Tuckpointing is a great way to add value to brick structures and increase longevity. But it’s essential to understand how this process works before hiring a tuckpointing contractor. Signs that a brick structure may need tuckpointing include cracking mortar joints, discoloration or crumbling pieces, and dust. A reputable tuckpointing company will be able to identify these issues and fix them quickly.
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Hiring the Wrong Person
Contractors have a lot to worry about, and one of the most critical aspects of their business is finding and keeping good employees. It can be expensive for a construction company and its clients to make the wrong hiring decision. A good employee can help customer satisfaction and make it easier to get the job done.
A good contractor will know how to screen candidates and ensure they fit the company correctly. It can include using tools like a pre-screening questionnaire, reference checks, and background and credit checks. A good contractor will also be aware of biases that can lead to hiring mistakes. These can include affinity bias, where a hiring manager or recruiter favors someone they think will be a good fit for their company.
Not Getting Recommendations
Tuckpointing is a great way to improve the look of your brick home or business. It can also help prevent water damage and other problems. However, it is essential to choose a qualified tuckpointing contractor. Many unscrupulous contractors try to take advantage of homeowners after large storms. They often show up uninvited and pressure them into agreeing to services they do not need or want. If you are careful, you could avoid ending up with damaged masonry and shoddy brickwork. When choosing a tuckpointing contractor, ask for recommendations from past clients. It will give you a good idea of their work and customer service skills. Also, it is a good idea to avoid contractors who do not have a permanent place of business.
Not Getting Estimates in Advance
It’s essential to provide accurate estimates to customers. It shows your potential customer that you value their business and provides a framework for the final contract. In addition, it helps to ensure that you account for everything that needs to be done on the job. It includes any materials that are expected to be thrown away as waste. Also, include any other miscellaneous costs like dumpsters and permits. It is essential to know how long the project will take. It will help you determine whether a contractor is realistic about their timeline and if they can work with your schedule. Additionally, it’s important to discuss payment schedules in advance. A well-rounded schedule usually includes the following:
- Ten percent at the time of signing.
- Three payments of 25 percent are evenly spaced throughout the project.
- A 15 percent payment upon completion.
Not Taking Your Time
Although tuckpointing might seem relatively straightforward, the process requires attention and careful work. Incompetence or inattentiveness could cause disastrous results, including structural damage and moisture penetration. Tuckpointing is a cost-effective way to restore the appearance of brick buildings, as it avoids costly construction projects and extends the lifespan of the building. It can also prevent water damage, maintain architectural integrity, and increase the value of a property. Tuckpointing contractors should use a mortar color that matches the original application for optimal bonding and visual consistency. They should also consider weather conditions, height and accessibility, historic preservation, and moisture control when performing tuckpointing. Moreover, they should heat sand, bricks, and mortar to prevent frost damage. They can also use additives to make mortar more resistant to cold weather.
Not Getting Quotes from Multiple Contractors
We all hear the old mantra, “Get three quotes before hiring anyone.” It is sound advice for any significant construction or remodeling project. It helps you ensure that you are getting the most competitive price. Also, it can help you avoid scams. For instance, some contractors will provide an “estimate” of the work and then tack on extra charges after you have signed with them. To avoid this, make sure that you always ask for a quote and not an estimate.
In addition, quotes from multiple contractors can help you evaluate each contractor’s expertise. One should be suspicious of contractors who use low-quality materials or cut corners if their quote is much less than the others. When assessing various contractors, it can be challenging to compare apples to apples.
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