If you are thinking about hiring a general contractor, you should read my blog before you pick up the phone or send that email. I am not a general contractor myself, but I have just finished restoring my home. It was a big project that involved working with multiple contractors over an extended period of time. Although I am not a professional, I learnt an awful lot about how to get the most out of a team of contractors and how to keep a project on schedule and under budget. I also learnt a thing or two about the work they were carrying out.
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If you're thinking of embarking on a project involving brickwork in your home or are already midway through one, then at some stage you will need to think about choosing a contractor to actually lay those bricks for you. As such a major part of your construction, however, you're going to want to make sure that you choose the right company or person. If you're not frequently around this type of work, it may be hard to know what to look for. As such, here are a few tips to help you find the right bricklaying service and grow your confidence in their work.
Trust Your Instincts
As you discuss your project with a contractor, you're likely to get a feel for what they're like as a person. Do they come across as professional, friendly and cooperative? If so, then you can likely trust those instincts. After all, most people in the business are legitimate, but by the same token, you should listen to other instincts, too. For example, if the contractor turns up late every time you meet to discuss the project, or fails to answer your calls most of the time, you shouldn't expect different behaviour once the project starts.
See Previous Work
You should never hire a contractor without seeing examples of their previous work. Pictures are okay, but seeing work in real life is much better. And how do you check if work is of a high standard or not? Well, sometimes it's immediately obvious that work is sub-par. In that case, you'll know to steer clear. However, pay close attention too. The joints between bricks should be even through the whole wall. A plastic membrane should be visible at the bottom of the wall; this is to protect it from damp if it contacts the ground. If it's a current work site, then check the site is orderly and that the bricks are stored correctly to prevent damage.
Get Estimates
It's often said that asking different contractors for quotes is a good way to check whether the price you've been given is in the right ballpark. This applies to bricklayers, too. You could also ask for an estimate of how many bricks the project will require and compare those quotes; this will ensure you're not paying over the odds for material costs and that there'll be no wastage. Equally, you shouldn't just go for the lowest quote, especially if it's significantly lower than the others. The old adage is true - you get what you pay for.
Following these three steps will show you that the contractor you're speaking to is a clear communicator, capable of good quality work, and charging a reasonable amount. With all these things settled, you can have peace of mind in knowing your project is in the right hands.
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