Discover the best questions to ask your concrete contractor
Once you have your short list of contractors to contact, ask them few questions to see how experienced he is and if he has all necessary licenses and ability to get permits. Here is a list of questions you need to ask your potential concrete contractor.
Question # 1 What is your qualification?
Though a great deal of formal education is not needed for your concrete contractor, he should be properly trained. So you should check into the training process that he had gone through.
Question # 2 How long have you been in the concrete business?
An experienced contractor will be able to give you helpful insights on your project. Your contractor should have a minimum of 5 years experience in his business. This indicates stability and reliability which is a must in this kind of work. The more experience, the more likely you’ll be satisfied with the work.
Question # 3 When was the last training class or seminar you’ve attended?
To deliver an impressive project for you, your concrete contractor should know the latest techniques and products used in the business. Ask whether he had undergone any training in the past two years.
Question # 4 How much experience do you have in my type of project?
It is better to choose a contractor who spends most of his day in a particular area of concrete, rather than spreading himself thin over a variety of projects. If a patio is in your future, find a contractor who designs and constructs the types of patios you are looking for. If you’re looking for a concrete driveway, ask how many driveways the contractor has poured.
Question # 5 What specific insurance coverage do you have?
It is important to choose a concrete contractor who has adequate insurance coverage to safeguard you and your property from any potential liabilities resulting from an accident in your work site. Obtain a liability of insurance certificate made out in your name. The insurance companies give these out on a regular basis. Do not be timid to ask for it. It is the only sure proof of insurance. For extra peace of mind, check whether his workman’s compensation coverage are currently in force.
Question # 6 Do you have references?
Contacting previous clients will give you insight on a contractor’s work ethic. The concrete contractor you hire should have a history of satisfied clients.
- Make sure to ask for three client references in the past year.
- Contact them and you can learn whether the contractor showed up for work on time, finished the project on schedule and presented himself in a profession manner.
- Do an ocular visit to their previous work sites.
The great thing about this industry is contractors can’t really hide the quality of their work because it’s right there for everyone to see. Just by looking at a site with a similar work to what you want, you can have a good idea about the contractor’s workmanship.
Question # 7 Do you guarantee your work?
The best thing you can do is hire a contractor who unconditionally guarantees his work. Perhaps the most stress relief comes from the fact that the general contractor is responsible for the quality of all the work. If something goes wrong during the construction, it’s up to him to get it fixed. The cost of those repairs comes out of the contract budget, not your pocket.
Next Concreting Tip in Series: How To Check The Financial Safety Of Your Concrete Contractor
