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Employing a professional bricklayer to repair or refurbish outdoor areas, repair a chimney or create a feature fireplace can be a daunting task especially if you are new to using tradesmen for renovation projects.
Often your choice is based on a gut feeling of the contractor you liked best, but it is important also to ask a few basic questions before you sign a contract and get started. Here are three key things you should cover before choosing a Wellington-based bricklayer.
1. Quotes
While it may seem silly to spend time getting more than one quote it can potentially save you money or reduce the likelihood of problems in the long run.
A good bricklaying company will be happy to provide you with a free quote either after discussing the details of you job via email or the telephone, or after a site visit during which the project is discussed. If you cannot arrange a site visit try to give as much detail as possible about the scope of the job and how you see the finished product to help them provide a realistic quote.
If you get more than one quote, don’t just opt for the cheapest at first glance. Make sure you look through the quotes carefully to see what they cover because the cheapest may not necessarily be the best value. Things to consider include:
2. References
A reputable bricklayer should be able to provide you with references from satisfied clients either in written form or through an online testimonials page. If they have completed other bricklaying jobs in an easily accessible location such as a brick wall frontage for a house, you may even be able to view work for yourself.
Some bricklayers may also hold a formal qualification or be part of a professional organisation.
3. The nitty gritty
Don’t be afraid to go over a few details with your bricklayer before you finally agree to the job. Ask what insurance the firm has and whether they have any particular health and safety practices while on site. You should also work out in advance whether you will need to be onsite during the work and how you will provide access if you are not at home and whether the bricklayer requires a deposit up front.
These are simple tips but if you think about them, carefully it will help your bricklaying job be simple and successful.
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