Bricklaying is a skill that only some possess. As a homeowner in the Philadelphia area, when you have a new project like a chimney restoration, you should rely on masonry restoration experts. But, how can you be sure the contractor you’re hiring is up to the job?
Asking the right questions to potential contractors is the best way to narrow down your choices. Fortunately, there are several questions you can ask local contractors that will provide you with valuable insight and help you find a dependable professional.
Questions to Ask Your Contractor for Masonry Restoration in Philadelphia
Looking for the perfect masonry contractor can be challenging when you don’t know what questions to ask. These questions will guide you to the ideal company suitable for your project.
1. What Credentials Does the Contractor Have?
One of the most important things any homeowner should learn is the credentials of the team they are potentially hiring. Unreliable professionals often make big claims about their abilities to lure you into a contract. But you can’t fake licenses and accreditations.
Ask the contractor to share their certifications and licenses for masonry restoration in your area. Does the mason you’re considering have a general contractor or trade-specific license? The Mason Contractors Association of America provides certification to help customers have a baseline for choosing a qualified contractor.
Maintaining current certifications and licenses shows that the contractor is committed to remaining up to date with industry standards.
2. Does the Contractor Have Proof of Insurance?
A dependable Philadelphia area masonry contractor will have valid insurance and will willingly share proof upon request. Some of the most common forms of insurance that contractors should carry include liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
3. Will the Contractor Provide a Written Estimate?
Getting a written estimate for your masonry restoration in Philadelphia is essential so you can budget appropriately and have a backup document listing the expenses. This estimate provides information about the projected cost of the project.
Your contractor should also include the following paperwork:
- Scope of work
- Contractors license
- Insurance and workers’ comp documents
- Contract agreement
- Payment schedule
- Construction schedule
You may need to refer to these documents when comparing estimates or looking for specific project details.
4. Does the Contractor Require a Written Contract?
A trustworthy masonry contractor in the Philadelphia area will provide their customers with a detailed contract. It should include timetables, payment schedules, and project scope. Make sure you have a signed contract before sending any payment or allowing them to begin work.
5. Is the Contractor Experienced with Your Chimney’s Style?
Chimneys come in all shapes and sizes, requiring different approaches for repairing and constructing them. And working on a tiled roof requires different skills and equipment than working on asphalt shingles.
Some chimney mason contractors may understand how to build a chimney but need help from a subcontractor to complete repairs. Understanding your contractor’s experience will help you determine whether they can complete the work you need.
6. Who Is Responsible for Purchasing Materials?
A masonry contractor can generally get better prices for your project’s materials than you can. However, sometimes you can find lower prices. Either way, agree upon the arrangement with your masonry contractor and ensure it’s written into the contract.
7. Does the Contractor Have References?
Online reviews for any local business are simple to find in today’s digital world. But getting a reference directly from the contractor may carry a bit more weight. If they cannot provide you with references for masonry restoration in the Philadelphia area, consider this a red flag.
Once they give you a few names and numbers, take your time and follow up with them. Previous customers will give you valuable insight into how the company operates and treats its customers.
It’s also helpful to ask for proof of their completed work. Unfortunately, you can’t always rely on word of mouth that someone is proficient at their job. Request before and after photos of previous work or ask to visit one of their projects in person.
8. Does the Contractor Have Any Specialities?
Not all masonry contractors complete the same type of project. Some offer various services, while others focus on a specific area. The kind of contractor you work with depends on the work that needs to be completed. Some masons are more artistic and design beautiful walkways, while others focus on building patios and sidewalks.
Regardless of any specialty they may have, most masons work with the following materials:
- Stone
- Bricks
- Concrete
- Blocks
For chimney restorations, the most common material is brick.
9. Who Is Going to Manage the Project?
The first person you meet with to discuss your masonry restoration may not be managing the project. Some companies have hundreds of employees, including salespeople or estimators. These people meet with prospective clients to gather necessary information but then turn it over to a project manager to oversee the work.
Learn who will manage your project and ask to meet them before signing the contract. This will let you get to know the person coming into your home.
10. Can the Contractor Match Existing Bricks?
Your chimney may require minor repairs, meaning only some bricks will be replaced. Knowing whether your mason contractor can match the existing bricks helps narrow down your potential contractors. By asking this question, you may learn that the existing bricks have been discontinued. This makes the restoration project more challenging.
The mason contractor may have to search various brickyards to locate bricks that match yours. They may have to dye or paint bricks to create an aesthetic match. If this is not possible, it’s better to know before you have signed a contract for masonry restoration.
11. Who Is Responsible for Cleaning Up?
Talk with the contractor to learn who is responsible for cleaning up the property daily. Formulate a plan for the final clean-up after the project is completed. These details should be included in your written contract.
Dedicated and Experienced Masonry Restoration
At McNamara Masonry Restoration, we care about the details of each project. We want our customers to feel confident when they hire us, so we keep our licenses and certifications up to date. We’re the go-to team in the Delaware Valley to call for masonry and chimney restoration, so contact us today!
