Tips to Select the Best Stone Masonry Service for Renovations

Renovating your home is an exciting process, but it can also be a daunting one. Choosing the right stone masonry service is essential to ensure that your renovation project goes smoothly and looks great. MSM Stone has been providing quality stone masonry services for years, so we know what it takes to make sure you get the best results possible. Here are tips on how to select a reliable and experienced stone masonry service:

Researching is crucial in finding a stone masonry supplier that meets all your needs. Read reviews and testimonials from past customers to gauge how their experience was in terms of the quality of workmanship and the customer service they received. It’s also worth asking the company about other projects they have worked on so that you get a feel for the type of work they do. Ideally, they will feature images of the work they’ve completed on their website, or you can ask them to show you directly.

Also, it’s a positive sign if the company has a showroom where you can view samples of their product on display. This way, you can touch the stone to get a sense of how it feels. You can also bring colour samples from your interior design to see what stone it best matches.

Finally, it’s well worth asking around amongst friends and family who have used stone in their build or renovation. You’ll be able to get a good idea of what their supplier was like and get genuine feedback on how it is to live with a particular stone surface in the home.

Another essential component in your overall research is understanding the stone itself. Every homeowner will have different requirements, and you will find different aspects of stone important. For example:

• You may want a stone that is exceptional at retaining heat so that it acts as an insulator in your home and helps you reduce heating expenses.
• You may want a surface made from reconstituted stone, as reuse hits the mark from a sustainability perspective.
• You may want stone or porcelain cladding on your walls in your kitchen or bathroom as you love the material has a classic appeal but may be uncertain about porcelain’s durability in your home.

There is an enormous amount of information out there, so read up online about the stone you’re interested in, and ask the stone supplier for specifications on a particular stone’s durability and qualities.  The more you understand the unique attributes of a specific stone, the more you will fall in love with your choice!

(MSM Stone publishes an online blog with numerous helpful articles that give you insight into the particular qualities of each type of stone we work with. So if you want to understand the benefits of using natural or engineered stones for wall panelling or need to understand more about the pros and cons of using marble or granite stones, head to our blog.)

Once you’ve narrowed down potential companies based on research, contact them directly to ask more about their services and experience with similar projects to yours. Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions so that you’re both on the same page regarding the required work. If there’s anything unclear, now is the time to clarify details before signing off. Ensure each quote includes labour costs for stonemasonry, installation (if applicable), and materials.

Your stone supplier should be happy to guarantee the stone they supply, plus its manufacture and installation. If they won’t do this, it’s a sign you might be best to avoid their services. After all, including stone in your renovation is a significant investment, so you must be confident you will receive a high-quality and durable product. (MSM Stone confidently guarantees our stone, manufacture and installation.)

It’s a good sign that a company puts worker safety at the forefront of its manufacturing process. Many customers want to be assured that the stonemasons crafting their stone benchtops and the stone installers are protected as much as possible by company-enforced OH&S policies.

There are well-known safety risks associated with stonemasonry at the manufacturing stage (not when it is installed in your home). Artisans who work with stone face risks in using stonemasonry equipment and from stone dust that becomes airborne during manufacture. Workers must follow numerous safety procedures, including wearing proper ear and eye protection and using face masks with adequate filters.

Before choosing a stonemason service, it’s undoubtedly worth confirming with them that their workers are protected with appropriate workplace safety measures.

(MSM Stone prioritises safety for workers. We stipulate that our team uses all necessary Personal Protective Equipment at our factory while manufacturing our stone and reconstituted stone products and onsite during installation.)

When selecting the right stonemasons for your renovation project, trust your gut. Don’t take the risk if something doesn’t feel right, especially if the stone supplier isn’t transparent about their stone supply, workplace safety, and pricing. After all, you know best what you want to achieve regarding results and want to feel comfortable about the product you receive. So, trusting your judgement is vital.

Finding a reliable and experienced stone masonry service doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the steps mentioned above, you can find the perfect fit for your renovation dreams in no time.

See examples of projects MSM Stone has worked on, or read testimonials from our satisfied customers. And if you have a dream project you want to see come to fruition, contact us to enquire about what our stonemasons can craft for you.