Finding A Qualified Mason

Masonry work is an art and consists of constructing, adding, repairing concrete, stone, or brickwork. When we think of a Mason, so many times we think of patio, driveway, reinforced walls, additions to our homes, and then of course the surrounding areas of our pools. When searching for a legitimate mason to contract with, there are many considerations one should be aware of. After all, it's not only your money at stake, but also your family's safety and quite possible future legal battles, and then there is the overall well being of the state of your home and its landscaping. When someone begins to talk to me about doing some masonry work and I recommend someone without a doubt or invariably the first question out of their lips is "Are they cheapest? If this is the way you would like to pick a mason not really sure I can help.

The reason that question is not one to consider it could in reality mean they are out of work with no referral business. Stop and think about that for a moment. Stay with me here, if the masonry company is good, isn't safe to assume would they would probably be backed up with work from other referrals, which means it would take a bit of time to get on their list? Here is another hidden but quite juicy screening process, remember when you Google Masonry, Deck Patio or maybe Landscaping masonry, it would be very beneficial for you to take a closer look at their Google places page. In other words, find out where they are openly documented, as a mason. Do they have and reviews and if so how many reviews do they have? Next, would be to find out if their Google page is even VERIFIED! Verification within Google really only means they care enough about their business to actually take the time and claim their business from Google. This is really not a time consuming or difficult process but to be in business it's a very good thing to do.

When your searching Google places just look at the top right, it should say "owner verified." Here is another good question "How come some masonry companies have a video and some don't"? Many times you may find there's a few tasteless reviews, but don't worry. Look how many people bashed the American presidents since forever, and let's be real here if they are the president they are only like by a little over 50% of the people the other 50% didn't vote for them. So, just make sure when your looking at the reviews there are more positives ones as opposed to negative.

It would behoove you to make sure your contractor is proficient in using many if not all kinds of brick, stone pavers, reinforced walls, patio decks, roofing and siding, because you want masonry contractors who have been there, done that. I would personally shy away from guy with only a few journeymen helpers or none at all. To me...sometimes that is just another red flag.

Here is something very important when choosing masonry concrete pool pavers you had best have a written step by step of each process as to what is being used, and what is expected...in other words "YES" each thing you expect, at job completion. Don't be embarrassed. These people are not your friends, although not sure that's a good standard to follow because I've gotten shafted pretty well by friends. So think about it and no more of the masons down the street who are doing masonry at your neighbors, because you probably don't know your neighbor well enough to talk with them and find out they are not getting quite what they had planned on...bottom line get a thorough contract.

Call me crazy, but take it from me if I was going to pay money out for masonry or pavers concrete reinforce men, I'd make sure to call his CELL PHONE and see how easily I could speak with him or his office. Then, I'd ask to see a list of his last eight masonry concrete brick walls and deck patio work. But that's just me. I can't tell you how many times I repaired masonry work that the people who did the work are no longer around...so in the long run what does that really tell you....check them out FIRST.

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

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