A masonry contractor can be a great asset for durable structures in your home. But unless you have a lot of experience in the construction industry, it can be tricky to evaluate a masonry contractor's experience and value. Here are some tips on picking the right masonry contractor for your job. 

Look at their Qualifications

When choosing something as important as a masonry contractor, you may want the company you choose to have some qualifications that you can verify. Consider looking for a company that is certified by the state. In Canada, masonry contractors can receive a license to practice from the Contractors State License Board under the Department of Consumer Affairs. Make sure that the license is still valid, since renewing the license will show that the contractor's knowledge is fresh. 

Know What Type of Masonry Contractor to Hire

Within masonry, there are several different specializations. Some masonry contractors will focus on poured foundations, while others are more comfortable with concrete table tops. Since the equipment used for each type of masonry can vary, be sure to choose a contractor who is comfortable working on a project of your scale. 

Verify Insurance

Contractors may also differ in the amount of insurance coverage that they have. A good insurance plan should cover not only the potential damage on the job, but also workers' compensation. If you want to go the extra step, you could call the insurance company to verify that your team's insurance policy is adequate and current. 

Past Examples of Work

Finally, even if you aren't an expert, you can do a visual inspection of the contractor's past work to make sure that they have the level of skill you need for your project. Ask for photos of similar jobs that they did. If you can, get contact information for past clients so that you can ask how satisfied they are with the work. You may also want to ask about how much maintenance they had to do on those projects; frequent maintenance trips may indicate a problem with quality. If the contractor has examples in public spaces within your community, go to visually inspect the works for excessive cracks and deformities.

Thankfully, the licensing process helps to ensure that most masonry contractors you meet can provide high quality and safe services. But to take your experience to the next level, review the factors above to choose the best person for the job. Contact a company like E D Masonry Ltd or another location for more info.