What Makes a Great Masonry Contractor? The West & Sons Checklist
When it comes to building or renovating a home, few exterior finishes offer the durability, aesthetic charm, and timelessness of masonry construction. Whether you're fortifying your foundation, restoring a weathered façade, or adding value with a stone feature wall, having the right masonry contractors on your team is essential. But what exactly makes a great masonry contractor?
At West & Sons Construction, we’ve developed a clear checklist that separates top-tier Masonry professionals from the rest. From communication to craftsmanship, here’s what Auckland’s homeowners should look for when hiring masonry experts.
1. Masonry Contractor Licensing and Credentials
Before letting anyone lay a single brick or block, you’ll want to ensure they’re qualified for the job. Great masonry contractors are Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs) with verified training and years of hands-on experience. LBP’s are committed to ongoing learning, training and professional development with annual licence renewals required.
At West & Sons Construction, our team holds current certifications and routinely completes ongoing education to stay up-to-date with building codes and industry standards, especially critical in masonry construction and leaky home reclads.
2. Proven Masonry Contractor Experience
Not all masonry contractors are created equal. One may specialise in large-scale commercial builds, while another excels inresidential masonry repair. It’s crucial to choose a contractor whose experience aligns with your needs.
At West & Sons Construction, our experience spans everything from classic stone chimney restorations, to heritage building in the city to complex retaining wall builds and stone wall builds in the North Shore, Waitakere and throughout Auckland. We encourage clients to browse our blog archive for project highlights, tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at how our craftsmanship and experience comes to life.
3. Mastery of Masonry Construction Materials
Whether you are working with stone, brick, block or veneer, each material has its own quirks and requirements. Exceptional masonry contractors have deep knowledge of how to work with various surfaces, substrates and finishes.
Whether it’s full-blown masonry construction for a home extension or a small-scale masonry repair on your back patio, West & Sons Construction has the experience to choose the right material for both function and beauty. We also factor in local climate, water exposure, water proofing and soil type to ensure every structure we build stands the test of time.
To understand more about masonry repair, read our blog; Effective Masonry Repair Best Practices and Expert Tips.
4. Communication and Transparency for your Masonry Project
You know what's just as important as the build itself? The builder’s communication throughout the project. Leading masonry contractors give clear project timelines, quote accurately, and walk clients through each phase, no jargon or surprises.
We pride ourselves on being responsive and honest. From first consultation to finishing touches, our team keeps clients in the loop and explains the "why" behind every decision. It’s how we’ve earned a reputation for quality masonry services on the North Shore, Hibiscus Coast, North West Auckland and beyond.
5. Commitment to Safety on the Construction Site
Every construction project, no matter how small, involves some level of risk, especially in masonry services involving scaffolding, excavation, and heavy equipment. Outstanding contractors put safety first, for both the client and the team.
At West & Sons Construction, safety isn't a checkbox; it's our responsibility. We follow industry health and safety requirements rigorously and always plan our jobs with structural integrity in mind. From compliant lintel support to wall bracing and waterproofing, we do things right the first time.
6. Eye for Masonry Services Design
Not all masonry is structural, some of it’s purely stunning. Decorative brickwork, garden edging, stone pillars, or a sleek fireplace surround can turn a house into a home. But it takes an artistic eye to pull it off.
We often collaborate with designers and homeowners on creative builds that blend function with flair. Whether you're aiming for a rustic garden wall or a modern stone feature indoors, our team ensures your vision comes to life with quality masonry construction at its core.
7. Full-Service Masonry Services Capabilities
A truly great masonry contrctor doesn’t just build walls—they help build solutions. That means offering complementary services like excavation, waterproofing, recladding, and custom finishing.
West & Sons Construction provides end-to-end construction services including, building, exterior plastering and rendering, renovations, extensions, brick laying, block work and masonry services, making us a one-stop shop for structural upgrades, aesthetic improvements, and masonry repair. Because we’re also qualified builders and plasterers, we seamlessly integrate masonry work into larger home renovation or extension projects.
Why Choose West & Sons Construction as your Masonry Contractors for your Masonry Project or Masonry Repair?
We're more than just masonry contractors, we’re your neighbours. As a locally owned business serving Auckland’s North Shore and Hibiscus Coast, we know the terrain, weather patterns, and building trends that affect your property. Our family-based team combines old-school craftsmanship with modern tools and techniques to deliver flawless results every time.
Whether you need a heritage stone upgrade, a new blockwork foundation, or a simple masonry repair, we’re ready to bring structural integrity and beauty to your next project.
For more information read our blog on Top 10 Questions to ask Before Hiring a Masonry Contractor.
The West & Sons Construction Masonry Contractor Criteria
When selecting a masonry contractor, there are seven key qualities you should look for to ensure a successful build. First, choose someone who is licensed and certified, guaranteeing compliance with building codes and safety standards. Opt for professionals with local experience, as they understand Auckland's unique climate and regulations. A contractor with material expertise will know how to match the right stone or brick to your specific needs, while transparent communication reduces stress by keeping you informed every step of the way. Look for a full-service offering that allows seamless coordination with other trades, plus a creative design sense that adds both visual appeal and property value. Finally, a strong safety culture ensures the project protects everyone involved, from your home to your family.