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If you have a concrete project that needs to be done, the first step is to secure the right contractor for the job. The process of finding the right concrete contractor for the task is essential; you don’t want to wind up with some random contractor without a good reputation. Whether you need a new concrete patio, driveway, or sidewalk, the market is literally flooded with contractors claiming they are the best. You must also understand that hiring the right contractor is more than just picking a random contractor after doing a Google search or relying on information given to you by your neighbor. You will want to select a concrete contractor that is reliable, honest, affordable, and does good work that can be verified. Here are a few tips to help you in your search for the right concrete contractor; this will help you make a more informed decision.
Online Reputation
In this digital age, you no longer have to rely on the opinions of your friends and neighbors; all you need to do is a little research all on your own. There are several concrete contractors in Northern Colorado, and the vast majority, if not all of them, have a website where they engage with customers and get feedback. Obviously, you will want to choose a contractor with rave reviews.
But don’t just take the word of people who leave reviews on contractor’s websites. You will also want to gather and read reviews from third-party sources like Google and Yelp. There are also several websites that are devoted to helping people find the right contractor for particular jobs. Angi (formerly Angie’s List) and HomeAdvisor are two excellent choices if you want more reviews and other information about the concrete contractors in your area.
RELATED: Who Are The Best Concrete Contractors In Northern Colorado?
Experience
It is important to find a contractor with several years of experience and who has been in business long enough to know all of the dos and dont’s of the industry. It is the experienced contractors who not only are able to perform the task very well, but they are also less likely to make a rookie mistake that could cost you more money and lost time.
Many contractors will have the information you are looking for right on their website. Look to see when they were first established, or look for the number of years they have served the community. Also, you can search their website for blogs and other articles that they have posted over the years to help determine how long they have been established.
Check Their Services
You will also want to find a contractor who offers the specific service that you desire. For example, you might find an excellent concrete contractor who specializes in driveways and patios, but they don’t do work on foundations or retaining walls. So make sure that the contractor you choose specializes in the services that you need.
Price
You might find a reliable and well-established concrete contractor with a good reputation, but you might be surprised when the estimate comes back far higher than you expected. Price is another important factor to consider when searching for the right contractor. And while you certainly don’t want to choose the most expensive contractor in the area, you don’t want to necessarily choose the least expensive contractor either.
More importantly, it is a good idea to get an explanation of the estimate, so you know just what you are getting for the quoted price. For example, you could get a quote on a new patio that sounds great over the phone until you find out it does not include demolishing and disposing of your existing deck. You need to ask questions concerning the quote and have the contractor write it out for you to read and better understand.
Ask for Recommendations
While you don’t have to rely on other people to determine a good contractor, it does help you get recommendations from those you know. Friends, family members, and even co-workers can be very helpful when you are in the market for a concrete contractor. In addition, you will want to find people who have recently had concrete work done and who were very satisfied with the completion of the project. Just make sure you get your information from people who you trust and who are honest and not just making recommendations for contractors they haven’t worked with.
Communication and Interactions
When choosing the right concrete contractor for your project, you will want one that communicates well with you and has positive interactions. Your first contact with a contractor might be through their website in the form of an estimate page. Reputable contractors will get back to you as soon as they can; others will leave you hanging for days before getting back to you with a response.
Since you will want a contractor that will communicate with you, consider all of the interactions you have with them while doing your research. You want a contractor who will honestly answer your questions and not beat around the bush. A good contractor will meet with you personally and respond to your requests promptly. Keep track of your interactions with each potential contractor to see which impresses you the most.
Verify Insurance
There are any number of certifications and licenses that contractors need to have when doing concrete work. One of the more critical papers to check is to see if they are adequately insured. There are many instances in which a project can go wrong; if something does happen while doing the work, you will want to ensure that you are not liable. If you have your doubts, you can always contact the insurance company on your own to verify coverage.
For a finished project that is beautiful, affordable, and up to your high standards, it is vital that you do the research and choose a contractor who is right for you. There are several tips that will help you find the right fit for your project, but it is very important that you ask a lot of questions and interact with potential contractors. If you are in the market for a concrete contractor, we would love the opportunity to talk with you. The first step to a new patio or driveway is a phone call or by filling out our estimate form on our website.
NEXT: The Benefits of a Concrete Driveway
