I'm getting new windows installed next week in my brick home, which currently has old, rotten wood windows. I want some of the window openings to be larger, and while most companies advised that I'd need a mason for that, the company I ended up hiring (who also did my roof) claimed they can handle cutting the brick without any structural issues. They have a solid reputation in the area, but after hearing mixed opinions from other companies, I'm starting to wonder if I should be concerned. What questions should I ask them before installation?
3 Answers
Just make sure they’ve got the right expertise. Ask if they have a mason on staff and how many similar projects they’ve completed. If they’re confident and experienced, you should be fine. If your bricks are structural, they may need to adjust the lintel as well, so confirm that with them.
Window companies often shy away from resizing openings because it's outside their usual job scope. They typically just swap windows, so they might not have the skills for brick cutting. It's a good idea to get quotes from specialized masonry or construction companies for the brick resizing. That way, you know exactly what to expect before they start installing the windows.
Cutting the brick isn’t a huge issue; the real challenge is ensuring it looks good afterward. I’d be cautious of any company that readily agrees to it. You might want to ask how they plan to handle the installation and make sure they’re experienced with this kind of work. It's important they have a vision for maintaining the aesthetic.