Masonry home improvement projects can provide excellent quality of life benefits and add dollars to your overall property value. However, stone patios, walkways, outdoor fireplaces, and veneer facades require a skilled professional to help implement. That is why it is crucial to get a good idea of who you’ll be working with when hiring a new stone masonry contractor. Here are a handful of important questions to ask before you commit to your masonry project!
Is the Masonry Contractor Certified in the State?
At one point, there was a real issue of sub-par contractors flooding every market. In an effort to regulate construction, a licensing board for contractors was formed in 2004. As a property owner, it is within your best interest to work with a certified masonry contractor that is subject to oversight. Accreditation tells you that the contractor is a professional and not someone trying to pick up a quick buck on the side. Also, if any past customers have complained about shoddy work before, the state will have a record. Certifications separate the pros from the rookies, and you can count on Lanham Construction.
Does the Stone Masonry Contractor Have Insurance?
Government certification typically means that the state has required a stonemason contractor to have insurance. It is not uncommon for insurance carriers to drop somebody for missing a payment or excessive claims. It is crucial to understand that if there is an accident or an injury in the construction project, you do not want the injured person to file a claim against your business or homeowners insurance. Insurance matters for these reasons.
Ask for Some References While Hiring a Stone Masonry Contractor
Nothing speaks louder than calling up an old client or driving past the site of a previous worksite to calculate a contractor’s skills and professionalism. A poised and confident business owner will not hesitate to list off a few references. Unfortunately, a shady contractor won’t list any. So, when a masonry project is needed for your home or business, make sure to ask for references.
What’s the Cost and Payment Schedule?
Construction contracts typically require a partial payment upfront and a schedule of different installments. Sometimes, another portion of the halfway mark and a final payment once the masonry job is complete. If the deal weighs more than half in advance, that might be a sign to call up somebody else. Most agreements are estimates. So, you should also ask about possible limits on possible cost overruns when picking a stone masonry contractor.
Lanham Construction For All Your Construction Needs
Lanham Construction is an award-winning and dependable construction company dedicated to serving your home or business with whichever construction project you have in mind. Our professional team is eager to serve customers all throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. When you pick Lanham, you won’t ever have to worry about the process. We’re here to help with every step of the way.
For more information on how we can help, visit our website or give us a call at 301-459-7545!