For your project, installing concrete for the floor, patio, pool deck, or driveway is a good option because it’s known for its durability. Achieving your desired outcome, however, is possible if you hire professional concrete contractors. That’s why finding a reliable and experienced contractor should be one of your priorities.
You can single out the best by asking prospects the following questions:
One of the most important questions you shouldn’t forget is asking their years of experience. You need to ask this question so you’ll know whether they have enough experience in different types of concrete projects.
If they say they’ve been operating for years, then it may mean they’ve complete various concrete projects. To verify their answer, you can ask for their business permits and licenses or check their site. By doing so, you’ll see the dates that they’ve registered, renewed, and the like, since a reputable concrete contractor’s website will contain such information.
Knowing all these data will help you determine their level of expertise as well; the more years they’ve been working on, the more experienced they are. They may have experienced difficulties, but years of experience may have taught them the right solutions.
Moreover, an experienced concrete contractor knows how to keep your concrete withstand grueling use. They can even extend your paved surfaces’ lives by considering several factors like surface and drainage aging, water exposure, and traffic patterns. As a result, you can even reduce your maintenance and repair costs.
Can You Show Me A Portfolio Of Your Previous Work?
Asking the concrete contractor’s portfolio is one way to verify how long they’ve been operating. Here, you’ll see their finished projects and designs. Show many finished projects indicates that they have a sufficient amount of experience, making them one of the best in the industry.
You can also use their portfolio to check if their designs are your preference. Although they may be open to your preference, it’s still best if the contractor has a background or past project that’s similar to yours.
You can also visit the website of known, top-rated concrete contractors as they’re most likely to post their portfolio of designs, especially if you’re looking for experienced concrete contractors for stamped concrete projects. These projects involve decorative or patterned concrete to break away from ordinary concrete. Depending on your project, you may choose to have it personalized.
From patina to stained, you can see these on the concrete contractor’s portfolio to cut stone or slate. If their portfolio even shows imprints on stamped concrete or figures and forms, then the better. This means that you have many designs to choose from.
Other than asking them to show their finished projects and designs, you should also ask them if they’re using quality concrete because the project’s quality will also depend on the quality of the concrete. Whether they’re using ready mix concrete or other concrete types, you should identify if it’s of high-quality.
However, there are ways to know if they’re using high-quality concrete. First is to ask them if you can visit one of their ongoing concrete construction projects. That way, you can see how they work and verify the quality of the concrete.
If they allow you to be on-site while testing the concrete’s strength, you may observe them doing a compression test and other non-destructive concrete construction tests. The compression test on concrete cores is one of the most reliable and cost-effective ways to check the concrete’s durability. This method will see or cut the concrete core from the same structure and use it for compressive strength. Using this method can tell if the construction has been done properly.
If you want to easily know if they’ve used quality concrete, you can search for reviews on the internet. Nowadays, clients leave ratings to show gratitude or dismay. Some even write reviews of their experience with such contractors.
By confirming their answer via feedback from previous clients, you can make a wiser decision whether to hire them or not.
Are You Protected With Insurance?
Lastly, you shouldn’t forget to ask whether the contractors have their insurance. When you work with contractors that have insurance for their workers, you wouldn’t be liable for on-site injuries.
On the other hand, if they don’t have insurance, you may have to spend some money when accidents occur during your project. That’s why it’s best to ask this question so that you’ll be ready for possible accidents.
Conclusion:
Those are the questions you need to ask concrete contractors before signing a contract with them.
Asking them their years of experience will give you confidence that they have enough skills for your project. To know if their designs are in line with your preference, you should also see their portfolio. If possible, you can ask them to allow you when they conduct a compression test on their concrete construction to check their project personally. Lastly, always ask if their workers are covered with insurance if ever accidents occur.
