Did you know that sidewalk installers in Houston do not need to be licensed to work on sidewalk projects? If your organization considers licensing important for hiring a sidewalk installer in Houston, you will need to consider other factors in choosing a contractor to work with.
Although a contractor’s license is not required for pavement projects in the Bayou City, there are still procedures to follow and building codes to observe. Any sidewalk installer you hire will need to be familiar with both.
The Importance of Hiring an Experienced Houston Sidewalk
Property owners cannot use licensing or certifications to identify skilled sidewalk installers in Houston from the rest. That puts businesses in a bind when researching pavement contractors, but there is one verifiable trait that your sidewalk installer should provide: Experience.
Experienced sidewalk installers in Houston offer several advantages that should be included in your project expectations. Those advantages include:
- Knowledge of best sidewalk installation practices – This is where experience makes the biggest difference. With experience comes better workmanship. Through time and experience, sidewalk installers learn how to identify the best concrete mixes, how to manage project challenges (like Houston’s clay-rich soils), how to time the curing process and how to install longer-lasting sidewalks with greater reliability. In terms of work quality, nothing beats experience.
- Knowledge of the Houston permitting process – Houston pavement companies do not need to be licensed or certified, but every sidewalk project in the city does require permits. Permits ensure the job is done to code and ensure the city has a record of the project.
As all sidewalk installation jobs require a permit, they should be attained early in the process. An experienced Houston paving contractor will anticipate this step and take charge of pulling the permits to prevent delays. An inexperienced or unprofessional crew that skips this step will expose your organization to potential fines and work stoppages.
- Knowledge of Houston building codes – With a building permit comes the expectation that the sidewalk installer will do the job to code. Houston’s sidewalk building codes specificity sidewalk widths, positioning relative to the road and other important details, like access ramp placement. It is essential that these codes be followed to protect your organization from expensive fines. An experienced contractor will know these codes and will prioritize compliance when installing sidewalks.
- A proven reputation – Sidewalk installers in Houston don’t last long if they provide substandard work that does not last. That means experienced sidewalk installers have proven themselves on the job and can be trusted.
How to Choose an Experienced Houston Sidewalk Installer
Experience is what property owners should look for in a Houston pavement contractor. Easily said, but what proves that a pavement contractor has the required experience and skill? These are some of the most important considerations when choosing a concrete contractor:
- An impressive project portfolio – An experienced sidewalk installer in Houston will have a developed, detailed project history for potential clients to look through. This is what a sidewalk contractor would likely show potential clients in lieu of something like a license.
This portfolio should include sidewalk projects that are similar to yours. Look for the oldest projects referenced in the contractor’s work history. If someone with your organization can make the drive and inspect the sidewalk in person, this will provide the best visual evidence of the contractor’s work quality. - Contacts from previous clients – Sidewalk installers and pavement contractors maintain a handful of client contacts from previous jobs. Reputable pavement companies will have no issue providing this information on request, as client testimonials are extremely valuable in the pavement industry.
When contacting previous clients, verify the sidewalk installer’s professionalism, attention to detail, work quality, punctuality and adherence to the project’s budget. If your property is located in a busy part of Houston, verify that the sidewalk installer is also a courteous neighbor and will limit any disruptions and noise.
Verify the sidewalk installer’s insurance – Experienced, reputable pavement contractors will be insured. Do not work with a contractor that is not insured.
Insurance protects property owners from liability if the sidewalk installer causes any damage during the project. Insurance also protects against liability in the event of worker injury during the job. Given the potential consequences involved, insurance is a critical protection mechanism.
A Reputable Houston Sidewalk Installer will Provide Quality and Value for the Project
Licensing and certification are not necessary for sidewalk installers in Houston, but experience is if you require high quality pavement. Look for a sidewalk installer who has a robust work history that they can demonstrate. Consider sidewalk installers who prioritize client protections and professionalism.
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