How to Choose a Concrete Contractor
When you have a concrete project, hiring the right concrete contractor is important. No matter if you’re interested in a driveway, patio, walkway, or other type of project, there are plenty of professionals out there who can help you. However, because you want to ensure your project is done right, you need to be sure that you choose the right one.
Hiring a concrete contractor is more than just finding a name on an internet search or choosing the lowest price. If you want to ensure your project gets done on time, on budget, and with quality in mind, use the following tips to make the right decision.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Before you hire any Joe Schmo, you need to do your research. A simple internet search will give you a list of potential contractors in your area to reach out to regarding your concrete project’s needs. You can also ask friends and family members for referrals, or you can reach out to a local concrete supply company and ask them if they can refer concrete contractors. Having a nice list of options will allow you to comparison shop and make an educated decision.
LOOK FOR EXPERIENCE
You want to ensure you choose a contractor who has experience. Try to choose one who has been in the business for at least five years, as this will give you some level of stability and reliability. Experienced contractors will actively be a part of your project while also providing insights and suggestions to help your project run smoothly. For example, you will want to choose someone who will not only provide the right ready mix concrete necessary for your project but one who also suggests additional options, such as concrete stamps, to enhance the overall look.
VERIFY THE INSURANCE
Sometimes things can go wrong on a job site, and if this happens, you want to be sure you’re not liable. Make certain that the contractors you’re considering have insurance and that it’s adequate enough to cover your home and your project in the event of an accident. To help you decide, you can always contact the insurance company directly and ask to verify the coverage and the dates.
ASK FOR AND CONTACT REFERENCES
Before you sign any contract, always ask the contractor for a list of references, and then contact those references to learn more about the contractor and their operation. Be sure to ask questions regarding the type of project, the length of the project, the contractor’s communication and involvement, and the reference’s overall opinion. Use this information to help you make your final decision.
COMPARE PRICES
When you meet with contractors, they will typically provide you with a quote for the project. Compare the information you receive and use this to help influence your decision. However, you should be wary about choosing a contractor based on price alone, especially if that quote is significantly less than others. These low-ball contractors may cut corners or provide low-quality work, and you don’t want your project to suffer just to save some initial money.
MEASURE YOUR INTERACTIONS
You can tell a lot about someone by the way he or she acts. Consider choosing a contractor that has a friendly demeanor, is willing to spend time meeting with or talking with you, answers your questions, and gets back to you in a timely fashion. This type of interaction can go a long way in proving their dedication and quality. If the contractor seems hesitant to answer any questions, doesn’t call you back, or seems standoffish in any way, consider it an unprofessional sign and move on.
Choosing the right contractor is essential to getting a great finished concrete project. When considering your options, be sure to use these tips to make the best choice.
