Hiring The Right Masonry Contractor: A Helpful Guide

Crumbling brick or damaged stone on your property not only impacts your home’s curb appeal but can also pose a risk to you and your loved ones. So, how do you keep your home’s brickwork structurally sound and visually appealing?

The answer is hiring an exceptional masonry contractor to manage your masonry repair, restoration, and installation needs.

When it comes to your property’s masonry project, you’ll have specific challenges based on your unique building and its condition. Whether you’re looking for a masonry service that specializes in brick restoration or require waterproofing services for your foundation, there are some key areas and criteria you should value in a contractor.

City Suburb’s expert masons are here to help you navigate the marketplace and hire the right masonry contractor to suit your needs. We’ll also briefly touch on what exactly masonry contractors do and help you understand when you may need the services of a professional mason.

Read on for some helpful information on what to look for when hiring a masonry contractor!

WHAT DO MASONRY CONTRACTORS DO?

While you’ve likely heard of masons, you may be unfamiliar with what masonry contractors do and why their work is essential. Unlike general contractors, masons are highly trained and specialized contractors who have expertise in working on structures made of brick, block, concrete, stone, and other hard materials.

Although some general contracting companies may offer foundation or patio and hardscaping services, masons are primarily hired by contractors and homeowners to consult, design, and manage brick and stone structures. They ensure work is completed according to industry codes and building standards and are responsible for the safety and integrity of concrete and stonework.

Bottom line: Masonry is essential for the security and structural viability of most buildings and stone structures.

WHEN SHOULD YOU HIRE A LICENSED MASON?

As a highly specialized service, masonry isn’t always top of the list when it comes to home repairs and maintenance. However, knowing when to hire a professional masonry service is essential to protecting your home and your savings. The earlier you can identify damage to your brick, stone, and mortar, the easier it will likely be to fix it.

If you’re unsure whether to hire a masonry contractor, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. However, here are a few basic instances where you should hire a licensed mason:

Mortar Joint Deterioration

While mortar joints in your brick and stone walls should last for decades, extreme weather conditions and moisture can cause them to deteriorate more quickly. Damaged mortar joints can impact the insulation of your home and the overall structural integrity of the wall they’re part of. If you notice any deterioration, we strongly advise hiring a mason.

Bowed/Bulging Brick

When moisture and humidity seep into your bricks, they can cause the concrete and mortar to stick out or cave around a particular area. Bulging bricks can’t be fixed by simply jamming them back into place—they require a mason to pull them off and repair the damage behind them.

Crumbling Bricks

This should be a no-brainer, but if you notice crumbling bricks on any part of your home, it’s crucial to call a professional mason as soon as possible. The sooner you catch brick damage, the more likely a mason will be able to repair them and save you the headache of a costly renovation or replacement.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A MASONRY CONTRACTOR

When hiring a masonry contractor, it’s essential to keep a few criteria in mind to get the most out of your investment. Selecting the right contractor will keep your home safe and improve the look of your property. At the end of the day, you should be working with a contractor that supports your needs and works hard to satisfy them.

That being said, we recommend speaking with local masonry contractors that meet the following criteria:

Is the mason you’re hiring professionally licensed and insured? When you work with a masonry company, you want to ensure they have the certification and protection to safeguard your property against liability.

Licensing guarantees that a company’s work achieves a minimum standard of quality and security, and an insured service means you won’t be on the hook for any job site accidents. You should always hire a professionally trained mason to maximize the return on your investment and guarantee the long-term viability of their work.

Experience

You should look for a masonry contractor with an existing customer base and a portfolio of completed projects they can show you. Experienced masons are extremely valuable and will have the skills and knowledge to manage your needs and previous customers they can refer you to. Seasoned technicians should be able to conduct inspections and address your needs from top to bottom, so working with an experienced team is critical.

Flexibility

Before working with a masonry company, try to find out about the flexibility of their scheduling and service. Will they be able to conduct their service around your work schedule? Do they respond to emergency calls? How long will it take for your contractor to complete their work? Finding this information beforehand is crucial to choosing the right company for your needs.

Testimonials and Positive Reputation

Testimonials and customer reviews are great resources for learning about a company before you hire them. Positive testimonials can give you an idea of the quality you can expect and reassure you that a company’s customer service is worth investing in. Conversely, if you have difficulty locating positive reviews or photos of previous work, you may want to reconsider working with that company.

FIND THE RIGHT MASONRY CONTRACTOR

If you have more questions about what to look for in a masonry contractor, or you’re looking for a company with expertise and an extensive portfolio of previous work, City Suburb can help. From inspections to construction to brickwork restoration, our talented team can satisfy your needs and answer any questions.

Call (718) 849-8999 to connect with our team and schedule a friendly consultation today!