Maybe you’re thinking about revamping your driveway, or you need concrete work for a commercial property you manage. Whatever the case, if you need a concrete contractor, it’s important to do your research before hiring someone. Here are some questions you should ask a potential contractor before you hire them.
88 Questions you should ask a concrete contractor:
Project scope and budget
- What is your estimate for the cost of this project?
- What’s the price per cubic yard of concrete?
- How much concrete will we need?
- Do you have any suggestions on how I can save money on the project?
- Are there any special offers or discounts I can take advantage of?
- Do you offer discounts for seniors or military personnel?
- What materials and supplies are needed for the project?
- Do I need to bring any materials or supplies for the project?
- When can I expect to receive a written estimate from you?
- Are there any potential issues you anticipate with the project?
- How do you handle unforeseen problems that arise during the project?
- How do you handle changes to the project scope and requirements?
Concrete mix design and specifications
- What type of concrete do you recommend for my project?
- Why do you recommend this type of concrete?
- What type of reinforcement is needed for my concrete?
- What are the specifications for the concrete mix?
- What type of finishing do you recommend (e.g. stamped concrete, exposed aggregate, etc.)?
- Will the color be added to the concrete, and if so, how will it be applied?
- What do you think about using reinforcement in concrete?
- How do you deal with cracks that may form in concrete?
- What are the potential risks or hazards associated with this project?
- How will you handle safety on the job site?
- Can you provide a list of materials that will be used for the project?
- What factors do you consider when selecting a concrete mix design for a project?
- What are the different types of concrete mixes and how are they used?
- How do you ensure that the concrete mix is suitable for the intended use and environmental conditions of the project?
- What are the strength and durability requirements of the project?
- What’s the slump and air content of the concrete mix?
- How do you control the temperature of the concrete mix in hot or cold weather conditions?
- Can you provide a list of admixtures to be used in the concrete mix?
- What’s the water-cement ratio for the concrete mix?
- How will you prevent shrinkage and cracking in the concrete?
- What’s the expected compressive and tensile strength of the concrete?
Schedule and timeline for completion of the project
- When do you expect to be able to start work on my project?
- How long is it expected to take to complete my project?
- What’s your estimated timeline for the project?
- When can you start working on the project?
- What happens if there are delays due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances?
- Are there any special considerations or conditions I need to keep in mind?
- What are the key milestones and deliverables for the project?
- How will you manage project resources and logistics to meet the project timeline?
- What is your process for project updates and communication with the client?
- How do you handle risk management and contingency planning for the project?
- What are the potential delays and challenges that may occur during the project?
- What contingencies and backup plans are in place for potential delays or disruptions?
- What are the key phases and activities of the project?
- What’s the project schedule and timeline for each phase and activity?
- How do you coordinate and manage subcontractors and suppliers to meet the project timeline?
- What’s your process for project closeout and final acceptance by the client?
Past experience and portfolio of completed projects
- Are you familiar with the type of project I’m looking to have done?
- Can you give me some examples of similar projects you have completed?
- Do you have any photos of similar projects you’ve completed?
- How many projects like mine have you completed?
- What’s your experience level in this field?
- Can you provide references and testimonials from previous clients?
- What are some of your most notable and challenging projects?
- What are your areas of expertise and specialization in concrete work?
- What professional certifications and credentials do you have?
- What industry associations and organizations do you belong to?
- What safety and quality standards do you follow in your work?
- What are your core values and business ethics as a concrete contractor?
- What unique and innovative solutions have you developed for your clients?
- What awards and recognition have you received for your work?
- Can you provide a portfolio of your completed projects for review?
Insurance and liability coverage for the project
- Do you have liability insurance?
- Are you bonded?
- If so, can I please see proof of your insurance and bonding as well?
- Do you hire subcontractors for any part of your projects?
- Can I see a copy of your contract before I sign anything?
- Do you guys offer financing?
- What happens if there are problems with the project after completion?
- How do you handle waste and debris during construction?
- Do you have any environmental policies and practices?
- What kind of insurance coverage do you have for your company and the project?
- What are the limits of your liability insurance coverage?
- How do you protect your client’s property and assets during the project?
- What policies and procedures do you have for managing project risks and liabilities?
- How do you handle claims and disputes with clients or subcontractors?
- What policies are in place for workers’ compensation and employee safety?
- What are your policies for selecting and monitoring subcontractors?
- How do you protect the confidentiality and privacy of your customers?
- What measures do you take to protect the environment and comply with regulations?
- What are your policies for maintaining insurance and bonding coverage?
Miscellaneous
- What’s your name and the name of your business?
- How long have you been in business?
- What are your payment terms?
- When do we have to pay you for your services?
- What type of payment do you require and when is it due?
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you look for in a concrete contractor?
When looking for a concrete contractor, it’s important to consider the contractor’s experience and references. The contractor should be able to provide a portfolio of their work and a list of references. It’s also important to ask the contractor about their insurance and bonds.
The contractor should have general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. The contractor should also be bonded. This protects you in the event the contractor doesn’t complete the project or doesn’t do quality work.
What’s the most common type of concrete?
The most common type of concrete is standard ready-mix concrete that’s delivered to a construction site by truck. The truck mixer mixes the ingredients together and discharges the concrete into a chute that feeds into a formwork system.
The formwork provides the shape and size of the finished concrete, and the concrete cures over time. Ready-mix concrete is often used for larger projects such as bridges, buildings, and highways because it can be produced in large quantities and is easy to work with.
Conclusion
By asking yourself these questions, you can be sure you’re hiring a reputable, qualified contractor who’ll do a great job on your concrete slab project. Get several bids before making your final decision, and don’t be afraid to ask for references or proof of previous work. Doing a little due diligence now will pay off in a job well done later.
