about selecting Bricks

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Shumock Masonry Inc. est. 1981

PHONE: 215-840-5972 / 215-491-9525 FAX: 215-343-7647 E-MAIL: SHUMOCK MASONRY

Serving Eastern Pennsylvania - Bucks, Montgomery, Chester Counties area since 1981

We Can Offer A Wide Range Of Reliable Resources And Possibly Great Discounts For:

BRICK SELECTION

- There are a two ways to approach the selection of the brick, one of them being a homeowner purchasing their own brick and material.

- The second approach would be a homeowner dealing with a mason contractor.

(below in the ensuing articles infer to the above)

HOMEOWNERS

This section pertains to you, the homeowner, selecting and purchasing the brick

- 1) "FIRST"- If you are picking brick for your own house be aware of the colors being matched up to them. Ex. roof shingles, siding or stucco, etc. Minimize colors in your mind if you can before you go to the mason supply. If you go to the brickyard without a clue you might be even more confused once you see 100 different colors of brick stacked in 20 ft. high x 50 ft long stacks next to one another!

- Here are a few things you may want to consider:

1) color is probably the most important.

2) texture could present an issue as far as a finished product, there is quite a range of finishes & textures to pick from, along with the colors.

3) Brick size probably won't be much of an issue considering your color & texture selection usually dictate the size. Or you can choose the size first which would comparably minimize selections.

4) Cost could be a determining factor so always ask the price of each selection of interest, MOST IMPORTANTLY ask for the cost per thousand (which will be explained). If you really know how to buy you may want to ask him what are the volume cost breaks (how many thousand purchased yields a cost break / reduction).

5) Don't forget to add sales tax & delivery.

- 2) "SECOND"- Once the brick selection is made maybe consider a colored mortar to match or contrast the brick. This is a minor upgrade but would give the brick a whole different look than with standard mortar.

- 3) "THIRD"- Now that the selection is made figure a brick count. Depending on the brick standard language is "how many brick per square ft." Multiply the net square footage (gross minus window openings) x brick per square ft. = how many thousands + 10% waste depending if the brick are cored or solid. Multiply the number of 1000 count x your cost/per thousand brick + tax + delivery. Now you have the cost of your brick for the job. Be aware of the volume price breaks which would apply to all of the brick order. Finally, if you are willing to pay cash it may warrant an additional discount.

- HAGGLING BRICK COSTS IS COMMON PRACTICE TO EVEN BETTER THE DISCOUNT!

*NOTE*THE ADDITIONAL MATERIALS NEEDED WILL BE COVERED IN SECTION "ORDERING ADDITIONAL MATERIAL".

This section pertains to you, the homeowner, purchasing the brick from a mason contractor

- "FIRST"- If you did any of your homework from the section above you should have a good idea of what to expect when you select your bricks. You will be more decisive and aware of what is being said regarding your brick selection.

1) If you are picking your brick from a mason contractor he include an brick allowance in the proposal, if not ask what it is & put it in the agreement or it could cost a lot of money later.

2) He will most likely send you to one of maybe two different brickyards. If you are just going to browse initially, just go at it alone. Maybe just talk to the brickyard salesman, he can help narrow the selection.

3) However, when you are ready to make your brick selection, try to make the brickyard aware of your selection directly. In turn the mason contractor will get the correct information from the supplier. Make sure you stay within the brick allowance and make sure you include sales tax & delivery

4) Which ever brick selected make sure of two things, 1) Do they have them in stock in the exact amount needed or would they have to order the brick. 2) Order the whole order at once to make sure the batch numbers are running pretty much together as far as manufacturing periods are concerned. Never order half of a brick front or wall now & then the other half later that summer, it will probably be obvious depending on the brick. This is not a factor in many brick selections, it's just a standard safeguard in the industry.

5) How much lead time is there to get the brick in if the brick has to be ordered from the manufacturer? -Talk directly to the supplier so your job is not delayed, prices and payments should not be discussed, your agreement is with the mason contractor, and you want your work looking beautiful?

6) Your mason contractor will take over now, he will take care of all the additional materials needed as discussed in "Installation of brick". Just make sure he orders & installs all the necessary items (especially if you beat him down in price, you better watch closer!). When it comes to installing masonry on your home, the best cost now may not be the best cost in a long run. Choose your mason wisely, make sure he is licensed & insured (he can provide an insurance certificate).

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