Building or repairing a commercial structure using masonry is an important part of maintaining a safe and effective company. When you think of all of the tasks that you need to tackle to keep your building in good repair or make sure it’s built the right way the first time, you are probably thinking about the type of materials you’ll use, the cost of the project and more. But did you know that choosing the right commercial masonry contractor can make just as much-if not more-of a difference in the final result of your project than the materials themselves?
Here’s what to look for when you are shopping around for the best contractor for your commercial project.
Reputation Within the Community
Of course, the first place that most people turn to when they are considering working with a contractor or business is online reviews. These can be helpful, and you should read as much as you can about other people’s experiences with the contractor you are considering. If you can go and visit some of their previous projects in person, do so and consider whether you would like your structure to look the same way.
You can often ask the masonry contractor directly for photos of completed projects in the past or references that you can speak with. Be sure to evaluate not only whether their work meets your expectations but also how they have treated their clients during projects. A respectful, timely and collaborative contractor will go further than one who is stubborn about accepting feedback or respecting goals.
Proof of Licensing and Insurance
Especially with commercial projects, any masonry contractor that you work with should absolutely be licensed, certified and insured. Stone and other materials involved in the project can be dangerous, and sharp or heavy equipment may be used depending on the scope of the task; given this, injuries or damage to the property may accidentally occur. A reputable mason will carry insurance that protects against these types of events.
Similarly, most trustworthy masonry contractors will seek certification from reputable organizations like the Mason Contractors Association of America. While they are required to hold a valid general contractor’s license, this additional step can demonstrate that they are committed to the quality of their work and staying on top of developments in the field.
Demonstrated Scheduling Reliability
If your project is time-sensitive, such as building a structure before a grand opening or repairing an area to restore its functionality, be sure to consider the contractor’s previous history of timeliness. Ask previous clients if the work was done on time, and speak with the mason about whether they will be working alone or with a team. Some inexperienced contractors will bite off more than they can chew or tackle too-big projects alone, impacting your overall timeline.
Acceptable Contract Terms
One of the less-considered elements of a commercial contractor’s requirements is how the contract is drafted. Some potential contractors may be willing to supply you with a sample contract to review. Be sure to look at the details, especially who is in charge of purchasing materials. This is a common area of surprise later on. If it is important to you that you purchase the materials yourself-or that the masonry contractor purchases them for you-make sure that you work with a contractor who operates in this way.
Clear Expectations for Project Tasks
Along the same lines as being on the same page about who purchases what, you should also discuss with any potential contractor the details of how project tasks will be completed. Do they clean up after themselves when the project is done, or are you in charge of hauling any debris away? Will they move furniture or other elements of existing structures as needed, or will you be responsible for preparing the worksite for them? All of these small elements can make a big impact on how your team spends its time before, during and after the project work begins.
Trust the Pros to Help You Repair or Construct Your Commercial Masonry
Commercial masonry projects can be complex and broad in scope, but they do not need to be a stressful endeavor. Working with the right masonry contractor can take a significant burden off of your back since you’ll feel assured that you can trust them to do a stellar job.
Be sure that you put in the effort to research the best contractor for your needs. The experts at Waterproof Caulking & Restoration would be happy to help you tackle masonry repair, waterproofing and more for your commercial building. Reach out to learn more or to schedule an appointment to get started.