9 Tips on How to Find a Good Concrete Contractor

If you are considering starting a project that requires a concrete contractor, it is essential to hire the right one for the job. Finding a reliable concrete contractor that completes the job promptly, provides quality work, and communicates with you can be tricky. If you consider the following tips on how to find a good concrete contractor, the whole process will be a lot simpler.

1. Do Your Research

If you want to know how to find a good concrete contractor, being prepared and educated about the job you need completed will make the process run more smoothly. It is a good idea to ask questions and make sure to choose a contractor who is comfortable responding to technical issues. You also want someone willing to explain the process to you, so you know what to expect.

2. Ask for Recommendations

Knowing how to find a good concrete contractor can be a long process, but a great place to start when finding a reliable contractor is starting with recommendations. Friends and family members will be handy to you during this time. You can rely on their personal experience with the potential contractors and, as a result, you can make sure they can provide quality work and can complete the job on time.

3. Get Everything in Writing 

Try not to leave anything up for discussion when it comes to creating written contracts. Be sure that you consider all aspects of the project, and it put them into writing. Therefore, everyone on the job understands their responsibilities ahead of time, and it ensures quality work. A couple of things to consider when making a contract are the work schedule, necessary materials, payment, and who is responsible for cleaning up the job site when the project is complete. If everything is in writing, you can make sure that things are running smoothly and going the way that you discussed.  

4. Compare Prices

When you meet with potential contractors, they should provide you with a quote for the job that you are requesting. Getting multiple written estimates from experienced contractors is a good idea so that you can compare prices. Comparing prices alone is important, but you also want to consider the quality of work too. At the end of the day, you want to get the highest quality of work done for the best price.

5. Obtain the Proper License 

Some states require concrete contractors to be licensed, so it is essential to verify if your state requires a license. If a license is required, the state licensing board can be a resource to show you if the potential contractors have a valid license. If your project requires a permit, make sure that you choose a contractor that can obtain the permit promptly before breaking ground. 

6. Measure Your Interactions 

When hiring a concrete contractor, try to determine whether you communicate well with the personality of the potential contractor that you are looking to hire. If you want a contractor that will communicate with you, consider each interaction that you have with the contractor. When deciding, you should reflect on these interactions and determine if they are the right fit for the job. If you want someone who will answer your questions, take the time to meet with you, and who responds to you promptly, keep track of the interactions you have had and asses each candidate from there.  

7. Request a List of References  

If you want to know about previous works the contractor completed, ask for a list of references to contact. Make sure to ask the reference questions regarding different aspects of the project. Some good questions to ask are:

— Was the final cost of the project close to the original written estimate?

— Was the project completed on time?

— Did the concrete contractor provide transparent, open communication?

It is also a good idea to contact an older reference, maybe from a couple of years back. That way, you can see how well the concrete project held up over time.  

8. Look For Experience

Find a concrete contractor that has experience in the field but, more importantly, has experience with the specific job that you need completed. Whether you are looking for decorative concrete, concrete driveways, or maybe even a driveway patio, be certain that the contractor has experience in these areas. A contractor that has experience will make sure to use quality concrete, and find the right type of concrete for each job. Another thing you may consider is the certification of the contractor. Certifications can indicate a high level of professionalism and skill, which is something to consider.

9. Verify the Insurance 

On occasion, things may not go the way we anticipate on the job site. If something does happen, you want to ensure that you have insurance and that your company is not liable. You want to be confident that your home or commercial project will be covered in the event of an accident. You may contact the insurance company directly to confirm the coverage and the specific dates of the concrete project.