Whether you are looking for an addition to your home or are a business owner designing a new outdoor feature, you may or may not have considered masonry. There are many benefits to using masonry materials to build a new structure. Here are three reasons to base your construction project on masonry materials.
(more…)
Masonry structures are a great option for your business, whether you want to use masonry for the building itself or a feature like a monument. One masonry feature that is particularly useful is a custom masonry sign. The beauty and durability of masonry signage can be perfect for showcasing your business for several reasons.
(more…)
Whether you are looking after your commercial masonry structures or the brick walls of your own home, having an inspection is a key step in addressing any possible issues. But what does the inspection process look like? Here are some of the things that you can expect from a professional masonry inspection.
(more…)
Although masonry structures can last a lifetime, there can also be a variety of factors that lead to premature deterioration. If your business masonry structures are looking worse for wear, then you might have considered repairing them. But what about cases that are too bad to salvage? Here are some signs that you might need masonry demolition.
When people are thinking of masonry materials to be the base of their construction project, they may or may not consider natural stone. But unfortunately, there have been many myths and misconceptions that have put a chip into natural stone’s good image. If you doubt whether natural stone is practical as a masonry material, then here are some of the lies that could have influenced your perception.
(more…)
Although a masonry structure can last a lifetime, if you have a foundation made partially or entirely of brick, then it sustains a lot of strain over the years. It’s a good idea to have your foundation checked if you feel like there might be any issues. Here are some of the warning signs that your masonry foundation might need repairs.
(more…)
When it comes to masonry construction, the goal is to establish a masonry structure that will last. But there are certain conditions that can cause it to deteriorate. Here are three things that can cause masonry deterioration.
(more…)
Because many masonry construction projects can take a long time, you will probably experience weather changes. But the question is, what types of weather could be a concern? Here are some examples of weather that could affect your masonry construction.
(more…)
When you own a home, there are some tasks that you know you can easily DIY, while there are others that you never should try on your own. Electrical work is a pretty obvious example of something that requires a professional, but if you’re looking to have masonry repair work done on your property, you should find a specialist to complete these jobs as well. As you settle into the work of finding a great masonry contractor for your home improvement project, remember to ask each of them about these three things.
Masons are required to hold a general contractor’s license and certifications from the MCAA. Ask your potential contractors to provide you with details about their licenses and certifications. Even with these, not all masons are created equal. When you ask about their certifications, also ask about their experience with your specific type of project or material, especially when it is something other than the standards, like brick. If they don’t have any, or their experience is very limited, you may be better off with a different mason. Finally, ask to see proof of insurance so you know that any mistakes or accidents will not fall on your homeowner’s insurance.
When you ask about the project timeline, they should be able to give you details on how they expect the whole thing to go. This includes not only how long they expect it to take, but what the payment schedule will be like, who will secure the building materials, and what clean-up will happen afterward. You should also ask what, if anything, they need you to do to prepare for the work, so you have a reasonable expectation of your responsibilities. Don’t settle for just an estimate of weeks till completion, push for details.
Asking for references is a must when you’re deciding on any contractor, but those references are only worthwhile if you follow up and actually talk to them. Call the names that your potential contractor supplies and ask about their satisfaction with the project. You should also ask about how the contractor adhered to the intended timeline and any issues that came up. In addition to references, you could also ask the contractors for the addresses of any current masonry projects that you could visit so that you can see the work that they do, in-progress.
Whether you are ready to start your next masonry project or are still hesitant and have questions, Del Prete Masonry is here to help. We have the experience and expertise to get it right the first time. Questions? Want to visit some of our residential or commercial projects? Ready to set up a consultation? Feel free to give us a call at 410-683-0650 or visit us online. We are happy to serve Baltimore City and County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. To see examples of our work and to keep up with our latest exciting projects, be sure to Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Natural stone is one of the best materials to accent your outdoor space. You might not have considered a number of masonry structures to add to your front or backyard, but a simple stone walkway could be the perfect fit. Here are some reasons why a stone walkway is a great addition to any yard.
(more…)