First things first.
Know who you are working with.
Your natural stone is an investment. You don’t want to trust it in the hands of just anyone. Sometimes, being picky is important. When hiring any contractor, review them.
Ask about insurance.
Have them show you a certificate of insurance, or, if the job is large enough, have their insurance company send you one. Be sure they carry liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Any reputable company will carry both. Workers Compensation Insurance protects you from liability if a worker is injured while on your property. Be aware that if the contractor does not carry workers compensation coverage, you will be liable for any injuries suffered by the contractor or any of his employees on your property. Check at least 2 or 3 of their references and confirm they are a member in good standing in their professional organization affiliations. Don’t hesitate to trust your gut feeling—are you comfortable with the contractor? This is much more important than you might think.
Here are some questions you may want to ask:
The Truth about Estimates
Cheaper isn’t necessarily better.
According to Consumer Reports, the biggest mistake consumers make is “being seduced by the price alone.” Would you hire the cheapest surgeon in town to operate on you or a member of your family? There is a saying, “Some of the most expensive work you will ever pay for is cheap work.” Your main concern should not be the price, it should be that the contractor uses the proper methods and materials to give you a professional quality result. Proper methods and materials (or lack thereof) will determine the difference between a lower and a higher estimate.
Here are some important matters to consider regarding estimates:
- Your home is your biggest investment, and you should always think long-term.
- Your most important tool in evaluating the cost of a project is the value of what you are getting for your money.
- Low prices are usually a trade-off for cutting corners in materials, workmanship, warranty or adequate insurances.
- Most jobs look good when complete, but the true test is whether it still looks good ten years from now.
LOCATE A PRO
You can use our Locate a Pro tool to find quality, prescreened contractors and service providers. Each of the contractors and service providers listed in the directory have been verified, have signed a Statement of Professional Standards, and have submitted their license information whenever applicable.
We carefully screen each and every one of the service providers listed on marblecleaning.org, but encourage you as a consumer to do your own due diligence.
About the Pros
What stone or tile related services might you need as a homeowner or business? What are the various disciplines within the stone and tile industry, and what services do each offer?
Learn more: