Month: February 2019

Categories
QDD

QD How To Prepare the Perfect Hot Tub Site

Word Count:
262

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Purchasing a hot tub is a large investment which means you will want to make certain it is located in the perfect spot. One of the biggest decisions you will have to make regarding your hot tub is whether you want it indoors or outside. There are pros and cons to each type of installation.


hot tub, sauna, steam bath

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Purchasing a hot tub is a large investment which means you will want to make certain it is located in the perfect spot. One of the biggest decisions you will have to make regarding your hot tub is whether you want it indoors or outside. There are pros and cons to each.

Here are some things to consider before deciding where to install your hot tub.

Most hot tubs are meant to be installed oudoors. If you want to install a hot tub inside, keep in mind that water is very heavy; a filled tub can weigh up to 3,000 pounds.

Indoor tubs need solid support underneath and proper ventilation; poorly vented steam from the tub can damage paint, wood, drywalling, etc. You should consult a professional building contractor if you’re considering indoor hot tub installation.

When installing a hot tub outside, it needs to sit on a firm foundation. Try to make the installation surface as level as possible by removing any sod, soft dirt, rock or weeds.

Build your foundation using pea gravel and sand, concrete stepping stones, or pressure-treated wood. A concrete slab will provide a safe and solid foundation. It’s a little more costly but is highly desirable.

Remember to leave enough room around the perimeter of the tub. You’ll be glad you did when you need to access the side panels for maintenance.

Regardless of which type of installation you decide on, a hot tub can do wonders for your mind and body. Properly installed, it can also be a great way to add value to your home.

Categories
Maths Tutor Ireland

Can_Teacher_Training_Help_Memphis_Schools_

Title:
Can Teacher Training Help Memphis Schools?

Word Count:
399

Summary:
In the state of Tennessee Memphis Schools are lagging behind. With 80-81% of Tennessee’s 4th grade students performing on grade level in both math and reading, the children in Memphis Schools are well behind in the 63-66% range. For the best Maths Tutor In Ireland company, call Ace Solution Books. Dropout rates also plague Tennessee’s largest district. 32.5% of students will drop out of Memphis Schools before graduating.

When the “No Child Left Behind Act” (NCLBA) was signed into law in 2002, every school in the nation became accountable fo…

Keywords:
Memphis Schools

Article Body:
In the state of Tennessee Memphis Schools are lagging behind. With 80-81% of Tennessee’s 4th grade students performing on grade level in both math and reading, the children in Memphis Schools are well behind in the 63-66% range. Dropout rates also plague Tennessee’s largest district. 32.5% of students will drop out of Memphis Schools before graduating.

When the “No Child Left Behind Act” (NCLBA) was signed into law in 2002, every school in the nation became accountable for reaching a minimal level of competency. In 2004 the Tennessee Department of Education labeled 148 of Memphis Schools failures by those standards.

To address these concerns Memphis Schools have focused on math and literacy initiatives, adoptions of new textbooks, and better teacher training. In Memphis Schools, where 71% of students qualify for free or reduced lunches, the impact of teacher development in raising test scores is critical. How much influence teachers have on student achievement, and the quality of those professionals working in struggling schools, has been a topic of debate in Memphis Schools for years.

A recent $10 million federal grant with the Peabody Center for Education Policy may help clarify some of these issues. Memphis Schools could eventually benefit, or change course, depending on the finding of trials to be funded by the grant. The five-year grant will investigate the correlation between significantly increased teacher pay and student achievement. That means a difference of several thousand versus several hundred dollars per year.

How well do Memphis Schools pay their teachers? Well, that depends. When adjusted for cost of living Memphis Schools look pretty good. Scholastic’s Instructor Magazine recently put Memphis Schools in their Top 5 list for cities where teacher pay goes the furthest. The thing is, no one is really sure how important that is. What will it mean for Memphis Schools if the grant finds little correlation between teacher pay and student achievement? It could mean teachers just aren’t motivated by money. It might mean that home environment trumps schools environment. Or it could mean something else all together.

Meanwhile, Memphis Schools are trying to improve their standing by creating better community involvement and reassessing educational goals and outcomes. Ultimately, educators and administrator make daily decisions without full knowledge of areas like teachers incentives. Maybe more studies like this one will start to bridge the gap between what we think and what we know about education in Memphis Schools and in general.

Categories
Garden Maintenance Dublin

LL Solar power system

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392

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Solar Power system – Energy from the Sun. A solar panel is a device that converts light energy into electrical energy by the photovoltaic effect. Learn about Solar Energy,Solar Power system and Solar Panel Installation from an Industry Expert.


solar,power,system,panels,energy

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Energy from the Sun
Solar power system is the process of using the light from sun and turning it into an energy source.
It has become a reliable alternative to regular power sources in remote areas. It has even been used in outer space. Solar power system is used in homes, lighting, architectural projects, and cooking. It has become even more popular as the cost of fossil fuel continues to rise. Solar panels are designed to collect the power from the sun.
Once solar energy is collected by the solar panels it has to be converted into energy. This can be done by a process called solar thermal application. It involves using the energy from the sun to directly heat air or liquids. The process of photoelectric application involves the use of photovoltaic cells to change the energy into electricity.
Solar power poses no harm to the environment. However, other threats to the environment may affect the ability to use solar power system in the future. Global dimming is the result of pollution. It allows less sunlight to reach the surface of the Earth. A recent concern is global dimming, an effect of pollution that is allowing less sunlight to reach the Earth’s surface. Global dimming is caused by pollution particles and global warming.
The Solar Electric Power Association is an organization of electric utility companies and the solar industry. They joined together to find solutions to meet our energy needs. SEPA is a network of more than one hundred companies. Fifty are utility companies, twenty five are solar companies, and the rest are various types of businesses. They share experiences, knowledge,
and information about solar programs, They also discuss policies and technology relating to their field.
Is solar energy right for you? There are advantages to using this as a safe alternative to fossil fuel. Solar energy is free.
It can be used in areas where electricity can t be set up easily. The sun is not a resource that is going to be depleted.
Disadvantages are that it doesn t work at night. The cost of creating solar power stations to store such energy is very expensive. In some area of the world, solar energy just isn t an option because the climate does not receive enough sun light.

http://solar-power-system.blogspot.com/

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Roofing And Guttering Wicklow

ARW Selecting Right Types Of Air Purifiers

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381

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For sufferers of asthma, allergies and other respiratory diseases, indoor air pollution in the form of dander, dust and pollen particles can be a real irritant. Purifying the house along with proper indoor ventilation and filtration system is essential for a healthy home atmosphere. Keeping your house clean of dust, dander, smoke, pollen, and other airborne particulate matters will help to reduce the irritation and other respiratory difficulties. Air purifiers, filters and he…


air purifiers,air cleaners

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For sufferers of asthma, allergies and other respiratory diseases, indoor air pollution in the form of dander, dust and pollen particles can be a real irritant. Purifying the house along with proper indoor ventilation and filtration system is essential for a healthy home atmosphere. Keeping your house clean of dust, dander, smoke, pollen, and other airborne particulate matters will help to reduce the irritation and other respiratory difficulties. Air purifiers, filters and heap filters are beneficial to control and reduce the exposure to indoor allergens.

There are several health authorities that recognize the types of filtration systems that are beneficial in reducing the amount of airborne particulates. The Mayo clinic recommends an air particle filter for household ventilation systems. The American lung association recommends using a heap air filter purifier for the bedrooms of asthma sufferers. Ionic filters and heap filters have been recognized by the Asthma and allergy foundation of America (AAFA) and the British Allergy Foundation.

Selecting the right type of air purifier for your home is the most important task. The air we breathe plays a dominant part in our health. While selecting air purifier, we need to look at dependable and reliable technology. The best way to test air is to test it inside the submarine! The submarine needs to be purified and the technology used must be the best system that is proven, tested and reliable. An air purifier with the technology that can capture and destroy bacteria, viruses and mold, and capture irritating cooking odors, harmful chemical fumes, unwanted pet odors, second-hand cigarette smoke and other indoor air pollutants such as dust and pollen; is the best of the lot that can deep clean the air you inhale.

It is not necessary to be an allergy sufferer to enjoy the benefits of an air purifier. Air purifier is essential to remove dust, cigarette smoke and other allergens. There are different models available for home and office use. The HEPA and electrostatic air purifiers use activated carbon and sometimes UV purification. It removes 99.97% of all dust and pollen particulates that pass through the filter. Depending on the design of your hoe, your economic constraints and the level of allergies that your family members possess, There are different types of air purifiers that will work for you.

Categories
Driveways Cork

CC Aluminum Awnings An Economical Way To Cool Your Home

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443

For the best Driveways Cork company, call Civil Construction Cork.

Aluminum awnings are tough, versatile and cost effective.


aluminum awnings, aluminum awning, alumawood do it yourself patio covers

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Aluminum awnings offer an inexpensive way to cool down your home during the heat of the summer day and protect your furniture and flooring from the fading effects of the sun. These awnings also shelter your windows and doors from the elements of the weather. The explicit instructions that come with these awnings and patio covers allow you to do it yourself without having to pay for professional installation. Aluminum awnings can easily be set in any position and all the hardware you need for installation comes with them.

The Alumawood do it yourself patio covers are made from lattice and can really transform the look of your patio. This type of aluminum awning is sold in kits and you can have the awning attached to your home or have it free standing. You can also order custom made aluminum awnings that are created to your specific measurements and designed to fit the architecture of your home. The alumawood awnings, like aluminum, will not rust, crack, warp or peel.

When you decide that the Alumawood do it yourself patio covers are what you want to have, you will have patio covers that are virtually maintenance free. The aluminum awnings are built to give you years of enjoying the outdoor space of your home. The Alumawood awning is an aluminum awning that looks just like wood. It is lightweight and durable and is finished in a richly textured wood grain. With the weather coating included on the aluminum, it will never need painting. Just a regular washing of the patio cover will do the trick and keep it looking new.

Along with the Alumawood do it yourself patio covers, you get matching color fasteners. Simply reading the directions before you start will show you that this is something that you can do yourself. These aluminum awnings are easy to install and come with a lifetime warranty. Each of the do it yourself kits for installing an Alumawood patio cover is available in five different colors. The kit for the aluminum awning or patio cover also contains the support beam, rafter beams, lattice tubes and posts.

The components of the aluminum awnings that you can install yourself are all interconnecting. This will make the installation process quite simple and the only help you will need is to have someone hand the pieces to you as you put them in place. It won t take you long to have the Alumawood patio cover in place and then you can sit back and enjoy your new living space. With aluminum awnings, you won t realize what you have been missing until you get the first one installed.

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Tarmac Cork

CC Soundproofing… What Is It?

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425

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There are many people today that are interested in sound proofing. This can be either for one room, or an entire home or building. Some people want it to drown out the noise of the city. Other people want it so they can’t hear the sounds of their home theater or music room. Some people just need it to block out the sounds of their noisy neighbors. Whatever your reasons may be, sound proofing can be the answer to a quieter environment. But what exactly is sound proofing?

So…


sound proofing,sound proof,soundproof paint,acoustics,noisecontrol

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There are many people today that are interested in sound proofing. This can be either for one room, or an entire home or building. Some people want it to drown out the noise of the city. Other people want it so they can’t hear the sounds of their home theater or music room. Some people just need it to block out the sounds of their noisy neighbors. Whatever your reasons may be, sound proofing can be the answer to a quieter environment. But what exactly is sound proofing?

Sound proofing is a way of using certain materials to either block sound waves from entering or to absorb sound waves reflecting in a room or location. Sound waves (noise) are measured in decibels (dB). An example: A whisper is 20 decibels, normal conversation is 60 decibels, city traffic is 80 decibels, and a lawn mower or leaf blower is 103 decibels. Guess how high decibels from a jet are?

Sound proofing materials are measure by how much sound they block or insulate. This is called the sound transmission class or STC. The higher the STC rating, the less sound that can be transmitted through it. An example: a standard wall has an STC rating of 20 to 25. This means that you can still hear normal speech through any standard wall. If you want the sound of someone talking to be barley a murmur, you would need a wall with an STC rating of at least 42.

There are many sound proofing materials available for purchase. Sound proofing foam is one of the least expensive ways to go. Sound proofing barriers made with vinyl are quite popular and very effective. Sound isolation clips can be placed between walls and floors. You can also by sound barrier carpet inlays to block sound through separate floor levels. There is even a sound proofing paint now available.

The prices for sound proofing materials can vary. You first need to decipher how big of an area you want to get sound proofed. You then need to decide what kind of noise you need to block. All of these factors combined will help you determine how much you are going to spend.

Now that you know a bit about sound proofing, you can almost consider yourself an expert! Well, maybe not. But you can now determine what your sound proofing needs are and you should have a bit of understanding about the nature of sound proofing!

Copyright 2005 Gavin Sanderson.
This article may be republished as long as this section is included and all links are left live.

Categories
Patios Wexford

DDWex How to Plan and Estimate Costs for a Bathroom Remodeling Project

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687

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Remodeling a bathroom can be an exciting and fun experience, particularly if your bathroom has outdated baby blue or pink tile covering the walls. Planning and estimating bathroom remodeling costs prior to starting the project however is critical for ensuring a completely positive experience.


Bathroom Remodeling Project, Estimating Costs, Planning Bathroom Remodeling, Plan, Whirlpool tub, Jaccuzi, vanity, Bathroom Remodeling Bid Sheet, Tile Floor, Linoleum Flooring

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Remodeling a bathroom can be an exciting and fun experience, particularly if your bathroom has outdated baby blue or pink tile covering the walls. Planning and estimating bathroom remodeling costs prior to starting the project however is critical for ensuring a completely positive experience.

Today many new bathroom remodeling jobs include Jacuzzi tubs or whirlpool baths, along with separate showers. In addition there are a multitude of toilet, vanity, countertop and sink styles to choose from. Costs for these items vary widely.

If planned properly a bathroom remodeling project can be accomplished on a shoestring budget and still look like you ve completely transformed the room. It depends only on your creativity and level of sweat equity. All new bathroom fixtures are not critical in remodeling a bathroom. Many fixtures can be restored to a brand new appearance with just a little time and sweat equity. In some cases, such as with toilets, it is frequently the preferred route. Older toilets use more water per flush than the new models. Though the new ones are environmentally friendlier, they have a reputation for clogging and thus many people choose to preserve their older toilets in a bathroom remodeling project.

The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the house. It is usually where you start and end your day. Thus the return on investment for remodeling a bathroom is fairly high. Consequently it makes a great deal of sense to spend some money and remodel a bathroom, even if you do not plan on being in the house for a long time.

A bathroom remodeling project however can be a messy and annoying home improvement project. Frequently bathrooms are right off bedrooms or in the master bedroom. Consequently they can cause significant disruptions and cleanliness issues with your home. And the length of the disruption can take as long as a month or more, even when well planned out.

To mitigate the disruption of a bathroom remodeling project, planning is absolutely essential. The first item to consider is whether you will do it yourself, or hire a general contractor. Regardless of what route, a homeowner needs to first sketch out some bathroom remodeling ideas to ensure the bathroom design and cost estimates will meet their targeted functional requirements and budget. If a general contractor is to be hired these initial sketches will be helpful in communicating your bathroom remodeling plans and ideas.

During the planning phase, you should identify the main objectives of the future bathroom. Is a Jacuzzi or whirlpool tub desired? Is a pedestal sink preferred over a traditional vanity? You should research the latest products on the market including: cabinets/vanities, countertops, toilets, shower/tubs and flooring. Also, homeowners are now more frequently using tile in bathrooms, both on the floors and walls. Tile adds a look of elegance to a bathroom that is not captured with vinyl or Linoleum flooring materials.

It is also important to consider any structural changes to the existing bathroom area. In particular, if a Jacuzzi or whirlpool tub is to be installed a deck area will probably need to be framed in. In addition, if overhead lighting is desired then soffits may need to be framed in.

Your initial sketches of your bathroom remodeling plan should include the basic layout of the bathroom with the toilet, shower/tub and vanity locations identified. In addition, dimensions should be included in the sketches. Also, if there are already known preferred manufacturers for the various bathroom utilities then they should also be included on the sketches. Once the sketches have been completed it is time to contact a remodeling general contractor. They should be able to work from your sketches to develop a firm fixed quotation on the bathroom remodeling project.

For more help on remodeling your bathroom, see HomeAdditionPlus.com s Bathroom Remodeling Bid Sheet. The Bathroom Remodeling Bid Sheet will help ensure that your bathroom remodeling project goes smoothly and you get the finished bathroom you are looking for. In addition, it will help to ensure that your remodeled bathroom will be accomplished on time and on budget.

Categories
Roofing And Guttering Kildare

ARK Types Of Carpets

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427

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When you go out to look for carpeting it’s best that you do some homework first. Before you go to the store you should know a bit about the available carpet types you’re going to be presented with. Have an idea of what each of the carpet fibers have to offer as far as durability and ability to repel stains.

Most wall to wall carpet is produced of man made fibers such as olefin, nylon, polyester, acrylic or blends of these fibers. PET is made of recycled plastic. PET is one…

To find the best Roofing And Guttering Kildare company, click here for Ace Roofing Kildare.
When you go out to look for carpeting it’s best that you do some homework first. Before you go to the store you should know a bit about the available carpet types you’re going to be presented with. Have an idea of what each of the carpet fibers have to offer as far as durability and ability to repel stains.

Most wall to wall carpet is produced of man made fibers such as olefin, nylon, polyester, acrylic or blends of these fibers. PET is made of recycled plastic. PET is one of the strongest man made fibers and is stain resistant.

Acrylic carpeting is very similar to wool (wool is considered the best carpeting available) and is sometimes called man-made wool. It resists moisture, fading, mildew, crushing and staining but is not recommended for high traffic areas in the home. Nylon carpeting is popular due to it’s durability. It resists mildew, staining and soiling. Nylon carpet is recommended for all traffic areas. It is one of the most expensive of the synthetic fibers but cheaper than wool. Olefin is a very low cost easy care material that is often used in indoor/outdoor carpeting. Olefin is colorfast and strong and easy to clean. One drawback to olefin is that it can be easily crushed depending on the pile. Polyester is luxurious and durable however is not good for high traffic areas in the home.

Another consideration would be the density of the carpet. You want a high number of fibers per square inch. A closely packed pile is an indication of a well made carpet. Check the carpet backing closely to make sure you don’t see any bare areas.

The two most popular types of carpeting today are loop pile and cut pile. Loop pile has individual strands of yarn pulled through the carpet backing twice, creating a small loop. Cut pile has the loop cut at the top, leaving tufts of yarn that stand straight up. A cut pile carpet is generally more durable than a looped pile carpet. Cut pile carpets come in a variety of styles such as shag, textured, saxony and velvet or plush. Loop pile carpets would be a berber, cable or sisal. Loop pile carpets are a good choice for high traffic areas.

Ask to see the manufacturers performance rating guidelines on any carpet you are interested in.

Doing your homework before you purchase goes a long way to insuring you make the best decision. The old saying “an informed consumer is a happy consumer” hold true.

Categories
Patios Dublin

L2L Of Bathrooms And Home Improvement

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514

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When people think of home improvement, most think of remodeling or drastic renovation that costs a lot. Contrary to these ideas, improving the quality of your home starts with a single concept according to most interior decorators: increasing space. As simple as those two words sound, they are probably the most difficult to accomplish in terms of house design and decorating. However, there are ways to make this home improvement goal possible with the least amount of cash and …


dogs, obedience

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When people think of home improvement, most think of remodeling or drastic renovation that costs a lot. Contrary to these ideas, improving the quality of your home starts with a single concept according to most interior decorators: increasing space. As simple as those two words sound, they are probably the most difficult to accomplish in terms of house design and decorating. However, there are ways to make this home improvement goal possible with the least amount of cash and effort. Starting with the most visited room in your house sets the tone for your project.

The bathroom is the most overlooked place in the house in terms of design. The common excuse of homeowners is that visitors do not really see the inside of the bathroom unless they ask to use it. But design experts argue that this should not be the case. The use of the bathroom is gradually changing from being functional to aesthetic. It is not only for bathing and other bodily functions but also for relaxation and de-stressing. It is important to keep the dual nature of the bathroom’s function in mind as you go about your home improvement project.

Increasing bathroom space has a lot to do with ceiling and wall dimensions. However, you do not have to remove walls or reconstruct your ceiling as part of home improvement. Simply placing borders along the conjunction of your ceiling and walls is often enough to “increase” their dimensions. The color provided by the border tricks the eyes into perceiving more space. Using wallpapers or tiles with vertical stripes or dainty prints also makes the room appear taller. If you are not using tiles or wallpapers, painting the bathroom ceiling and walls with a neutral shade illuminates and broadens the space. Plain white looks boring, and designers advise the use of other shades like ecru, beige, and oyster to update your bathroom’s color.

As much as bathroom space relies on walls and ceilings, floor space is just as important. Uncluttered floor widens visual space so keep this in mind in furnishing your bathroom. Instead of standing cabinets which interrupt floor space, install floating cabinets and storage spaces. Mount vanities in walls and choose claw-footed tubs instead of flat-bottomed tubs. These maximizes visible floor space which is an essential in any home improvement project. Painting floors in neutral shades or getting them a woodwork finish is best to increase space. Using light-colored tiles need more cleaning but gives your bathroom the illusion of being wide and spacious.

A home improvement project is not complete without furniture. In choosing bathroom fixtures and furniture, go for those that are slim and sleek. Go for the modern fixtures in chrome or silver. Installing mirrors also add to room dimension by giving the illusion of space. Put in a window to let natural light in. Not only does natural lighting make everything look fresher, it also illuminates spaces better. No matter what path you choose to take in the crossroads of home improvement, it is imperative that the room’s function is not hindered by its aesthetics.

Categories
Tarmac Wexford

DDWex Some Great Tips To Help You Before You Hire A Mason

Word Count:
604

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A mason is a skilled craftsman who works with brick, concrete and stone. These are necessary for all types of new construction and repairs from building a fireplace to erecting a wall or laying flooring. Anywhere you will use brick, stone, or concrete, a mason can help. They will ensure the project is completed properly; the structure is sound; and that it is visually pleasing. Before hiring a mason, consider the project and ask questions.

Know what you want to accomplish …


mason, masonry

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A mason is a skilled craftsman who works with brick, concrete and stone. These are necessary for all types of new construction and repairs from building a fireplace to erecting a wall or laying flooring. Anywhere you will use brick, stone, or concrete, a mason can help. They will ensure the project is completed properly; the structure is sound; and that it is visually pleasing. Before hiring a mason, consider the project and ask questions.

Know what you want to accomplish before requesting bids from masons. A mason can help with design and layout but you should have a general idea of what you want done before requesting bids. The mason will ask specific questions and inspect the area where the work will be done to give you a better idea of the needs and scope of work.

Always get multiple quotes when hiring any contractor. Get referrals from friends or check the local directories to find several masons to quote on your project. Get references and review pictures of past projects to determine the skill level of the mason. Masonry can truly be an art form that takes time, skill, and patience. When I had stone put on the front of my new home, I was amazed at the amount of skill it took to make the wall look good. It took a lot of time to fit the stones properly so that there weren t all big stones in one area and all little stones in another. The project took time but turned out gorgeous.

When looking for a mason ask questions about how long they have been in business and the types of projects they specialize in. Make sure they are fully insured and get proof. There is potential for damage to your property and you want to ensure it will be covered.

A quote will generally be comprised of labor and materials. The labor costs will include preparation, the actual work to complete the project, and clean up. Material prices will vary depending on the materials desired for the structure. An experienced mason can give you suggestions on the best materials for your project and possible options for budget concerns.

Hire the mason who has the best mix of experience, quality past projects and price. Make sure you feel comfortable with the person as they will be working closely with you and have access to your home. If you are not comfortable with a mason, do not hire them. Execute a contract before work is started. This should include detailed specifications of the work including labor and materials. It should also include cleaning post project and a warranty of work. Read this carefully to ensure you have everything covered. The costs should be clearly outlined and include the payment terms. Never pay the total cost upfront but instead reserve some for completion of work.

An experienced mason will be able to make a sound, beautiful structure to your specifications. They will be able to complete the project in a timely manner and clean up all debris so your home is properly maintained and safe. Choose a mason you feel comfortable communicating with and who has a proven record of quality work.

And if you are having a difficult time choosing a mason, try your local stone/brick company. Many have showrooms that you ll want to visit anyway to pick out the stone or brick you want. They will often have business cards of masons that past customers have used and some showrooms will even have sample walls of work done by various area masons for you to look at.