How to Choose the Right Masonry Contractor for Your Project 

1. Look for Recommendations

Don’t be afraid to ask your network for recommendations on masonry professionals. These may be your friends and family or local business owners who invested in masonry work in the past. Local business organizations may also be able to steer you toward the right direction.

2. Request Multiple Bids

Find three different contractors and ask each of them for a bid. Not only will this give you a better sense of pricing, but you’ll also learn more about who each contractor is and which one may be the best fit for you. When you ask for a bid, make sure the contractor explains what they believe needs to be done for your particular commercial property and how they will be able to help you.

3. Consider Experience Level

There’s no denying that commercial masonry projects require advanced techniques and meticulous attention to detail. While some startups and newer masonry businesses may still do a good job, you’re more likely to be satisfied with a contractor who has years of experience under their belt. Even though they may be more expensive, the extra cost may be well worth it.

4. Contact References

A masonry contractor can go on and on about how great they are, but references from current and former customers are far more telling. Once they give you multiple references, be sure to reach out to them to find out about their experiences. If a contractor is unable to provide you with references, you should probably look elsewhere. You want to choose someone with a track record of exceptional work and satisfied customers.

5. Ask Questions

No matter how simple or complex your commercial project may be, don’t hesitate to ask questions related to it. Focus on each contractor’s process, materials, workflows, and timelines. The right contractor should be able to thoroughly explain everything in simple terms. If they can’t answer your questions or you don’t like their communication style, don’t hire them. Here are a few questions you might want to ask:

• Who will be my point of contact throughout the project? This may be the owner of the company, a project manager, or anyone else who is heavily involved in the day-to-day operations.
• Do you have a contract? Ideally, the contractor you choose will create a detailed contract that outlines every aspect of your project, including who will perform it, what materials will be used, and costs.
• Are you insured? Make sure the professional you go with is bonded, licensed, and insured. Otherwise, you may face legal issues.
• Who is part of your team? Some masonry companies have a dedicated team that only works for them. Others sub-contract some or all of their work. In general, you can expect higher quality work if they hire and train their own professionals.

6. Look Beyond Price

While it may be tempting to hire the masonry contractor with the lowest bid, doing so may cost you in the long run. A low bid may mean they’re less experienced or tend to cut corners to complete projects. If possible, opt for someone with reasonable pricing as well as clear communication and a positive reputation.

7. Turn to the Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau, or BBB, is an excellent resource as it can inform you of a contractor’s reputation and any complaints filed against them. Keep in mind that several complaints are not a big deal, but if you find many complaints about the same issues, you may want to continue your search.

8. Determine a Timeline

Think about when you’d like your masonry project created. Then, find out if it’s realistic for each contractor's schedule. Even if someone checks off all your boxes, they may not be able to serve you for months or even years. Timing should be an important factor in your hiring decision.