The role of a masonry contractor is to provide the materials and labor necessary to build or repair structures made of brick, stone, stucco, or concrete block. These material choices are made based on the project’s durability, appearance, and budget requirements. Having an expert masonry contractor on your team is critical to the success of your project by filling in the knowledge gaps, providing sound advice and recommendations, and executing the work flawlessly.
What to look for when selecting a commercial masonry contractor
When selecting a masonry contractor for your project in Columbus, Ohio, there are many factors to consider. Here are a few pro tips on finding the best commercial masonry contractor for your needs:
- Ask for referrals
One of the most insightful ways to find a reputable contractor is to ask for referrals from friends, family, neighbors, or other businesses in the area. If someone you trust shares that they had an overwhelmingly positive experience with a masonry contractor, chances are you will too. You can do basic online research such as reading online reviews or digging deeper by finding their business social media accounts and connecting with other past clients. - Check their licensing and insurance
All masonry contractors in Columbus, Ohio, must be licensed by the state. This rule is designed to protect consumers by ensuring only qualified and reputable contractors are performing work. In addition to being licensed, your prospective contractor should also carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. These policies will protect you if something goes wrong during the project. - Ask for photos of previous work
A reputable contractor should be able to provide you with photos of previous projects they have completed. This will give you necessary insight into their craft and style. Be sure to ask about projects similar in scope to yours so you can get a realistic idea of what to expect. This will help you avoid any dissatisfaction or surprises down the road. - Ask who will support them
A good contractor will have a team of qualified professionals. This team may include an estimator, project manager, masons, and office staff. Be sure to ask about the qualifications of each team member so you can be confident you are working with a well-rounded and qualified team that’s equipped to handle your project. - Verify they can handle each phase
A comprehensive masonry contractor will be able to handle and manage each phase of your project from start to finish. This includes the design, permits, demolition, masonry, and finish work. Show them some online examples of the type of work you’re looking for or bring in some photos of a project you love and ask if they could replicate it. For example, if you have some brick work you love but they only specialize in stone or don’t have the skills to color match the brick, you will likely want to keep looking so you don’t have to sacrifice your vision. - Safety is a priority
A good masonry contractor will put safety first. They should have a detailed safety plan in place for every project and should be able to provide you with a copy upon request. Be sure to ask about their safety policies and procedures to ensure they take the necessary precautions to protect their employees and your property. - Share your ideal timeline and budget
Be upfront with the contractor about your ideal timeline and budget for the project. This will help them provide you with a realistic estimate and ensure they can complete the work within your desired timeframe. A good masonry contractor will be transparent about their pricing or if they feel they will need more time than what you’re looking for to complete the project. Quality masonry work cannot be rushed, so it’s important to be realistic about your expectations—you may need to move on to someone else if they cannot meet them. - Get everything in writing
Once you have selected a contractor, get all the details of your agreement in writing. This document should include a detailed description of the work to be performed and the materials to be used. It should also include the start and end dates of the project and a payment schedule. This will protect you if something goes wrong or if the project does not go as planned.
Overall, taking the time to find a great commercial masonry contractor in Columbus, OH will pay off in the long run. By following these tips, you can be confident that you are working with a reputable and qualified masonry contractor in Columbus that is equipped to handle your project from start to finish.
