Terms of Service

1. Service Agreement

By requesting a free estimate or entering into a contract with Masonry Contractors of Gulfport, you agree to these terms and conditions. We provide professional masonry contracting services including brick, stone, and concrete block installation, repair, and restoration work in Gulfport, Mississippi, and surrounding areas.

All work is performed in accordance with applicable building codes, industry standards, and local regulations. We reserve the right to refuse any project that we deem unsafe, unethical, or outside our scope of expertise.

2. Free Estimates

We offer free, written estimates for masonry projects. During the estimate process, we will inspect your property, discuss project scope, materials, and timeline. Estimates are valid for 30 days from the date issued unless otherwise stated in writing.

• Estimates are provided at no cost or obligation
• We will clearly outline the scope of work, materials, and labor costs
• Additional costs may apply if the project scope changes or unforeseen conditions arise
• Estimates do not constitute a binding contract until a formal agreement is signed

3. Payment Policies

Payment terms will be clearly outlined in the project contract. We accept the following payment methods:

• Check or cashier's check
• Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
• Bank transfer or ACH payment
• Cash (for projects under $2,000)

Payment Schedule: For larger projects, we typically require a 50% deposit upon contract signing, with the balance due upon project completion and final inspection. For smaller projects, full payment may be due upon completion. Specific payment schedules will be agreed upon in writing before work begins.

Late Payment Fees: If payment is not received within 15 days of the invoice date, a late fee of 1.5% per month (18% annually) will be applied to the outstanding balance. We reserve the right to suspend work on any project with outstanding payments.

4. Project Timeline & Scheduling

Project timelines will be provided in the written contract and are estimates based on typical conditions. Actual completion dates may vary due to factors beyond our control, including:

• Adverse weather conditions (rain, extreme heat, freezing temperatures)
• Unforeseen structural or site conditions discovered during work
• Material delays or supply chain disruptions
• Permit or inspection delays
• Changes to the project scope requested by the client

We will communicate any significant delays as soon as possible. We make every effort to schedule and complete projects on time, but we cannot guarantee completion by a specific date unless otherwise agreed in writing with penalty clauses.

5. Warranty & Guarantees

Workmanship Warranty: We guarantee all workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of project completion. This warranty covers defects in installation, including improper mortar joints, misaligned brick or stone, and structural issues directly caused by our installation methods.

Material Warranty: Materials are warranted by their manufacturers. We will assist in coordinating warranty claims for defective materials, but material warranties are the responsibility of the manufacturer, not Masonry Contractors of Gulfport.

Warranty Exclusions: This warranty does not cover:

• Damage caused by weather, natural disasters, or acts of God
• Damage caused by improper maintenance or care by the property owner
• Damage caused by third-party work or modifications
• Settling or movement of the foundation or structure
• Cosmetic issues that do not affect structural integrity
• Damage from freeze-thaw cycles or salt exposure (coastal areas)

To claim warranty coverage, you must contact us in writing within 30 days of discovering the defect. We will inspect the work and determine if the issue is covered under warranty.

6. Liability & Insurance

Masonry Contractors of Gulfport maintains comprehensive general liability insurance and worker's compensation insurance. Our insurance provides coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and workers' compensation claims.

Limitations of Liability: Our total liability for any project shall not exceed the total contract price. We are not responsible for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including loss of use, business interruption, or loss of profits.

Property Protection: We take reasonable precautions to protect your property during work, including covering surrounding areas, using drop cloths, and securing the work site. However, we are not responsible for minor dust, debris, or temporary disruptions that are normal consequences of construction work.

7. Change Orders & Scope Modifications

If you request changes to the project scope after the contract is signed, a written change order must be completed and signed by both parties before additional work begins. Change orders will outline:

• Description of the change
• Additional cost or credit
• Impact on project timeline
• Updated completion date if applicable

No change orders will be honored without written authorization. We are not responsible for cost overruns or delays resulting from undisclosed or unauthorized changes.

8. Unforeseen Site Conditions

During construction, unforeseen conditions may be discovered that were not apparent during the initial estimate, such as:

• Structural damage or deterioration beyond visible inspection
• Unstable soil or foundation issues
• Underground utilities or obstacles
• Mold, water damage, or environmental hazards
• Asbestos or other hazardous materials

If unforeseen conditions are discovered, we will stop work and notify you immediately. A change order will be required to address the additional work, and costs will be estimated based on the actual conditions found. We cannot proceed with work until authorization and payment arrangements are agreed upon.

9. Cancellation & Termination

Client Cancellation: If you wish to cancel a project before work begins, you may do so with written notice at no charge (except for any materials already purchased). If work has begun, cancellation fees will apply based on work completed, materials purchased, and labor costs incurred.

Our Right to Terminate: We reserve the right to terminate a project if:

• Payment is not made according to the agreed schedule
• The client is abusive, threatening, or harassing toward our crew
• Site conditions make the work unsafe or impossible
• The client fails to provide access or required utilities
• The project scope changes significantly without compensation

If we terminate a project, you will be billed for all work completed, materials purchased, and labor costs incurred up to the date of termination.

10. Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute regarding our services or this agreement, the parties agree to the following process:

Step 1 - Direct Communication: The client will contact us in writing (email or certified mail) describing the issue. We will respond within 5 business days and attempt to resolve the matter directly.

Step 2 - Mediation: If the issue is not resolved within 14 days, both parties agree to participate in non-binding mediation with a neutral third party. Mediation costs will be split equally.

Step 3 - Arbitration or Legal Action: If mediation fails, either party may pursue arbitration or legal action in accordance with Mississippi state law and local court jurisdiction.

Jurisdiction: This agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Mississippi. Any legal action or proceeding shall be brought exclusively in the courts located in Harrison County, Mississippi.

11. Permits & Inspections

We will assist in coordinating necessary permits and inspections with local building departments. Permit costs, if any, will be included in the project estimate or addressed via change order.

The client is responsible for obtaining property owner authorization and ensuring that all work complies with HOA rules or rental property restrictions. We are not responsible for violations of HOA covenants or lease agreements.

If inspections fail due to workmanship issues, we will make corrections at no additional charge. If inspections fail due to code changes or design specifications, additional costs may apply.

12. Safety & Property Protection

Safety: All work will be performed in compliance with OSHA regulations and industry safety standards. Our crew members are trained in safe work practices. The client must ensure that all family members, pets, and unauthorized persons stay clear of the work site.

Property Protection: We will make reasonable efforts to protect your property, including:

• Using drop cloths and protective coverings
• Cleaning the work area daily
• Securing the work site to prevent unauthorized access
• Removing debris and waste materials

The client is responsible for removing or protecting valuable items, landscaping, or property that could be affected by construction work. We are not responsible for damage to items left in the work area or for pre-existing damage to the property.

13. Cleanup & Final Inspection

Upon project completion, we will clean the work area and remove all construction debris and waste materials. A final inspection will be conducted to ensure the work meets our quality standards and the contract specifications.

The client will be notified when the project is ready for final walkthrough. Any punch-list items (minor corrections or touch-ups) will be addressed within 5 business days of final inspection, weather permitting.

14. Limitation of Damages

EXCEPT IN CASES OF GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT, MASONRY CONTRACTORS OF GULFPORT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF USE, OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Our total liability for any claim arising out of or related to this agreement or the services provided shall not exceed the total contract price for the project in question.

15. Questions or Concerns

If you have any questions about these terms of service or our policies, please contact us:

16. Acknowledgment & Agreement

By signing a contract with Masonry Contractors of Gulfport or proceeding with a project after receiving a written estimate, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these terms of service. If you do not agree with these terms, please do not engage our services.

These terms may be updated from time to time. The most current version will be maintained on our website. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of any updated terms.