Brick has been a popular choice for exterior façades for centuries, and it still remains popular with today’s modern homeowners. But like any building material, it is vulnerable to wear and tear over the years. If you’ve noticed the need for brick repair in Royal Oak MI, you may be wondering which is best: to do it yourself or hire a professional masonry contractor.
Because brick is such a sensitive material, and the façade of your home is so visible, it’s always best to leave brick repair up to the professionals. That being said, there are pros and cons to each option.
Pros of DIY Brick Repair
- Cost Savings: The potential to save money lures many homeowners to the DIY option. If you don’t have to pay for labor, your savings could be significant even with the cost of materials and tools.
- Flexibility: DIY projects appeal to early birds, night owls, and everyone in between. You can work when you want without external scheduling constraints.
- Personal Satisfaction: Many handy homeowners take great pride in observing the finished product of work they did with their own two hands. Plus, it provides the opportunity to learn new skills and gain an appreciation for masonry work.
Cons of DIY Brick Repair
- Skill Level: Even though there are countless online tutorials and YouTube videos out there walking people through the steps of brick repair, there’s no substitute for professional training. Masonry is about much more than placing bricks down; it’s a skill that’s honed over several years, with a deep knowledge required of brick-laying techniques, mortar mixes, and curing times. These are all essential to a successful brick repair.
- Time: Professionals can complete a job in just a few hours compared with a homeowner doing the same job in many days. Speed originates from experience, efficiency and the use of professional-grade tools. Homeowners who lack this efficiency and access to tools may get frustrated by prolonged projects.
- Safety Risks: From working on ladders for long periods of time to using heavy-duty masonry saws, brick repair is not for the faint of heart. In fact, it can be downright dangerous for the unprepared and inexperienced. Seemingly minor tasks can take on a hazardous tone without the proper training and equipment.
- Quality Concerns: DIY repairs often lack the detail, finesse and durability of professional-grade work. Even small mistakes can result in structural weaknesses, water seepage, or aesthetic variations.
Pros of Hiring Professionals
- Expertise: A professional masonry contractor in Michigan has many years of experience and expertise under their belts, resulting in a quality job that lasts for decades.
- Quality Assurance: An assurance of quality is what you get when you hire a pro. Their reputation rests on the quality of their work, the use of the best materials and tools, and their adherence to proven techniques.
- Time Efficiency: Timely completion is vital, especially when you consider that sometimes delays can worsen brick damage. Professional brick repair contractors arrive with the proper tools and skilled crews that all work to expedite the repair process.
- Safety: Masonry work can be dangerous, especially when you factor in heights and challenging conditions. Professional contractors follow strict safety protocols, including the use of safety gear to prevent accidents.
Cons of Hiring Professionals
- Higher Upfront Costs: Professional expertise is not cheap. You will pay higher initial costs when hiring an expert, but it must be viewed as an investment in the quality and longevity of the brick repair. This will actually end up saving you money in the long run since you won’t have to waste money on premature repairs and replacements that are inherent in a DIY job.
- Scheduling: It takes coordination to hire professionals, which may require adjustments to your schedule, particularly when contractors are in high demand during peak seasons.
Get Your Free Quote For Brick Repair From Dennis Robert Masonry
If you’ve made the wise decision to hire a professional for brick repair in Metro Detroit, contact us today at +1 (248) 794-0066 or fill out our online form for your free quote and consultation.
