Questions to Ask before Hiring a Commercial Concrete Contractor

 There is no wonder that concrete is the most popular material used for both residential and commercial properties not only in the country but all over the world. For the last decade, the US alone used approximately 1,000 metric tons of concrete.

It is not very surprising to find out its popularity because it is highly durable. With right maintenance, its smooth and steady surface can last for many years. It can be used for varied functions. For commercial properties, it can be used for parking lots, loading docks, and foundations. If you are a business owner and you need to pave or redo any area in your space, it is necessary to hire a commercial concrete contractor.

But not too quick! Below are some questions you can use to get to know the best contractor for your business.
 
Do You Have a License, Insurance, and Bond?
This question is one of the most important things to ask a commercial concrete contractor. Do not hire a company that is not licensed, insured, and bonded — the requirements for getting a license to vary depending on the state where the company is located. But one thing is for sure, a company that has it can be trusted because you are sure that their employees are trained and are knowledgeable of what they are doing.

Further, liability insurance is essential because it serves as your protection in case damage occurs to any of the structure while they are doing the job. It will also cover for any injuries incurred while they are at the construction site.

Another important form of insurance is the bond. It secures the money you invest in the project in case the contractor fails to complete the job or did not take responsibility for their financial obligation.

Do You Have Guarantees and Warranties?
You can expect a beautiful result once the contractor finishes the job. However, how about after a week, or a month? It is essential that the quality of work lasts for many years and not just for days. To protect yourself from substandard work, ask the contractor about their guarantees and warranties. Ideally, they should provide you with at least twelve to twenty-four months after the time of completion. A reliable and trustworthy company will be more than willing to give you this information.
 
What Do Other Clients Say About You?
There is no better way to find out whether the work of a contractor is of high quality or not but by asking those who have experienced their service first-hand. You can inquire about the contractor of the previous clients they have and ask them about the service. You should ask specific questions such as if the contractor strictly followed the budget and timeline. It is also vital that the contractor has a positive review of their customer service. You don't want to do business with contractors that aren't easy to communicate with. Talk to at least three clients to get a fair reference. It will also help if you and visit the site to see their finish product, such as a drive, patio, etc.,  so that you can decide for yourself.
 
What is Your Schedule for the Next Few Weeks?
As a business owner, you will be busy running your business, and the same goes for the contractor. For this reason, it is essential that you set a schedule that works for both parties. If the contractor you want to choose for your project is full for the next few weeks, you may want to delay your plan until they are done with their other responsibilities. Don't jump into another commercial concrete contractor just yet because the right contractor for your project is worth the wait.

It will also help if you ask the contractor for a written estimated timetable so that you know what to expect regarding the length of time they need to finish the job.

Who Will be Manning the Project?
Never forget to ask who will be handling the project for your business. It is essential because you need to know who you should look for when you have some concerns about the project. The project manager is vital personnel in the site; that is why it is necessary to know who he is and get his contact number as well.

In case the project manager is gone for a vacation in the duration of the proposed timetable, you should make sure that you know who the alternate person will be. You should always be in the know regarding the project, so it is best to talk to the correct people regularly.

Will You Handle the Permit?
The contractor that you will hire should be compliant with all local ordinances. Therefore, they should get all necessary permits for any projects done on your commercial property, or you might have a problem.

Your contractor should be the one to secure the permit because whoever is signed in the permit will be held responsible for making sure all jobs are compliant to the code. This is not your responsibility but your contractor's that is why they should be the one pulling the permit. Also, most business owners are not familiar with these permits and other requirements related to concrete laying. If you are the one to get the permit, you may be legally and financially liable if something wrong happens in the project.
 
Hire a Commercial Concrete Contractor for Your Business
If you have asked these questions and you got definite answers, then it is time to choose the best commercial concrete contractor for your business. Make sure you consider all important areas before signing a contract. Always remember that your business depends on the quality of work the contractor renders so take time to choose the best one for your project. Think of long term effects of hiring a good contractor versus one that is not. If you are ready to hire a contractor, you can give us a call, and we will work with you and provide you with a free estimate.

---