Picking The Right Masonry Contractor For Your Project

Within the field of masonry there is a variety of knowledge and skill sets which aren't entirely transferable from one medium of masonry to the next. For example, bricklayers have a different approach, understanding, and technical knowledge than a stonemason does when it applies to their own niche. Brickwork entails uniformity, straight lines, and a great deal of forethought and mathematics when planning out the construction of a wall or building. Stonemasons on the other hand have the ability to look at a pile of rocks on the ground and create a puzzle of sorts with them while building a stone wall with them. For a stonemason, uniformity and straight lines are the enemy. A stonemason strives to create a random flow of stonework instead.

While the working knowledge of tools, techniques, and mortars are very similar, it's important to note the distinction that is present within niches of a trade such as masonry. Especially given the context of our article: Picking The Right Masonry Contractor For Your Project.

What makes the "right" masonry contractor for your project you ask? Well, here at Lennox Masonry, our definition of the right masonry contractor depends on your specific masonry project needs. If you own a commercial building in downtown Victoria and wish to have it rebuilt with brick, the right masonry contractor would be a large masonry company which specializes in rebuilding commercial brickwork. If you're looking for an artistic touch to your home's property or interior, a qualified and creative stonemason would likely be your best bet. Each masonry contractor has their preferred medium of choice when it comes to masonry and it is usually a niche which they are very familiar and practiced in. It’s important to determine what their knowledge and experience are and if they’ll be the efficient and professional choice for your masonry project.

3 Things To Do Before You Contact A Masonry Contractor:

A heritage chimney that was repaired and rebuilt by Lennox Masonry in Victoria BC to match the look of the original 1912 chimney

1. Create a vision and an outline of what it is you're wanting to achieve aesthetically and functionally with your masonry project. The internet has become a tremendous source of knowledge, so take a moment to lightly educate yourself on the basics of stonemasonry, landscaping, brickwork, chimney repair, or whatever your project consists of so that you can convey what it is you want in a clear and concise manner. Taking your time to do some necessary research by viewing photos or reading about other people’s ideas will go a long way in helping you ascertain which company might be the better fit for your project.

2. Ask people you know and trust about their personal experiences with masonry contractors. If this is not an option, use Google to locate and inspect the websites of local masonry contractors in your area. View their referral lists, Google reviews, social media pages, etc.. Get to know them through their online presence and see if their specialties will coincide with your project.

3. Contact their referrals and get their opinions, visit their current job-sites if they are willing to let you and view their completed projects up close to confirm the quality of work they provide.

4 Things To Ask Your Potential Masonry Contractor:

A stone staircase and pillar built by Lennox Masonry in Victoria BC

1. Before you even describe what type of job you’re interested in hiring them to complete, ask this question: What part of the masonry trade do you prefer to work in? It’s safe to assume that if they prefer working with bricks or blocks over cultured or natural stone veneers, they will have garnered a larger amount of experience in those areas and have built a business around that facet of masonry. However, it's also important to note that a larger masonry company may take on a variety of projects because they have a selection of employees with widespread skill sets. Make it clear that you’re interested in hiring a masonry contractor that is qualified and experienced in the specific field associated with your masonry project. If they do have a selection of employees which are well versed in your type of project, ensure that those employees will be the ones present while the work is being conducted.

2. Explain to them your specific needs and ask them about their availability and interest in your job. Establish a start and completion date and see if they’re willing to adhere to a contractual agreement.

3. Are you registered with WorkSafe BC and do you possess Liability Insurance? It’s important to know that all legal and financial obligations are covered on their end in the case that something unfortunate occurs. This will also indicate the level of professionalism your masonry contractor represents.

4. What do your services entail? There are several noteworthy aspects of the job which you will need to obtain clarity on. They are as follows: Who is responsible for purchasing the materials? What is the preferred method of payment? What is the payment schedule? Who is responsible for cleaning up and removing any material waste? What is required of me as the homeowner? Establishing project parameters and the overall scope of the project will remove any potential headaches or miscommunications down the road.

Your Next Step: Hiring A Masonry Contractor

Once you have decided on a few masonry contractors which appear to suit the needs of your project, book an appointment and obtain estimates from each of them. Make sure their quotes outline the same scope of work to make a fair comparison of costs and timelines. This is an opportunity for you to establish a personal connection with your masonry contractor and decide for yourself, using your intuition, which one is the best fit for your needs. Take your time and don’t rush the process. Attempting to hurry things may only lead to poor decisions which cost you time and money in the long-run. You want it done right, not twice.

With years of experience in the field of masonry and a variety of skill sets, Lennox Masonry is well equipped to assess and address your specific needs.

Give Us A Call At: 778-968-6574

As always, if you have any questions, please, comment below or write to us at sean@lennoxmasonry.com

To check out some of our other Blog Posts and obtain information for a wide-variety of additional Masonry applications, please click here.

Sean Lennox,

Lennox Masonry, Masonry Contractor, Stonemason, Victoria, B.C.

Lennox Masonry of Victoria, BC has been proudly serving both Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands for over a decade. We are small group of skilled masons with a great deal of passion towards our trade and for improving the communities we live and work in. We extend our gratitude to the lək̓ʷəŋən people for allowing us to share and work on this corner of the garden with them. We are thankful for the residents and businesses of Victoria, BC for supporting us in our endeavors!

If you’re in need of a professional and reliable masonry company for your next project, please contact us today!