When building a new home that includes non-traditional elements, it is best to find the right contractor. This is especially important when building a brick home, as their construction requires a special set of skills to ensure that it is properly built. Homeowners who are looking for a new home contractor in Brick, NJ should look for some of the following.
Certifications
Any brick or masonry work, no matter how small of a job, should be carried out by a professional who has the correct certifications. New home contractors who build brick homes should have masons on staff that are certified by groups like the Mason Contractors Association of America. This will help ensure that a brick home is being built correctly and by qualified workers.
Testimonials
Any new home contractor should be able to provide evidence of their abilities, usually through testimonials from previous clients. Testimonials act as a resume for a contractor, and can be a non-biased source of information about their work. Most contractors will gladly provide testimonials for past clients when asked and will have them readily available.
Specialty
Some contractors specialize in a specific type or style of brick home construction. This can narrow a homeowner’s choices down if they are looking to have a home built with a particular style or stone in mind. Homeowners should ask potential contractors what their specialties are in regards to types of brick or brick home styles—or if the contractor specializes at all—to help avoid any issues later on and to help with the final decision.
Time
Most brick homes do take a bit longer to build; the steps to ensure the quality and structural safety of the home can add a few extra months to the construction time. Brick homes, on average, can take up to 6 months versus the 3-4 months for a standard home construction. It may be a red flag if a contractor estimates over 6 months without a valid reason. Homeowners should ask for an estimate on aspects such as construction time and costs before signing a contract in order to prevent issues.
