The decision that comes along with hiring a concrete contractor is no easy task. Finding and hiring one that is honest, dependable, and delivers quality work is even harder. Most times, people make a decision based on impulse, which can result in elevated costs and lost time. Doing your homework is the most important step of the project so here are 5 “good to know” tips that will help when choosing your concrete contractor.
Insurance
Make sure your contractor is fully licensed and insured and that their insurance policy protects you and the property from on-the-job damages, accidents and incidents. Any professional contractor will have a valid general liability and worker’s comp policy in place. Don’t hesitate to ask for their insurance companies’ information so that you can contact the insurance company directly to verify active coverage and the time frame it covers.
On-The-Job Experience
Look for a concrete contractor who has at least 5 years of experience and has proven to be transparent and reputable. There should be easy to access information about the craftsmanship and experience of their employees and an explanation of the standards they are held to. In addition, an experienced and professional concrete contractor should provide a no obligation, free consultation that demonstrates their ability to listen, communicate and provide recommendations. Insight should be provided so that you get the best results possible and feel comfortable about the project.
Track Record/Reputation
Are there customer reviews? What do people have to say?
Research, Research, Research! The web is a great place to begin your research, especially google. Popular places where you can research a contractor’s reputation are Yelp, Facebook, Houzz, and Angie’s List to start. Read several reviews if they are available, occasionally scrolling to the middle and the bottom of the list. Look out for poor reviews and see if the contractor addressed them head on and responded professionally.
Word-of-mouth is a great option when finding out about the contractor’s reputation. Ask the contractor for references and do not be afraid to follow up. Also ask friends, family, neighbors and other businesses if they know about the company or have had experience working with them.
Pricing
A reputable concrete contractor will be able to provide you with an estimate on the project. Look for a calculated estimate on:
- materials
- services
- add-ons
- additives
- down payment
Next, compare the costs with other local reputable contractors.
Pay close attention when considering the following:
- quality of work
- contractor’s reputation
- services rendered
- your comfort level with the contractor
- contracting company’s overall experience
- time frame of the project
Portfolio
Top notch contractors maintain a website with a media gallery of their recent work. The importance of maintaining and publishing a portfolio of their services is to allow prospective customers to visualize end results and even offer new ideas.