Concrete work is an investment for any property owner, and to ensure you get maximum value for your investment, avoid these common mistakes when hiring concrete contractors:
- Assuming any concrete contractor is good enough for the job
- Going for the cheapest contractor quote, no matter what
- Failing to verify the contractor’s work history with previous clients
- Not getting everything in writing (or failing to review the paperwork)
- Choosing a concrete contractor who can’t provide pavement maintenance or site preparation services
In short, look for a verifiably experienced concrete contractor – one who has a solid performance history, a professional approach and the resources to provide a variety of pavement installation and maintenance services.
To find a reputable concrete contractor in Houston, it is important to avoid the following mistakes:
Assuming any Concrete Contractor is Good Enough for the Job
One of the most common mistakes when hiring a concrete contractor is assuming any concrete crew is skilled enough for your project. While this seems obvious, it is also easy to forget when trying to compare multiple concrete contractors and plan your pavement project, all while running your business. There is also no easy way to compare contractors, other than to review their work portfolio and follow up with these previous clients (more on this further down).
Your new concrete pavement should last decades if properly installed, providing a long-term investment in the utility and value of your property. As such, not just any concrete contractor should be trusted to do the job.
Going for the Cheapest Contractor Quote, No Matter What
It is certainly possible to get a good deal while working with a reputable, high quality concrete contractor, but it is rare for the cheapest contractor to also be the most skilled and experienced. High quality materials and processes mean more durable concrete, which is well worth it. In the long run, you will come out ahead by minimizing your maintenance and replacement costs.
Failing to Verify the Contractor’s Work History with Previous Clients
The best way to protect your organization from poor pavement workmanship is researching any concrete contractor you are considering. The most comprehensive way to do this is by reviewing the contractor’s previous project and client history.
First, the contractor should have a history of concrete projects that are similar to yours in scope and objective. Different skills are needed to install a concrete foundation, versus installing concrete roads or drainage systems. Be sure to verify that the crew has experience with commercial projects.
If a concrete contractor has the necessary experience and expertise, follow up with any clients who have provided their contract information. Reputable contractors will seek out positive testimonials for their work and will happily provide references on request.
When contacting a previous client, verify that the contractor hit their project milestones and timeline, and that the workmanship was high quality. Other questions worth asking include:
- Did the contractor always have someone at the site that could answer any questions?
- Did the crew take care to minimize disruption to the property?
- Did the concrete crew show up on time?
This is your best opportunity to get an idea of who you will be working with, so follow up with previous clients if possible.
Another option is to visit one of the contractor’s previous concrete jobs, if they are active in your area. If they are an experienced, reputable company, they will gladly point out where their concrete work is featured around the city. Nothing beats a first-hand impression, and inspecting the concrete up close will provide insight into how your new concrete will look once installed. If the pavement is usable and in relatively good shape after many years of constant use, that vouches for the contractor’s attention to detail.
Not Getting Everything in Writing or Failing to Review the Paperwork
Even if you are confident about the concrete contractor you are working with, it is still important to get everything in writing and review the terms of the estimate and contract. You may find that there are discrepancies between the work you are expecting and what is itemized on the estimate. Clear up any confusion early, and if you find that additional work will be needed, which is fairly common after a concrete inspection, then these additional work orders should be detailed out during the estimate process.
Choosing a Concrete Contractor Who Can Not Provide Maintenance or Site Preparation Services
Concrete skills are a clear must-have for any contractor you are considering, but if your pavement contractor can also provide ongoing maintenance services or site preparation services, those can be included in the project’s overall scope, so you only have to deal with a single contractor. By partnering with just one crew, you will reduce the project’s cost and timeline. Further, you will end up with higher quality concrete, as the project site will be properly stabilized for reliable concrete construction.
Avoid These Common Mistakes When Choosing a Concrete Contractor for the Best Results
Concrete pavement should add utility and value to your property that spans decades. It is standard to get at least 30 years out of high-quality concrete, and that is the standard your concrete contractor should be aiming for.
The goal for property owners is to identify a pavement contractor who prioritizes best practices and professionalism. That is easy to do if you avoid some of the most common mistakes when choosing a concrete contractor, which means prioritizing experience during your search and verifying that experience before moving forward.
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