Best Techniques to Find Ideal Concrete Contractors & Paving Companies

It is important to identify at least three candidates for concrete contractors and interview them carefully before hiring one. Look for several reputable companies in the area through the Internet or referrals from friends, business partners or other trustworthy sources. Start calling them once you have a list and narrow this to the three most qualified providers.  

The interview process should start with a phone call for initial inquiries. You can ask them to send their credentials right after the first step. Go over the background of each and schedule individual personal interviews separately 

Selectedly recommends that homeowners must interview three companies before hiring the right one.

Here are some questions to consider for your prospective contractor: 

1. What are their specific experiences as a concrete contractor and paving projects?  They need to provide details about actual work; timelines; materials and equipment used; and, costs.
2. How long have they been in the concreting and paving industry? 
3. How many years has the contractor’s company formally existed?
4. How many construction permits have the contractor obtained in the community or area during the past years?  

This will show their familiarity with the location and relevant codes, requirements, and regulations.

Other Essential Things to Consider

The contractor must be fully insured so they can cover any accidents while the project is ongoing. The license is not the same as liability coverage. General liability policy is a protection against damage or negligence by the contractor, sub-contractor, and workers. The contractor must be able to provide a copy of the insurance certificate. Scrutinize expiry dates and call the issuing agency for verification purposes. 

The contractor must also carry compensation insurance for workers. This plan protects you from any responsibility in case one of the workers is injured during the entire project duration.

Some general contractors bring in trade contractors especially if the project is too big and requires an urgent deadline. They need to be very candid about this matter.  

At the same time, reputable companies will not hesitate to give you several references for similar jobs. Make sure they submit detailed timelines by phase. Experienced and competent contractors must be capable of providing a reasonable schedule for finishing the concreting and paving work. This should include specific tasks with milestones including daily expectations.  They should stick to this schedule as much as possible.

The efficient contractor needs to submit a formal proposal with timelines, list of materials and cost estimates including labor. The Contract must specify full work description and materials needed for the project. There also has to be a very clear payment schedule along with dates of start and proposed completion. The warranty must also be understandable so you will know what to expect when problems arise.

Problems may come up along the way. This cannot be avoided even if the contractor is known for quality work. The important thing is they will complete the project promptly and clear up the debris before leaving. The last thing you want to happen is the contractor disappearing at the middle of the concreting work.