Do you need to hire a mason? 7 tips that will help you in the process
Tips, DIY's & Recipes
All of us have had to hire the services of a bricklayer for various types of repairs and renovations that we need to make at home; however, some of them turn out to be so lively and irresponsible that the illusion of having a beautiful home ends up being an expensive nightmare.
So here are some tips you'd like to consider when selecting the person in charge of the masonry work you want to complete:
The mason has proven experience and good references: Check his portfolio of works with physical photos, social networks and / or website.
Ask for a signed contract and with a copy of the identity card of the people involved in it: This will help you to have recourse to the authorities in case the bricklayer swindles you... Unfortunately there are cases and it is better to be cautious.
3.He asked that the contract clearly spell out the estimated length of the work. In case it is extended for uncontrollable reasons such as weather, accidents, etc., it adds an addendum to the contract stipulating the cause of the extension and how much more time they estimate to extend the work... Personally I recommend that the works/refurbishments in exteriors or that require roofing are carried out in the summer; thus reducing the risk of unnecessary extensions.
4.The contract must also include clearly and precisely all work to be carried out. Example: Wall erection including plaster, paint and/or coating. In this way you take care that in the end the bricklayer does not come up with that you will have to incur additional costs because such a thing was not contemplated in the negotiation.
5.It is also advisable to quote the TOTAL cost of the work you want to do and cancel once the work is finished (without advances). A responsible and organized mason will have no problem with this. There have been cases where many masons prefer to charge you per week and take all the time in the world to finish the work and get more money out of you. These terms must also be included in the contract.
6.Purchase of materials: Don't buy all the materials that are quoted in one fell swoop. My recommendation is that you buy half of what is required first and then go shopping as they run out and are needed, because then it happens that a. Materials are lost; and b. You buy extra materials and incur an expense that wasn't necessary.
7.Equipment and tools: A mason will have at hand all the equipment and tools needed to complete his work; it is not your duty to buy ladders, wheelbarrows, or shovels (to give you an example). If he asks you to, it's a wake-up call.
Finally, and as an observation, I would like to mention that most masons have the bad habit of waiting for two bumps of food from the owners of the house. This is not an obligation (it's as if you expect your boss to pay you lunch every day for going to work). This is optional and if you can do it.
You may also be interested:"6 aspects to consider when buying a home".
If you liked these tips, share them with your friends and social networks; you might be able to help someone with this information. And if you have any tips or experience about it, tell us in the comments.
