Helpful Tips To Find Great Concrete Contractors Near Me!
Every homeowner understands just how important concrete maintenance and upgrades are for a property’s curb appeal, and that concrete work is seemingly always just around the corner for every household.
When you’re doing Google searches like concrete contractors near me, you’ll likely be flooded with dozens of options located throughout your area. It can naturally be tough to differentiate your best options from one another, which is why we’ve developed this list of tips to help you find great contractors in your local area!
Understanding Your Concrete Project
Finding the best concrete contractor starts with you understanding the unique requirements of your upcoming project. Knowing what you want can sometimes be easier said than done in these scenarios, so there are some specific factors that you should keep in mind.
Many people have a budget for their concrete project, and you should come to terms with just how important your budget is. Less experienced contractors will likely offer more affordable rates, and you may find an up-and-coming company that offers competitive rates—but any lack of experience could be a risk.
Others prioritize quality workmanship over budget, and if this sounds like you, then you’ll be better off hiring an established concrete contractor with many years of experience.
You’ll also want to understand the style of concrete work that you’d like to receive. Although many concrete contractors are very versatile in terms of the services that they provide, there are some specialists who focus on specific industry areas and skills.
Creating Your Shortlist of Local Concrete Contractors
Once you know what you’re looking for with your next concrete contractor hiring decision, it’s time to start narrowing down your local area’s top options.
A great place to start with your search is through your friends and family, and it’s likely that you know someone who’s recently hired a concrete contractor. Internet browsing is also a good option when you’re on the hunt for a new contractor, but online homework can quickly get complicated.
Below are some important company traits to keep in mind while you’re browsing through the websites of your local concrete contractors:
- Professionalism
- Transparency
- Industry knowledge
- Contact information
By keeping these traits in mind, you can begin narrowing down the best options throughout your local area more efficiently.
Questions To Ask Concrete Contractors During Consultation Calls
Once you’ve done your research and created a shortlist of local contractor options, it’ll be time to start calling them. This can naturally make people feel uncomfortable, but it’s important to remember that the right contractor will make you feel comfortable during your consultation call.
Some important questions to keep in mind while you’re calling prospective concrete contractors include:
- What kind of concrete is best for my property’s soil type?
- Do you use concrete additives?
- What is your company’s water-cement ratio? Why exactly is that your ratio?
- Is rebar a good option for my concrete project?
- How will you make sure that my new concrete won’t crack?
- How can I maintain my new concrete and ensure its durability?
Get Quotes & Compare Prices
Cost is always a huge factor for any home improvement project, which is why you should at least try to get an estimate or quote from a contractor prior to hiring them.
You’ll want to keep your personal priorities in mind when you’re comparing prices between several contractors, because more affordable options aren’t necessarily going to be the highest quality. It’s actually a serious red flag when you receive concrete project quotes that are significantly more affordable than competitor prices, because this could be indicative of a lack of insurance or industry licenses.
It’s also a red flag when concrete contractors try to upsell you during your consultation calls, so remain focused on your specific priorities while also staying open to a contractor’s suggestions.
When you feel comfortable with a specific contractor, ask them for an in-person visit so they can formulate their project estimate.
Request References
Although you can go online and read through a concrete contractor’s reviews, you should also try to speak directly with a company’s references. Once you’ve gotten in contact with these references, you’ll want to ask them the following questions:
- What was your recent concrete project like?
- How long did it take for the project to be completed?
- What was the contractor’s communication like? Were you satisfied with how they communicated with you?
- Did you feel like you received a good return on your investment?
- Would you recommend this contractor to your friends and family?
Ask About The Contractor’s Schedule
If all goes well with the references you speak with and you’d like to consider a contractor for your project, you’ll want to ask about their company schedule prior to making any final decisions.
Scheduling truly is essential when it comes to concrete pours, and this is partly because it’s best to stay off of fresh concrete for at least a week. This means you likely won’t want to have your new concrete poured right before hosting a party at your house!
Making sure that your contractor’s schedule aligns with yours is a huge part of the hiring process, but this typically isn’t much of an issue if you have a flexible schedule for your upcoming project.
Get Your Contract in Writing
No one wants to get into a “he said, she said” situation with a concrete contractor, so it’s important to remember that you’re only guaranteed certain services when you get things in writing.
Written contracts are generally a standard procedure for most reputable contractors, and it doesn’t hurt to ask them about their contract process prior to signing anything. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind while you’re reviewing a contract:
- What’s the specific work schedule?
- What materials will be required for your project?
- What are the precise details of the payment timeline?
- Who’s responsible for cleaning up the project site when everything is completed?
Reach Out To DMT Contractors When You’re Looking For Concrete Contractors Near Me!
It’s sometimes tough when you’re navigating your way between local concrete contractors, but the above tips will go a long way to ensure that you remain on the right track toward a long-term concrete solution at your home.
You can learn more about concrete contractors and your upcoming project needs by going through the link located at the top of this page and speaking directly with the industry experts at DMT Contractors!