Managing a commercial property requires more investment, and often bigger decisions, than what you would expect for a residential location. This means that more things can go wrong, and it is valuable to have a commercial masonry contractor on hand who you can trust in the event of emergencies, repairs and new projects.
Choosing the right contractor for the job comes down to more than just combing through their Google and Yelp reviews-although these are a good place to start. Don’t hesitate to ask your masonry contractor as many questions as you need. Doing so will help you get an idea of how the contractor operates, and what you can expect from them. Here are the most important questions to ask commercial masonry contractors before you agree to use their services.
How Much Experience Do You Have?
The amount of experience that a commercial masonry contractor has is an important aspect of whether they can do their job well. While everyone has to start somewhere, masonry repair or construction is delicate work-after all, the weight of an entire building is bearing down on the work. Someone with years of experience understands how to avoid some of the most common mistakes and will be able to tackle tasks with ease and a clear understanding.
Can You Work with Both Stone and Brick?
Most people think that masons work with any type of stone-like material, whether that is natural stone, concrete or bricks. In reality, brickwork requires a substantially different skill set than stonemasonry, and you should be sure that the people you want to work with have the competencies you need. Some commercial masons are skilled in both, while some only specialize heavily in one. You should always ask what types of materials your potential candidate can work with. If you know that you will only ever be relying on stone or brick, it is preferred to choose a contractor who specializes only in that realm.
Can You Share References?
The best commercial masons will produce work that speaks to their skill level, experience, talent and artistry. Do not hesitate to ask for references from others who have worked with your candidate in the past. Even if the masonry contractor cannot provide contact information for past clients for confidentiality reasons, they should be happy to share other projects they have worked on in the past or photos of completed buildings or repairs. A contractor who is unwilling to show the quality of their previous work may also be a contractor who is not able to produce work that will be up to your standards.
What Safety Precautions Will You Use?
Working on brick or stone can be dangerous. Not only because of how much these building materials weigh, but also because many repairs or new construction projects must be conducted from high elevations. A reputable commercial masonry contractor should be able to clearly demonstrate that they and any other workers are trained to safely handle these tasks. This includes the potential for using scaffolding, familiarity with permits and drawings, and even training or certification in the use of rigging devices that keep people from falling.
Can You Show That You Are Insured?
It is critical that you always work with a contractor who is licensed and insured. A trustworthy company should be able to provide proof of these documents at any time. Specifically, you are looking for licensure if it is applicable in your jurisdiction and liability insurance-which should come with endorsements that relate to the specific kinds of work that you need. While around $2 million in coverage is usually appropriate for residential projects, commercial masons should carry more.
If the company offers you a warranty on the work they’re doing for you, that would be a good time to ask for a copy of the warranty so that you can review its terms and ask any further questions you might have about what the warranty plan covers or excludes. You may also ask who will be completing the work; sometimes, the person you meet will not be the same one who does the work. This is not a problem, as long as any other workers or subcontractors are properly endorsed and trained as well.
Trust the Professionals to Help You Build or Repair Masonry Around Your Commercial Property
Any commercial masonry repair or construction project should be approached with care and strategic planning. This includes who you entrust with the job. The experts at Waterproof Caulking & Restoration would be happy to help you with your masonry project as well as all of the other tasks that go along with it-like caulking. Reach out to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment to get started.