Concrete Contractor – Hiring Steps
Step 1: Get at least three bids. Surely, hiring a Concrete Contractor could be a real challenge. As with any project, try to get at least three bids to ensure you’ve done proper market evaluation. Secondly, spend some time researching and choose a variety of large and small companies. It’s great if you can take recommendations from your business neighbors or friends and try to get a minimum of three references from each contractor.
Get a Good Estimate from Concrete Contractor
How to determine material costs. Part of the contractor’s estimate involves the materials cost. However, most contractors include an outline of the materials cost for a full accounting of the project. Be leery of meager prices. That can be a good thing, but the price for epoxy materials isn’t going to vary wildly enough to make up for a bad job.
Consider the time taken to deliver the estimate. If a contractor tells you that the estimate will be done within a few days but doesn’t actually get it to you within a week, this is likely a reflection of their work on the job as well. You want to find a contractor who sticks to their word and considers whether they did everything they said they would regarding the estimate. It is an excellent way to evaluate your project’s future and prevent any possible setbacks due to a bad work ethic.
Ask a Concrete Contractor More Questions
Step 2: It’s your obligation to ask questions. There are so many questions to think about in hiring any contractor. Moreover, you might consider a few tips to find a contractor who fits best with your own ideas:
- Does your contractor have an office? Owners want the contractors to operate their business from a permanent office. How can you be confident if the contractor is not permanently established? How will they complete the project, or will they stay in business tomorrow?
- Does your contractor have adequate insurance coverage? A professional contractor will have workers’ compensation, the General Liability insurance, and most preferably the Umbrella Policy, in case of any accidents on the job. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance that includes all info about policies and keep them on file.
- Is the company in good standing, and how long has it been in business? Considering the length of time a contractor has been in business is a good indicator of their ability. Their portfolio could be a good proof of business length. You have to be careful with a contractor promising to be an overnight success. A long-time, well-established contractor is likely to be a safer deal.
- What is the contractor’s record on complaint resolution? Make sure to get references, check their Google reviews of past work.
Get everything in writing, and spell out exactly what the concrete contractor will and will not do, starting from the estimate. The contract is one of the best ways to prevent issues before you start. The contract protects you and the contractor by including everything you have both agreed upon, and all concerns are addressed to avoid miscommunication.
Avoid Scams
Step 3: Beware of scams. The best way to prevent a bad experience when trying to find a concrete contractor is to take a proactive approach to research all potential candidates. Also, you should reduce your possible negative experience significantly if you use the following tips to avoid problematic contractors:
- Avoid those who only accept cash payments, offer discounts, or pressure you to make a fast decision.
- Verify the company whether it has a local address. Try to avoid contractors who only give you a telephone number.
- Get from the contractor a few references from past clients and check them carefully. A contractor who doesn’t have any references should be avoided.
What is a Contract?
In fact, contracts can be short or lengthy, especially when it’s a large project run by a general contractor. In general, the contract creating is a lawyer’s responsibility who’s willing to protect the company or person named in the contract. Yet, most people are quick to sign a contract without even reading it. Read all paperwork carefully and protect yourself.
Working with Contractors
Lastly, after hiring a concrete contractor and signing a contract, it’s important to follow a project’s schedule. Honest contractors depend on satisfied clients, but sometimes, owners and contractors need to find ways to work together to solve unexpected problems. Also, you will need to cooperate with the contractor in a good manner, willing to finish the project in time and with adequate quality.
You might be interested to read about Concrete Calculator and Self-leveling Concrete.