional expert you deserve.

If you're about to entrust a masonry contractor with your hard-earned cash and your property's well-being, you'll want to make sure you're working with a company that won't cut and run with your money before finishing the job to your satisfaction. Here are a few questions to ask before making a final decision on a professional for your masonry work.

1. Are they licensed?

If the masonry construction company is licensed, that means they have been certified by the state or local municipality to build fireplaces, lay bricks, pave driveways, etc. In the same way that individuals can obtain a driver's license through driver's ed courses and state-regulated tests, masonry contractors receive a license only after they have gone through the necessary training and passed all required state regulations. When your hired contractor is licensed, you're ensuring safe, secure masonry work.

2. Are they bonded or insured?

When a company is bonded and/or insured, it means that they are financially able to cover expensive mishaps or criminal activity. Specifically, a bond is an amount of money controlled by the state that is supposed to pay for any filings or claims against the company. So, if a member of the masonry contractor team accidentally drops a concrete slab on the hood of your car, you'll be paid out of the bond to cover the damage. Likewise, if a company is insured, the owner's insurer will reimburse you for the costs of a similar mishap. If a masonry contractor is not bonded or insured, you might get stuck with the bill yourself.

3. Do they have a positive rating with the Better Business Bureau?

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) was created to protect individuals and consumers from inferior business practices. As part of its service, the organization assigns ratings to accredited businesses according to a long list of factors. Some of the factors include how long the business has been in operation; whether the business has the required competency license; the business's overall complaint history, including number and severity; and the known existence of any government actions against the business. The ratings range from A+, the best, to F. If the masonry construction company has a BBB accreditation, check their rating before moving forward. This should give you a good indication of how trustworthy and competent the business is overall.

4. Can they provide references from previous projects?

The majority of reliable masonry contractors will be able to refer you to former clients. You can talk to these individuals and ask them for details of their experience, and whether they were satisfied with the work performed. Most people will be candid and happy to help a fellow homeowner.

5 Reasons Why Manufactured Stone Is Becoming So Popular   Installing Cultured Stones   



0 comments:

Post a Comment


Twitter Facebook Flickr RSS



Français Deutsch Italiano Português
Español 日本語 한국의 中国简体。