When you need to have brick or stone work done, you want to be sure you’re hiring qualified professionals. To help you choose the right mason to work with, here are 11 questions to ask when hiring masons in Westchester County, NY.
Although many consumers are ultimately satisfied with a mason’s work, in some instances difficulties or financial losses can arise due to poor workmanship, overcharges, unfinished work, or failure to complete a job. To minimize unpleasant experiences and receive high-quality work, take your time vetting prospective masons before hiring anyone.
Questions to Ask a Mason
1. Are you MCAA certified? The Mason Contractors Association of America has a certification program that helps ensure you are working with a mason contractor who is committed to quality.
2. Do you have a contractor’s license? New York State does not require masons to hold a contractor’s license. However, if they do, this is another plus. It demonstrates the mason’s knowledge of the construction process, especially if there are other parties involved.
3. Do you have proof of insurance? Never allow anyone to do work on your property who doesn’t have current proof of insurance.
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4. Do you have references from previous clients? Wherever possible, ask to see work in person and ask their references whether the work was done on time, on budget, and to the client’s satisfaction.
5. Do you have experience designing and laying masonry patterns? If you have a complex or intricate pattern you want installed, especially using different materials, you don’t want the mason trying to figure it out onsite, at your cost.
6. Do you have experience with a specific type of stone or brick? Masons have specialties, so make sure you’re working with a mason whose skill-set matches the project. Every material is different. Every variety of natural stone has its own characteristics. Cutting each type of stone requires specific knowledge, skills, and tools.
7. Who is responsible for purchasing the materials? While masons often source materials, you may have your own source, such as reclaimed brick from an old patio. But you will still need to orchestrate who purchases mortar and other materials.
8. What is the timeline for completion? Always have at least a tentative timeline while interviewing masons. This tentative timeline (which may turn out to be unrealistic as you go through the interview process), can be adjusted before work commences. It will become a hard deadline when you sign the contract.
9. What is the payment schedule? Many masons ask for half upfront to cover the cost of materials and initial labor, but they will set payment milestones for the remainder of the job. Be sure it’s specified in the contract that final payment is contingent upon your complete satisfaction with the work.
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10. What is your practice for keeping my property tidy and safe? Obviously, having piles of materials stacked in your yard isn’t attractive, but it’s a necessary part of construction. The question is, though, how respectful the mason will be of your property, plants, and existing hardscapes. You want to ensure the mason protects your property during construction and thoroughly cleans up after the project is complete.
11. What is your warranty? Nothing is worse than paying a huge sum of money for a patio project only to find out a year later that the pavers are heaving or cracking. A good mason will guarantee the work for at least 3-5 years. Get this guarantee in writing!