Planning on building a commercial or private property, but want to get the job done well? Maybe you’re looking for an elegant finish. Maybe what you want is simpler, but you want it to last forever. Unless you’re a professional builder yourself, you’ll have to invest a lot of time and effort into finding the best concrete pourer.
Working with the right concrete pourer gives you the professionalism you look for in construction. But, like anything else, you’ll need to know what you’re looking for before you go shopping. That’s where today’s article comes in.
Join us today as we bring you seven important tips for finding top-notch concrete pourers to help you get the job done.
1. Value Experience
It’s a tale as old as time: when you don’t know enough about a service to know what is good and what is bad, look for someone who’s done it for a long time. While this might not guarantee any kind of quality to their work, it does mean that they have staying power. That local clients haven’t run them out on a rail.
When hiring concrete services, industry experience should be a big factor. Make sure they have been in business for more than five years. This will show reliability and stability, and shows that they will be ready to provide technical support unique situation.
2. Insurance Checks
You wouldn’t drive your car without insurance, and that’s a mindset that should apply to concrete services. Whatever concrete company you work with should theoretically be able to make a mistake and not try to claim you’re the one responsible.
It is up to you to verify the concrete floor grinding technicians you will be working with having their own insurance policy. And that has to apply, specifically, to the project you’re about to hire them for.
You may also want to check the insurance policy coverage date, and perhaps even call up the insurer themselves. This will help you sidestep partial or unapplicable policies in the event of an emergency.
3. Price Comparison
Of course, getting the best deal possible is the same across all industries, at least in one important way. No matter the people you’re working with, the service you need, or the industry itself, you can and always should compare prices.
Once you’ve met your concrete service contractor, you’ll want to ask them to provide a project quote (they’ll actually usually offer it, first). This is important information, so tell them you’ll need a day or two to decide.
Compare quotes from different contractors and use them to make a better, more informed decision. You can always get low-quality service from some contractors, so make sure not to simply pick the lowest price out there. You want to balance out good services and reasonable prices for the best results.
4. Online Reputation Search
We live in a digital age, which is great for anybody trying to follow up on a potential contractor. Really, with Google, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Facebook and even Twitter to fall back on, you’d have to try hard not to find reviews when you need them.
There are thousands of concrete companies on the Internet, today, to the point that those who aren’t online don’t seem like they’re trying. Online reputation is more important than ever, and the most popular way there is of measuring reliability.
Give contractors who receive multiple positive rating more of a priority. While there are certainly ways to game the system, most of the time, these reviews are your best way of gauging a contractor’s quality of work.
5. Gauge Their Customer Service
The customer service center is the modern hub of all good businesses. Whether it’s a whole department or just one guy with a phone and an email address, good customer service is always worthwhile.
When hiring a service provider, try to hire a technician who cares enough to provide customer service. You want someone well-timed, respectful, and who is open and honest when they communicate with you. Friendly people who listen to you and understand your needs should always win over talented professionals who act like you’re a joke to them.
6. Review Their Portfolio
Of course, customer service and some glowing reviews are only half of the puzzle when it comes to contractors. The other half is the all-important portfolio. Before committing to hiring someone, ask them to present some of your previous work for you to look through.
This shouldn’t be a problem, and someone acting cagey over this should be a big warning. Most companies will have a portfolio of previous jobs for you to look through. They may even offer services you hadn’t expected, advanced techniques, or self leveling concrete.
These images may even be available for free via their website. Either way, you’ll need them for inspiration and to confirm they meet your requirements.
7. Licenses and Certifications
Concrete contracting isn’t something you’re going to want to leave to just anyone. Make sure to ask about licensing and certification documents before hiring any company. There are federal and state requirements for these companies to follow for regulatory purposes.
Concrete companies with certifications are legal within your county and the country, overall. Unlicensed companies are not. Don’t bother dealing with these companies as their skills and equipment are often not up to par with what most projects will require.
Get Ready To Find The Best Concrete Contractor
There are several factors to consider when looking for the best concrete pourer. From portfolio samples to licenses, certifications and price comparisons, the best advice is to do your research. Find out as much as you can about the company, be thorough, and don’t compromise.
Once you’ve chosen a licensed, insured, well-reviewed company, you can start in on their services. Ask for things like raising and leveling, void filling, and crack repair. Congratulations, you’ve just found a reliable contractor to provide the exact service you’re looking for.
Looking for more great business and lifestyle content? Be sure to check out the rest of our blog posts, today. Alternatively, check out our contractor services database and find a professional in your area, today!