Commercial concrete projects can range from small repairs to new constructions. Whether you are trying to expand or maintain your business, it’s important that your concrete work is done right. So, make sure you do what’s necessary to hire the right contractor for the job.
Reach Out To Your Network
The best place to start looking for any contractor is within your network. Talk to other businesses in your area who have had concrete work done recently and ask them who they have used. Personal experience is one of the best ways to separate quality companies from companies of inferior quality. People you are already familiar with will be more likely to stay honest and look out for your interests in their recommendations. Start with your network to gather a list of recommendations.
Search Reputable Online Databases
There are many places online you can turn to that have shortlisted their top recommended contractors in a variety of areas, including concrete. Yelp, Angie’s List, and other social networking sites cast a wider net and also come with online reviews. The Better Business Bureau also indicates a company’s standing with the public and tells you if they have any unresolved issues. Looking for local businesses like a Cincinnati concrete company should give you a bunch of results, try to compare their Google reviews to see who brings a good reputation.
Come Up With Your List Of Questions
When you have shortlisted the concrete companies, it’s important to have a list of 3-5 companies to consider working with. But you don’t want to go into your meeting with them blindly. Make sure you understand exactly what your needs are so you know what questions to ask them. Research the project and talk to your team about the expectations. Make sure you understand what the timeframe will look like, how they handle permits, and what kind of plan you need while you are waiting for the concrete to dry. Also, make sure you understand the fee structure. Avoid the temptation to go with the lowest bidder. Some companies bid low only to add on additional fees to the final bill.
Find Someone With Experience
Concrete projects are complicated jobs you don’t want to have to do twice. So, make sure you hire someone who knows what they are doing. For assurance, look for companies that have been in business for a minimum of 5 years. You will be able to feel confident that they are reliable and have plenty of concrete projects under their belt to give them the experience they need to take care of yours.
Research Their Reputation
Learning about a company’s reputation is easier than ever. All you have to do is a simple internet search. Customers are more likely to post negative reviews than positive ones, so reading online reviews will tell a lot about how a company treats people. If the good far outweighs the bad, you can feel confident in their business practices.
Contact References
When you meet with a concrete company to discuss your project, ask for references. This is a common and good practice. Just as an employer asks for references before hiring an employee, contact references before hiring a contractor. This gives you another chance to gain firsthand knowledge of the company’s business practices.
Ask For Verification Of Insurance
Contractors should carry insurance. This protects both them and you in case something goes wrong while the job is in progress. If there is a worker’s injury or property damage, the company should carry adequate insurance to cover it. Any problems arising that are directly related to the job should become the responsibility of the contracting company, not you as a business owner.
Ask About Guarantees On Workmanship
If your contractor is confident in his or her work, then the job should come along with some kind of guarantee. Even the simplest of projects have a way of going awry, so the contractor should offer some assurances that the project will be completed accurately. How do they handle setbacks and unexpected issues? They should also provide you with an itemized list of expected costs and of the work expected to be carried out.
Go With Your Gut
In the end, you’ll know which company is right for your job. After spending time with the contractors and asking your questions, it will be a lot easier to decide. For concrete contractors in Edmonton, Alberta, you can find concrete construction, repair, and the finishing touches you need.
By taking time to vet your contractors, you can feel confident you’ve found the right person for the job. Concrete lasts for decades when done right. But if you don’t do your homework, you could end up making a costly mistake.
