Concrete is a staple building material for many construction and renovation projects. While you want every part of a project to go smoothly, concrete with its solid formation is not a material or area of a project that can easily be rectified if there were errors.
So, selecting an expert concrete company must be an integral part of your project plan. Here are some ideas attributes to seek in a concrete contractor.
Determine the Scope of Your Project
The first step you need to complete is for you and others involved in the project to brainstorm your project. You need to list all the details that you want to accomplish in your building, renovation, addition, or new outdoor living space. A knowledgeable and experienced concrete contractor will be able to use this information and develop a timeline and cost estimates for the job. They should also be able to offer suggestions on ways to improve your ideas.
Seek Recommendations & Search for Contractors
Next, you want to look for a concrete contractor who has earned a great reputation. Ask family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors for details on any concrete contractors that they have used. Add to this list the names of any concrete contractors that you locate through an internet search.
Visit the websites of the contractors. Read through the reviews that have been posted. You can also check the reputation of a concrete contractor on the Better Business Bureau’s website.
Check for Licenses & Bonding
While you are on the websites of potential contractors for your project, look for their licensing information. Each state differs on the licensing requirements. You want to look for a concrete contractor that posts on their website their insurance and bonding information. This is one way to ensure that you are hiring vetted concrete contractors.
Match your Lists to Concrete Contractors’ Expertise
Narrow down your list of potential concrete contractors to those who have good customer reviews and valid insurance. You now want to match your project to that of the contractor’s area of expertise. You can accomplish this by viewing their online portfolio and/or calling the vendor.
Obtain Quotes
You are almost at the point of hiring a contractor for your project! The next step in selecting a concrete contractor is to get quotes. Ensuring that you have developed a detailed list of what to include in the bidding process helps avoid difficulties with payments and project expectations.
Suggestions to include in your bidding process –
Details about the Permits
- Clarify who is removing existing materials and the cost.
- Ensure that curing is included in the project’s timeline.
- Ask about any guarantees on the product and concrete structure.
- Request a detailed timeline.
Money and payments can sometimes create awkward conversations. Before selecting a concrete contractor, you need to discuss payment milestones. Usually, a contractor will ask for a percentage of the total project’s cost before starting the job. This will secure your project’s position in their calendar and pay for some of the materials.
Before paying for accomplishments along the way, be sure the contractor met that milestone to your satisfaction.
Enjoy your new concrete!
