Concrete projects are stressful enough on their own, but what happens if the contractor you hired is unreliable or doesn’t seem to know what they’re doing?
We know how frustrating it is to end up with a subpar finished product, whether you need help with a concrete driveway or patio. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to teach you everything you need to know about finding the best concrete contractor for your next project.
Check References
When you’re interviewing contractors, one of the first things you should do is ask them for references. Talking to someone else who has worked with the contractor you’re considering hiring will help you decide if the contractor that you’re considering is the right person for the job.
Some questions you can ask references include:
- Are you happy with the contractor’s work?
- Did they finish the project on time?
- How was their customer service?
You can also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the contractor’s company as any licensing, legal, or accreditation issues.
Ask for Pictures of Previous Projects
In addition to references, ask potential contractors for pictures of some of the projects they’ve worked on in the past. Many construction companies have online galleries where they display some of their past projects. This can help give you a better idea of whether or not their work meets your standards. You might also get new ideas for your own project!
Get Multiple Quotes
Meeting with multiple contractors and getting quotes from each of them will also ensure that you get the best deal possible.
When you get quotes from each contractor, make sure that they’re detailed and written down. Then, you can place the quotes side by side to compare contractors and make the best choice. The following are some of the things you should keep in mind when comparing quotes:
- Contractor’s response time
- How thorough the estimate is
- Cost of materials and labor
- Construction procedures
- What’s included in the quote
Remember that you shouldn’t automatically go with the contractor who gives you the lowest bid. Above all else, you want a concrete contractor with experience and whose procedures match your expectations. A reasonable price is important, but it shouldn’t be the end all be all.
Ask Lots of Questions
Ask as many questions as you can of each candidate before you make a decision. Don’t worry about being annoying— you’re about to start a big project, and you need to know that the contractor is up for the job.
Some questions you should ask include:
How Long Will it Take?
An experienced contractor will easily be able to give you a timeline for your project. If they hesitate to provide you with this, it’s usually a sign that they lack experience or are not dependable.
When Can You Start?
Most good contractors have fairly busy schedules. So, if they can’t get to you for a couple of weeks or a month, that’s usually a sign that they provide quality work and are in high demand.
It’s not necessarily a dealbreaker if a potential contractor is available right away, but you should at least ask why that is.
What Kind of Warranty Do You Offer?
Most contractors offer at least a one-year warranty on their work. If they don’t offer any kind of warranty, you should pass on their services.
What is Your Drainage Plan?
Moisture is usually the reason that cracks and concrete damage occur. A good contractor will have a plan in place to prevent unpredictable weather from negatively affecting the project. Be sure to ask what each candidate plans to do in the event of inclement weather and, specifically, how they’ll direct water away from the site.
Looking for a Concrete Contractor in Milwaukee?
Now that you know what to look for in a concrete contractor, it’s time to start meeting with people near you!
If you’re looking for a top-notch contractor in the Milwaukee area, contact us at JBS Construction today! Fill out our online form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible with all the information you need to make your decision.
