Concrete is one of the most durable building materials available. In fact, the oldest man-made concrete mixture has been dated to 500 B.C. That makes it the perfect choice for driveways, patios, and even flooring. Though it is possible to lay concrete on your own, it’s far better to leave it to an experienced concrete company. Here are a few things to look for when hiring a concrete contractor.
Experience
Though concrete looks simple to install, it’s easy to make mistakes. Those mistakes can be difficult to correct and could end up ruining your home improvement budget. When getting quotes from companies, make sure they have enough experience working on projects like yours. If not, keep looking.
Positive Customer Reviews
Every reliable and trustworthy concrete company should be willing to provide references. During the interview process, ask the contractors for a list of references and follow up with those references. If their previous clients are happy with their work, you probably will be too. If past clients express concerns, continue shopping around.
Written Estimates
A verbal estimate is all well and good, but it won’t give you the information you need to compare rates with other concrete companies. Make sure the contractors you’re interested in working with provide you with a detailed written estimate. This should include labor and material costs and break down any extra fees that you could incur during the project.
Valid Insurance
Every contractor, no matter what industry they work in, should have valid liability and workers compensation insurance plans in place before they start working on your project. Without the insurance, you could be liable for damages to your property and any injuries their crew suffers on the job. Ask for proof of insurance before signing the contract.
Fair and Reasonable Prices
Though it may be tempting to base your choice in concrete company solely on price alone, it’s not the best option. Instead, you’ll need to look at the services they offer, the timeline they can work in, and their experience in the industry. This means the more reliable and experienced company may not be the most affordable. Instead of looking for bottom-dollar rates, look for fair and reasonable prices that match the skills and services the contractors provide.
Spare yourself the frustration and headache of finding a reliable concrete company. Follow these simple tips and you’ll be able to find the right concrete contractors to handle your project.
