Decorative concrete adds an interesting touch to driveways, patio floors and other surfaces. It’s possible to work on this type of home improvement project yourself if you have the right equipment and knowledge of how to do it. If you would rather leave your concrete project in the hands of a professional, then it’s important to choose a dependable concrete contractor.

Finding Concrete Contractors

Doing an online search for concrete contractors in your area should produce several results, but you’ll need to do some research to determine how reliable they are. When you give them a call or set up a consultation, ask the following questions:

• How much experience do you have in the concrete business? Ideally, they should have at least five years of experience working in the concrete industry.
• How up-to-date is your training? Skilled concrete contractors take the time to attend seminars or continuing education classes that are relevant to the industry. This helps them stay current on news and developments within the concrete industry, which means they’ll have knowledge of the most recent products on the market, as well as the latest techniques.
• Are you insured? The concrete contractor you hire should have general liability insurance and workmen’s compensation to reduce your risk of running into legal issues if a worker is injured on your property.

Checking References

Get the names of three references that the contractor has worked with during the past year. Give each a call to discuss how the work went and to see how satisfied they were with the completed project.

Comparing Quotes

Once you’ve gathered quotes from several contractors, look at what they’re charging and how quickly they can finish the project. Be wary of contractors who charge low rates and provide a short timeframe. Focus on contractors who provide a reasonable timeframe and rate, even if it means paying more.

Reading through the Contract

All details about the project should appear in writing in the contract in order to reduce the chance of running into complications or disagreements that could delay it. Look over the entire contract to make sure you’ve read and understand all the terms before signing.

Our decorative concrete company can help you find the right concrete contractor. We maintain partnerships with several contractors and can recommend the best one for your project. When you purchase your supplies, ask us for a recommendation and we’ll be happy to assist you. Interested? Contact us today!