Homeowner’s Guide to Choosing Masonry Services for Their New House

In addition to hiring contractors for the inside of a new home build, it is often necessary to hire contractors for landscape and masonry work. To make the outdoor living space an extension of the indoors, here are some guidelines for choosing a good masonry service. 

What is a Mason? 

A mason is someone who works with stone, concrete, and brick. They make and repair many things including chimneys, patios, retaining walls, entire buildings, and more from Mason Works. Masons can also create waterfalls, water gardens, fireplaces, and other hardscapes. Masons often build front porch steps, benches, and fire pits as well.  

Types of Masons 

Stonemasons work with manufactured and natural stones to make walls as well as exterior and interior flooring. Brick masons work with brick to create all kinds of structures such as fireplaces, chimneys, walls, patios, driveways, and sidewalks. Concrete masons work with both poured concrete and concrete blocks that need leveling and finishing while the concrete hardens. Concrete masons often make driveways, sidewalks, foundations, and patio slabs. Repair and restoration masons work to repair or maintain existing structures. They often work with older homes and historical buildings or strutures with cracks that need to be fixed.  

Look for Experience 

When looking for a masonry service, look for a company with experienced masons. A trustworthy company will have a good reputation in the community and employ masons with years of experience. When shopping around for a mason, ask for pictures of their completed work. This is a way to choose the exact look and materials that will work for a project. It is also important to make sure that the mason chosen is experienced with the specific materials being used. Reviews online can also help identify quality masonry services in an area. If the patio is going to be poured, stamped concrete, make sure that the mason you choose has a lot of experience with this.  

Check the Timeframe 

Make sure to ask a mason for an estimate of how long the project will take. It is also important to ask the mason if there is any preparation work that should be done before the project they are undertaking. Additionally, make sure to ask if they will clean up when the project is complete. While this may seem like a common thing for all masons to do, it doesn’t always happen.  

Manage the Costs 

It’s always wise to shop around and get several estimates before deciding on a masonry service. Always get estimates in writing, and make sure that materials, labor, and any additional fees (such as overtime charges) are included in the estimate. Find out how the company will require you to pay for the service. Will there be a downpayment, or will the entire sum be due after the project? Finally, check to see how the company will require you to pay. Will they accept cash, check, debit card, credit card? Finally, ask if there is a warranty on the services provided. Inquire as to what is covered under the warranty, and how long the warranty lasts.  

With all of the options for new homes now, the exterior spaces are often get overlooked. Spend some time to find a masonry service that can provide you with great service and a beautiful finished project for your new outside space.