People often worry they will make a mistake when they hire concrete contractors for their commercial projects. This task isn’t one they complete every day, so they may overlook steps if this is their first time hiring a professional of this type, or they may forget steps even if they have completed the hiring process before with other concrete contractor. How can they ensure no mistakes are made throughout the hiring process?
When hiring a commercial concrete contractor, the goal is to find a skilled professional. This individual must have the skills and knowledge to complete projects safely, properly, and on time. Every person handling this task should have a list of questions to ask potential candidates. These questions make comparing contractors and choosing one for the job easier.
Know the criteria for hiring a professional. When a contractor starts their sales pitch, having this criterion in mind makes it easy to determine whether they are right for the job. Meet with at least three contractors to compare and contrast the options. When meeting with these individuals, look for the following things.
Permits
When hiring a commercial concrete contractor, one should always ask about the permits needed for the project. A reputable contractor will answer this question effortlessly. When the contractor cannot explain the permitting process or leaves this task for the client, it is best to look for another company to work with. They lack the experience to do the job correctly, and their customer service is lacking. It is helpful to know this before hiring a company, and this question helps narrow the choices immediately.
Contracts
Every contractor should provide a written contract with all details related to the job. The contract should share the project scope, timeline, materials, labor costs, and other vital information. The warranty and any guarantees should also be included in the contract. If a contractor is unwilling to provide a written agreement or include this information in the document, a person should not hire that individual or company. The contract helps protect both parties if a problem related to the project arises.
Licensing and Insurance
A person should never hire a contractor until they have verified this license and insurance. Licensed contractors are more reputable. They obtained a license, which shows they are committed to being professional in their dealings with customers. The insurance protects the client if something goes wrong during the project. A worker may be injured, or the contractor might damage the property. The insurance protects the owner from being responsible for any injuries or damage.
Portfolio
Ask to review each candidate’s portfolio to get a better feel for the quality of their work and the types of projects they complete. Talk with each contractor to see if their clients will let you see their concrete work in person. Pictures are helpful, but a visit to a job site is better. However, clients determine whether people can visit their properties, so don’t hold it against the contractor if the answer is no.
Reputation
Read reviews of each contractor to learn what others have to say about their quality of work, pricing, and customer service. Check out sites dedicated to connecting consumers with contractors. Follow up by checking with the Better Business Bureau to learn if there have been complaints against any of the companies.
When considering the above factors, finding a reputable commercial concrete contractor isn’t hard. Spend time with each contractor to learn whether the relationship will fit. An excellent contractor who makes a client feel uncomfortable isn’t a good fit, while a contractor with a great reputation who makes the client feel valued is priceless.
