Questions to Ask a Masonry Contractor

by | Jul 3, 2021 | Masonry Services

Masonry home improvements can add a lot of value to your property. Aside from that, it also offers a huge quality of life benefits. However, you can only achieve these things if your masonry home improvements are done properly and professionally.

Almost every single outdoor home improvement need a skilled professional to incorporate. Because of that, it’s crucial to hire a reliable stone masonry contractor for help.

Since there are tons of contractors out there, it might be a bit difficult to find the right one. Luckily, we’re here to help. Here are several questions to ask a masonry Yonkers contractor:

Ask for References

One of the best methods you can use to have an idea of the professionalism and skill of a contractor is to contact previous clients or drive by the site of the contractor’s past project. A reliable contractor will not hesitate to provide you a list of several references. On the other hand, a sketchy contractor will refuse to provide a list. Thus, you’ve got to ensure you ask for references if you need a masonry contractor.

What is the Payment Schedule and Cost of the Project?

Typically, the contracts in a construction project need a schedule of an upfront payment and installments. Installments are often another portion of the halfway mark and the final payment once the project is complete.

You might have to hire another contractor if the one you’re planning to hire wants more than 50% upfront. Almost every agreement is an estimate. Thus, when hiring a masonry contractor, you need to ask about limits on possible cost overruns.

Does the Contractor Have Insurance?

Usually, certification from the government means that the state requires a stone mason contractor to acquire insurance. It’s normal for insurance providers to drop a client if the client missed a payment or has excessive claims.

It is crucial to understand that if something bad occurs during the project, you do not want to be liable for the expenses. Insurance is important.

Is the Contractor Certified?

Nowadays, the industry is filled with sub-par contractors. As a homeowner, you need to get the most out of your masonry project. That is why it’s always ideal to work with a certified masonry contractor. A certification can help you separate a high-quality contractor from sub-par ones. Always hire a professional contractor who is accredited. It means that they’re professional and they know what they’re doing.

Is the Contractor Registered with the Better Business Bureau?

A contractor who is not registered with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) does not mean he is sketchy. However, you should know that we are now living in an online world. This means that unsatisfied clients will share their disapproval on online forums, such as Facebook, Yelp, Google, and more.

One of the best forums out there is the BBB. They take complaints more seriously. They also follow up with the contractor about the situation. To make things simple, the Better Business Bureau is more reliable unlike other online sources. It’s always better to hire a contractor who is affliated with the BBB.