A patio is a big investment - one that you want to last, and be enjoyable to use and beautiful to look at for many years. As tempting as it may be to DIY a patio, here are 5 reasons why hiring expert masons is the best option for a patio project in the Croton, NY area.
First, here’s a quick rundown of the most common types of masons - because these professionals often specialize in one type of masonry.
Stonemasons work with natural and manufactured stone applied on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. When it comes to a patio, you would use a stonemason to build a natural stone patio that requires cutting and shaping stones.
Brick masons work with clay and concrete brick. Since brickwork looks easy but actually requires precision (small initial mistakes quickly snowball into glaring errors) you would use a brick mason to build a brick patio and walkway.
Concrete masons work with poured concrete and concrete blocks. They can create custom colors and finishes on a patio, such as a patio featuring exposed aggregate or a specific color.
Related: HOW MASONS TRANSFORM OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES IN SOMERS AND YORKTOWN NY AREAS
Why Hire a Mason?
To sum up, a mason will get the job done better and faster. Here’s why:
1. Expertise
Expertise is required to assess the situation and use the right footings for a patio and ensure proper drainage slopes so that your patio doesn’t succumb to water damage.
2. Efficiency
Efficiency means that the job will be done right, the first time. They can prepare your site, choose the right materials, and complete materials installation quickly and expertly. Efficiency also relates to using the right materials for the job, which will result in a superior patio that will stand the test of time.
3. Licenses and Insurance
Masons are licensed and insured, which will protect both you (the homeowner) in case of property damage or injury. Never allow a contractor to work on your property unless they can show proof of current insurance. In order to maintain their contractor’s license, a contractor must undergo periodic testing. This increases the chances that you are working with a professional with the knowledge and expertise to do the job right.
4. Site Preparation
Nothing is worse than noticing your new patio starting to sag, or paving stones coming loose and heaving. This is always due to improper installation practices including site preparation. A skilled mason knows which materials to use to properly support the massive weight of a patio; and just as importantly, how to lay these materials and prepare them for installation of paving stones, concrete pavers, or poured concrete.
5. Project Management
Small patio projects are often simple. The larger the project, the more complex the project. When you hire a professional, licensed masonry contractor you are working with someone who has the expertise to oversee the entire project from permitting to materials ordering to challenges dealing with weather, materials delays, and various subcontractors. Project delays could mean a costlier project, so it’s in your best interest to work with a professional project manager.
5. Repairs
In the event a paver or several pavers are damaged, a mason can extract the damaged paver or stone without disturbing the others, replace it, and make the repair look absolutely seamless. In the case of poured concrete, a mason can perform crack and chip repairs with an aesthetically pleasing outcome.
Related: 4 MASONRY FEATURES TO MAKE YOUR LANDSCAPE POP THIS SPRING IN SOMERS AND CROTON, NY