How to choose the right concrete contractor for your project

Finding the right concrete contractor takes time and diligence, but your efforts will ensure you get your money’s worth. Do some initial research on the Internet to create a list of potential contractors. Take the time to educate yourself about the business so you can ask the right questions.

Here are some of the most important questions to ask potential contractors:

1. How long have you been in the concrete business?
Generally, a contractor with a minimum of 5 years of experience in the business indicates stability and reliability, which is a must in this type of work. The last thing you want is someone who goes back on their word and fails to get the job done or gets it done unsatisfactorily. Also, an experienced contractor will be able to provide you with useful information about your project.

2. What specific insurance coverage do you have?
It is very important to choose a contractor that has adequate insurance coverage to protect you and your property from any potential liability resulting from an accident at your workplace. Professional decorative concrete contractors should have at least general liability coverage, as well as workers’ compensation and automobile insurance. Call the insurance company to verify the effective dates of the policies.

3. When was the last training class or seminar you attended?
Ideally, choose a contractor who has received recent training, say within the last two years. This shows that they know the latest products, techniques and methods used in the business.

Ask for References
Be sure to ask for references from 3 clients in the last year. Contacting previous clients will give you an idea of ​​a contractor’s work ethic.

Review quotes
When comparing quotes, never make your choice based on price alone. Beware of very low rates because low bidders often take many shortcuts in their work and use poor quality materials. Feel free to ask the contractor about any item on the quote that you are not familiar with. You have the right to know what you are going to pay. Also, look at the project time frame. It would be great to find someone who could get the job done quickly without sacrificing quality. As long as the time frame is reasonable, it makes sense for a contractor who can complete the job faster to charge more.

Visit your job site
Pay an eye visit to one of your previous job sites. The great thing about this industry is that contractors really can’t hide the quality of their work because it’s there for all to see. Just by looking at a site with a job similar to the one you want, you can get a good idea about the contractor’s workmanship.

Check the contract
Putting all agreements in writing will help reduce any potential conflicts during and after the project. A professional concrete contractor should provide you with a written contract detailing all the work to be done. Be sure to review the contract carefully. Only sign the contract when you are absolutely comfortable with all of its terms.

go with your instinct
Even after due diligence on your part, it could be that you still can’t decide who to hire. In this case, you may have to stick to what your gut tells you. You would want a contractor who represents himself professionally and is pleasant to work with.