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Managing a Stone Project
Anyone who has been involved in a stone project with traditional techniques knows that it can be an unpredictable, time consuming process that can become frustrating for many reasons. Stonework has long been the one item on an architectural plan that could not be specified in detail by the architect or builder. Without this control over design, the customer had no way of knowing the quality of what he was buying and the architect’s vision frequently wasn’t implemented effectively. In the past, the project simply evolved as the mason worked stone by stone from a pallet of raw stock, and if the fit, cut or pattern was not what the homeowner or designer was anticipating, the only solution was to tear it down and start again.
In stone projects, organization and planning before the job start are key to achieving impressive results and maintaining an orderly jobsite. With New World Stoneworks, every detail is precisely controlled at every step from design to installation.
General Tips – These are general tips for all natural stonework, and they are equally important whether you are using New World Stoneworks system or traditional masonry techniques. We incorporate each of them into our process to ensure total satisfaction with every component of our system.
- When choosing stone, keep in mind that the beauty of natural stone is it’s range of color and texture. Be sure to focus on that range of color and textures that are representative of the type of stone you are choosing, rather than focus on one particular piece of stone. You can also look at how that type of stone appears when set with similar cut patterns and joints in completed work.
- For medium and larger projects, always ask to see a sample board assembled onsite of the stone type, the cut pattern and the edge finished you have chosen. A typical 3’ x 3’ sample board is an essential step in the approval process that should not be skipped. Failing to get a sample board means that your first view of the stonework is only after it has been installed in your project. This is the best way to see the quality of stonework you will be getting on your project.
- Consider all the other components of the project that will abut the stonework such as flooring, plaster, electrical and millwork. Keep in mind that many of these items can not be installed until the stonework is complete, and delays could significantly impact your construction schedule. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of projected installation times to ensure smooth scheduling. This comes standard with every project from New World Stoneworks.
- Think about surrounding landscaping and access routes to the jobsite. Ask how long material will be on the jobsite and how long your access routes will tied up. Pallets of stone in your driveway can be an inconvenience and tons of stones dumped out on your lawn for several weeks could cause costly damage to plantings.
- Remember that portfolios of pictures can be hard to use in gauging what your project may look like. With traditional techniques, you have no way of really knowing who built the project in the picture, if workers on that crew are still there and how long ago it was completed. Actual samples onsite and detailed drawing of YOUR project are by far the best way to know what you are going to get as a project outcome.
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