Building a new home and renovating your current home are both exciting projects because there are so many possibilities when it comes to construction style and design. The style of the contractor you hire will dictate the aesthetic of your home to some degree, so you should hire a stone masonry contractor if you want your home to have beautiful stone structures.
While a stone masonry contractor might seem overly specific, the distinction is necessary. Not all contractors are qualified or experienced enough to be stonemasons. Stonemasonry requires special skill and experience, as it involves the manipulation of stones. Stonemasonry professionals are the best choice for stone masonry projects, as they are capable of producing quality work.
Benefits of Stone Masonry Construction
Hiring a stone masonry contractor opens the door to a variety of designs and features that add a special beauty and luxurious feel to your home. This raises the value of your property while giving your home a classic, sturdy aesthetic. Stone masonry construction has many benefits that have nothing to do with appearance, as well:
- Better insulation. Stone buildings are some of the most energy-efficient, as stone provides excellent insulation. Using stones increases the thermal mass of the property. Less heat comes in, and the stone reduces cold loss as well. This means that stone buildings will save you money on energy bills.
- Water-resistant. Construction materials are usually made to be waterproof, but materials like aluminum siding damage more quickly under extreme weather circumstances than stone. Shingles age quickly, creating gaps that let water seep in. Stonemasonry construction prevents moisture from entering the home when properly installed and maintained.
- Non-combustible. Because stone, brick, and mortar do not burn, stone masonry is considered fireproof. This provides a certain level of security for those living in stone homes. If fire safety is your concern, this is the material for your home.
- Lower insurance rates. Stone masonry’s fireproof quality also helps you when it comes to your insurance rates. One of the factors when insurance companies determine premiums is the likelihood of fire and storm damage. Stone homes are durable, so they often result in less expensive insurance policies.
- Stonemasonry is considered easy to maintain. Mortar can go decades without requiring maintenance. Properly installed stone masonry should result in low maintenance homes.
- Resale value. Stonemasonry is a more expensive building material, but it is a worthy investment because it increases the value of your home by 6 percent. It also lasts a long time and makes a strong impression on potential buyers.
All things considered, hiring the right stone masonry contractor for your new home or renovation is a great long term investment.