Home improvement projects can be very fun but also very overwhelming experiences. Instead of trying to tackle masonry and concrete projects on your own, it may be in your best interest to hire a professional mason or construction worker to help finish your project.

It’s not that hard to find a mason these days. With research indicating that brick is the number one choice for homeowners when it comes to exterior padding and that 80% of homeowners would use brick for a new exterior project, the need for bricklayers in the country is at a pretty high rate. In fact, there are approximately 140,000 masons and contractors across the nation that specialize in quality workmanship with brick.

Read on to find out more about hiring a contractor or mason in your area!

Finding an Affordable Mason or Contractor:

• The first place to look for contractors that are sure to have quality workmanship is with friends and family. Ask if they have any recommendations — or any contractors to stay away from. Another way to find good contractors is to check online and read reviews of the work of contractors. That way, you’ll get a sense for whose a good contractor in your area and whose not.
• Something to keep in mind when choosing a contractor or mason is to not settle on the first one you find. You definitely want to be able to compare both prices and services; some companies might have masonry and more whereas some might only specialize in one field.
• When talking to contractors, don’t be afraid to ask them questions about their expertise in the field. You want to make sure that your project will be completed in a timely manner and done well.
• If you’re considering remodeling your home with brick but aren’t exactly sure where to put it, consider choosing the front entry, yard, sidewalk or driveway. Not only is this what you and guests will see pulling into your home, but if you decide to sell your house and post a picture online, the brick will pop to prospective buyers. According to the National Association of Realtors, 63% of home owners will come visit homes after seeing pictures they like, so you want your house to grab their attention.
• If you’re on a really tight budget and would prefer to do some work on your own, check out your local home improvement store and see if you can find brick or concrete for your project. Ask the sales associates if you have any questions.

Have you had any experiences working with contractors that exemplfied quality workmanship? Tell us about it in the comments below!