You need to trust your concrete contractor. Regardless of the project, you’ll need an expert professional who can ensure quality, efficiency, and a successful outcome. It’s great to start with referrals, but you’ll need to meet with the contractor to ask specific questions and see if they’re the best fit for your project. Today, we’ll look at the ten most important questions to ask your concrete contractor before you work together.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
It’s critical to protect yourself and your property. Contractors are required to be licensed and insured to do business, and to make sure you’re covered if anything goes wrong. It also demonstrates their commitment to professionalism and adherence to industry standards.
2. What Experience Do You Have in Concrete Work?
Some contractors offer concrete work as part of a larger suite of services. However, you’ll need to make sure they are experts in concrete — not just hoping to land a new job. Any mistakes made in the installation process can cause numerous issues in the future, so be sure that your contractor can deliver quality work and handle unexpected challenges effectively.
3. Can You Provide References or Examples of Past Projects?
Past work speaks for itself. Request references or examples of past projects to gauge their workmanship and client satisfaction. This will give you a better idea of their capabilities and the quality of their work.
4. What is Your Timeline for Completion?
Though unexpected scenarios can always arise, your concrete contractor should have a clear estimated timeline for the project. This helps set expectations and allows you to plan accordingly.
5. What Type of Concrete Do You Use?
Yes, there are different types of concrete. Some projects may need specialized concrete mixes or additives for durability and longevity. Make sure your contractor understands and can explain the type of material they’ll use.
6. How Do You Handle Delays and Unexpected Challenges?
No project is perfect, but the best contractors are able to manage unforeseen challenges or delays. Ask your contractor to share about how they deal with these types of obstacles. Ask them for examples.
7. What Safety Measures Do You Follow?
Safety is paramount in construction projects. Make sure your contractor follows industry-standard safety protocols to protect both workers and your property.
8. What Is Your Payment Schedule?
Discuss the payment schedule to avoid any surprises down the line. A reputable contractor will have a clear, fair payment plan in place.
9. Will You Obtain the Necessary Permits?
Permits are non negotiable. Check whether the contractor is responsible for obtaining permits or if you need to handle it yourself. Remember that the permit needs to be opened before work begins, then closed after it’s completed. Failure to take care of this step could lead to major problems in the future — particularly if you sell your home.
10. What Warranties or Guarantees Do You Offer?
An excellent concrete contractor will stand behind their work. Ask what type of warranties or guarantees will be provided to ensure you’re satisfied with the result. These should be provided in writing.
Prepare Before You Meet With Your Concrete Contractor
It’s a good idea to brainstorm a list of questions before you interview a concrete contractor. Besides these listed above, you should also understand how your potential concrete contractor will handle cleanup and disposal, their stance on sustainable practices, and their approach to communication during the project.
Connect With Us
We offer 20 years of expertise at Quality Concrete Construction, and we’d be happy to talk with you about our process. We can handle residential or commercial projects, and we offer a wide variety of concrete services from driveway installation to sidewalks and much more. We proudly serve the Indianapolis area, and we are looking forward to connecting with you. Contact us today.