Built to Share: Our Work, Wisdom & Repairs
We’ve laid a lot of stone. Now we’re laying down what we’ve learned — straight from the job site.
Hiring the right masonry contractor matters because stone, brick, and block work are long-term investments in your home.
Good masonry should look intentional, perform properly in your climate, and still feel right years from now. Before choosing a contractor, ask questions that help you understand their experience, process, and attention to detail.
Here are seven questions worth asking before your project begins.
Not all masonry projects require the same skills.
A contractor may have experience with brick repair but very little experience installing modern stone veneer. Fireplace work, exterior stone, chimney repair, restoration, and custom home masonry all have different considerations.
Ask whether they have completed projects similar to yours and request photos of finished work.
You are not just looking for proof that they can install stone or brick. You want to see whether their finished projects match the level of detail and style you want for your home.
Choosing stone is about more than picking a sample you like.
The stone needs to work with the architecture of the home, siding or stucco, windows, roof colour, landscaping, interior finishes, and the overall style you are trying to create.
A good masonry contractor should be able to talk through:
stone colour and profile
scale and proportion
mortar colour
joint style
placement
how the material will look across a larger surface
This is especially important if you want your home to feel timeless rather than tied to a short-term design trend.
Mortar can completely change the appearance of stone veneer or brick.
A lighter mortar can create a softer, more blended finish. A darker mortar can make each individual stone stand out and create stronger contrast.
The joint style matters too. Some finishes feel clean and modern, while others create a more rustic or traditional look.
Ask your contractor why they recommend a particular mortar colour and joint style for your project.
The answer should consider the stone and the home as a whole, not just what is easiest to install.
In the Fraser Valley, masonry is exposed to plenty of moisture, rain, and seasonal temperature changes.
Proper installation is about more than appearance.
Ask how the project will handle water management, drainage, flashing, transitions, and other details that help protect the masonry and the structure behind it.
Exterior stonework should be installed with the local climate in mind.
A beautiful installation is only valuable if it is also built to perform over time.
It is worth knowing who will be on your job site.
Ask whether the person providing the quote will be involved in the project, whether employees or subcontractors will complete the work, and who will be responsible for quality control.
Good masonry relies heavily on craftsmanship.
The layout, cuts, corners, spacing, mortar, and transitions are all installed by hand. Knowing who is responsible for those details can give you a much clearer picture of what to expect.
Before choosing a masonry contractor, make sure you understand what the quote includes.
Ask about:
materials
labour
preparation
cleanup
disposal
scaffolding or access requirements
repairs to existing masonry
additional work that could change the final price
The lowest quote is not always the least expensive option in the long run.
A clear quote makes it easier to compare contractors based on the actual scope of work rather than just the final number.
Photos of completed work are one of the best ways to understand a masonry contractor’s style and level of craftsmanship.
Look closely at:
corners
transitions
mortar joints
stone layout
cuts around windows and openings
how the masonry works with the rest of the home
If you are planning a custom home or major renovation, ask to see projects that are similar in style or material.
A strong portfolio should show more than beautiful stone. It should show thoughtful installation.
The best masonry contractor is not simply the person who can install the material.
You want someone who understands how stone, brick, mortar, design, installation, and weather all work together.
Before hiring, consider:
relevant experience
quality of previous work
communication
material knowledge
installation methods
clarity of the quote
whether their approach fits the home you are building
Masonry can define the character of a home. Choosing the right contractor helps ensure the finished work feels intentional, performs properly, and lasts.
Legend Stoneworks works with homeowners, builders, designers, and developers throughout Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Langley, Mission, and the Fraser Valley.
We specialize in custom stonework, stone veneer, brick and block work, fireplaces, chimney repair, masonry restoration, and exterior masonry.
If you are planning a masonry project, we are happy to talk through your ideas, materials, and options before work begins.
Contact Legend Stoneworks to request a quote and learn more about the right masonry approach for your home or project.
