Choosing a Masonry Contractor Who's Right for the Job

Bricklayers and stonemasons have constructed some of the longest standing buildings, which makes it easy to understand why people want their homes made of brick or stone. Brick masons and stone masons are not just workers, they're artists, so make sure you follow these steps to ensure you hire the right person for your next brick or stone project.

Start by researching the different stone or brick options that you might want to have installed on your home. Your mason will be able to better explain how his services with certain materials is determined, but this could give you a ballpark figure of your materials cost. Ask your prospective mason to see some homes he's recently bricked or stoned.

Compare the brick rates of several masons. Typically, brick masons figure their price per brick. Stone masons often do the same if the stones are uniform, but they also charge by the job or the hour if stones vary in size. If he is going to charge by the square foot, will he subtract the area of the windows? Some masons consider themselves to be workers, some artists, some both. Figure out if you need an artist for a stylish fireplace, or a worker for a plain brick house.

A masonry contractor will be able to guide you through this process and offer expert opinions that will help you get the most from your money and your home. They will be able to tell you what the most popular choices are and why these choices are so popular, but a masonry contractor will also be able to give you a synopsis of some of the more underappreciated installations and what they have to offer.