T & T MASONRY CORP.

Attention: Home/Business Owners/Architects

FYI:

As a masonry contractor on Long Island, I am writing to urge you to hire a mason contractor direct instead of going through a general contractor (GC).  Most people contract with a GC and have them hire the masonry contractor along with the other trades.  This might be easier to do but not necessarily the best thing to do.  When we are hired through a GC to do masonry work, we are sometimes asked to sign a multi-page contract. These contracts are sometimes unfair because they put our company at risk to accept liability for the other trades on the job.  We, as masonry contractors, are reluctant to work for GCs because of THIS unfair practice and at times their unwillingness to work out a fair contract.  Please don't misinterpret this to mean that all GCs practice in this unfair manner but it's hard for you to know who does.  So it would be best to hire your mason contractor direct to benefit all.

There are several types of contracts a GC will typically have, first being the prime contract, which is with the owner. Then there are various contracts, subcontracts, and sub-subcontracts with other contractors and suppliers. The GCs count on the sub-contractors to not take the time to read them. Our masonry contract is only one page and holds us liable for our own work as stated in that contract.

Some GCs have you sign a document when you are bidding on a job. If you then acquire the job, the fine print says that you agreed to the conditions in the prime contract. In addition, the GCs deny you a copy of this prime contract. They place contingency clauses in their subcontractor contracts that are vague and of course advantageous to the GC. They also place their own time limits, which, of course, put the sub-contractor in a position where he could end up doing extra work for free due to not finishing by their deadline. The biggest of all tactics are the indemnification clauses. These clauses say: we expect you to indemnify us even in our own negligence and the negligence of other trades on the job; plus you have to take the necessary steps to protect us. They also require that you carry a large amount of liability insurance or they will not do business with you. If you dare to question these unfair practices, they will go to someone else who will just sign it no questions asked. Most of them have a staff of attorneys, and/or have access to a cooperative association of people who figure out ways to protect their own interest while shifting responsibility and risk over to the subcontractor. Now my questions to you are…Why would a reputable company do business with these people and is it any wonder why people have such nightmare stories regarding having work done on their homes and businesses?

Masonry is an artistic, individual, and specialized profession and working through a middle person, such as a GC, has never benefited anyone except the GC. Hiring your mason direct as you would an architect is a win-win situation for all involved. It will allow you to work one-on-one with the mason to better meet your personalized needs. Cutting out the middle person will also provide a savings for the customer. Please consider hiring your mason direct for your next project. This will ensure a more efficient and satisfying experience for both parties.

Best Wishes.