Qualified masons are trained to work with a variety of different materials, and some of these include clay and concrete brick, natural rock, terracotta and ceramic or stone. However, it’s important to note that not all masons have the same level of experience and skill, and if you’re looking for a qualified masonry contractor to carry out work for you, you’ll need to ask them a few questions first:
Can you show me your mason certifications?
In some cases, masons need to hold a general contractor’s license, and they must be certified by the MCAA. Don’t be afraid to ask for proof; if they are qualified, they should have no problem showing you their certificates.
What material(s) do you specialize in working with?
You’ll need to discover if the masonry contractor is experienced and skilled enough to work with the material of your choice. As with many other types of professions, many masons specialize in certain materials, such as brick or natural stone.
Do you have experience with cutting and laying masonry patterns?
If you have a particular design in mind that involves using more than one material, you should check with the mason as to whether they’re capable of fitting them together.
Can you tell me when the work will be completed?
While your masonry contractor may not be able to give you a definitive timeframe, they can at least give you a realistic date to work towards, and this is always good to know.
Should I prepare my home for the work?
It may be that you can help your masonry contractor by prepping the area for their work to begin; check this first, as after all, it might make the process go a little quicker.
Can I see references from previous clients?
Most reputable masons will have at least two or three positive client testimonials to show you, and you can always check online review sites, too.
Do you have proof of insurance?
Current insurance is vital for any masonry contractor, and while you might believe them when they say they’ve got it, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and ask to see the proof before any work begins.
How will I pay you?
Depending on the mason, some may prefer to have the whole amount paid to them upfront, while others may ask for half initially (to cover the cost of the materials) and half once the work has been completed, but either way, you should know and agree upon the payment schedule, before any work commences.
Who will be buying the masonry materials?
In some cases, you might be able to procure the necessary materials at a cheaper cost than the mason, so enquire as to what will be needed, and check how much you can buy them for.
Can I count on you to clean up once the work has finished?
It may be that you’re happy to clean up after your mason, in which case it won’t matter much to you if they prefer not to do so, but if it’s important to you that they do clean up after themselves, specify this before the project begins.
With many reputable and qualified masonry contractors in the city of New York, with the right questions and a little patience, you should easily find one to carry out the work professionally.