No matter the scale of any renovation or construction work you’re planning, cost will always be a concern, and if you have a limited budget for your project, you may automatically discount the idea of having any masonry work carried out. Alternatively, you may recognize the true value of quality masonry and be willing to pay a little more to achieve a look and functionality unmatched in the construction industry.
While it’s true that masonry work carried out by qualified and experienced professionals costs more than some other types of work related to construction and renovation, there are a number of reasons behind this that are worth looking into:
Materials
Masonry materials such as brick, pavers and flagstones, typically cost more than other materials like wood or concrete, and with their additional weight and the fact that they’re harder to source, it’s little wonder. Let’s look at each one in more detail:
- Brick – while usually cheaper to buy than stone, brick still costs more than wood or concrete. Providing a uniform design and more durable than concrete, many choose brick for its durability and aesthetic appeal
- Pavers – requiring minimal work to install when compared to flagstones, pavers are a popular and practical choice for patios and walkways, and offer a stylish uniformity that flagstones simply cannot achieve.
- Flagstones – made out of natural stone, each piece will have a unique color, shape and texture, and are trickier to install than other materials due to their varying sizes. While stone is a decidedly more expensive material to construct a home or patio from, it needs a lot less maintenance than most other materials and can hold up against fire and termites far better than wood.
Labor
Unlike other materials, working with stone demands a lot of strength and skill, and only those masonry contractors who are experienced in working with it, are able to produce the highest quality results. Tiring, demanding, and a precise art, it’s little wonder labor costs are higher for anyone constructing something from stone, and that’s without even considering how much longer it takes to complete a stonework project.
Expertise
While you can find less experienced masonry contractors who charge lower rates for their work, if you want someone who can craft a top quality masonry design and implement it skilfully, you’re definitely going to need to pay more for their service.
The fact that masonry is a form of art, makes paying more for a seasoned and skilled masonry contractor an easier pill to swallow, and if you really want to invest in a project that will make heads turn, they are your only solution.
While the exact cost of masonry services depends entirely upon the nature and scale of the project, you can typically expect to pay more for an experienced masonry contractor. However, mistakes made by contractors who don’t have the relevant training and skills can be costly to correct, and who wants a home or yard feature that’s faulty?
When you factor in everything mentioned above, it’s easy to see why masonry services cost more, but if you want something uniquely stylish and long-lasting, the investment will likely be worth it.