BLOG
How to Pick the Best Concrete Contractor for Your Project
"How do I pick the best concrete services for my next project?" This is a question that many North Carolina homeowners encounter when deciding what to do with their concrete projects. If you're like most, you're probably wondering how to avoid making costly mistakes and finding someone who will be reliable. Well, we've got your back!
In this article, we'll provide tips on how to find a concrete contractor in Raleigh, NC, that's right for you, and your home improvement needs and break down some factors you should take into account so that you can make an informed decision before hiring someone - or worse yet - letting them do it without knowing what they're getting themselves into.
What is concrete, and why do I need it
Concrete is a mixture of concrete, sand, and gravel that is poured into forms. Once hardened, concrete becomes strong enough to support homes or businesses. Concrete can be used for driveways, sidewalks, concrete curbs, and steps. It is also the foundation of buildings (the concrete base).
What are the different concrete mixes?
Concrete is typically mixed with water and then poured into a mold or form to create whatever you are making. The types of concrete, the ratio of cement to sand, gravel, and other materials vary depending on what you want your finished product to look like. Here are some standard mixes:
Standard mix: A usual mixture contains cement, water, and aggregates (sand and gravel).
High early strength: This mix is designed to be used in areas where quick curing time is critical. These mixes are usually high cement content, emphasizing outstanding aggregate for fast hardening after the pour.
Rapid setting concrete: If you need to make a quick repair, this mix is for you. It sets in about 20 to 30 minutes and can be walked on after only an hour or two of setting time.
High strength low water: This type of concrete typically uses a high cement content with no fine aggregate added, reaching its full compressive strength very early at 28 days instead of 56 like standard mixes.
Low heat: Heat is one of the biggest problems with concrete because it affects curing time and shrinkage, among other things. Suppose your project requires extremely low heat generation or pouring over preheated reinforcement steel. In that case, this mix will be what you need to keep everything under control. It uses high amounts of cement and low amounts of water, so heat is not generated during curing.
Lightweight concrete: For projects that involve making structures in an existing space, light mixes are the way to go because they can be used with or without reinforcement steel while regular mixes cannot. Also called aerated concrete, these mixes have many air bubbles, making them lighter than standard concrete.
High early strength low heat: This mix is similar to the high early strength with slight variations in how it sets up and cures, making it perfect for areas where quick curing time isn't necessary, but you still need a relatively fast setting product under controlled conditions.
Low slump: Slump indicates the consistency of concrete. If you need to make a very thick mix, this is what you should use for your project if low water or additive content is not an issue.
Self-consolidating concrete: This type of concrete doesn't require vibration to prevent segregation and bleeding like conventional mixes do, so it's perfect for large flat slabs.
What are concrete contractors, and why do you need them?
Now that you have an idea of the different concrete mixes that you may need for your project, it's time to look at the process of choosing the best concrete contractors.
Concrete services are responsible for pouring and finishing your concrete, preparing forms, making sure that the job site is safe for workers and pedestrians, scheduling trucks, spraying chemical admixtures onto freshly poured slabs to accelerate curing times or increase strength, picking up excess wet cement from work sites, and cleaning up construction material at the end of each workday.
Concrete contractors can pour mixes for foundations and slabs, sidewalks, driveways, garages, pool decks, and patios. A concrete contractor can even work with homeowners to create custom concrete designs like flagstone walkways or outdoor kitchen floors made from natural stone tiles and other concrete needs.
Suppose you have a home or business project coming up involving concrete. In that case, it is essential to locate a reputable concrete contractor before starting any work, so your investment is protected from poor concrete workmanship.
How to find the best contractor for your next project
Before starting your concrete project, it is essential to list what you want to be done and the critical features of contractors. Some things to consider include price, the timeline for completion, quality control measures, or warranties on materials used. It would help if you always got multiple estimates from concrete contractors before making any
Selecting contractors in Raleigh for your next project can be tricky, but here are some questions to ask to help you find the best one:
How long have they been in the business?
If a service has been around for more than five years, that is a good sign. - Do not hire less experienced contractors or those companies that do not have an online presence. It also helps to go with someone who has a license and insurance and referrals from past customers.
How long will it take them to complete my project?
If the service contractor is confident in their ability, they should give you a clear timeline. You also want someone who can work efficiently. Your project's completion time does not increase significantly over what was initially proposed. It may help if they have experience with projects similar to yours.
What are the potential problems that may arise with my project?
A service contractor should give you a clear picture of what is likely to go wrong and how they can fix it. Outline your expectations, including a time frame, materials cost, etc. If possible, try getting multiple quotes so you have an idea of a reasonable price.
How much do they charge for materials?
A service contractor should not make you pay more than the cost of materials! If their prices seem too good to be true, it most likely is. Be sure to quote exact material costs and ask what methods will keep them as low as possible within your budget.
How will they protect my property?
The service contractor should show you where your project is in the service area, detail how their equipment can get there, and explain what precautions are being taken to ensure that no damage occurs while they work. You also want someone who will clean up after themselves without any unwanted visitors or safety hazards.
Can I get references?
A service contractor should have no problem providing you with the names and contact information of past customers so that you can ask them directly about their experience. If they are hesitant or give you an excuse for not being able to do so, it may be a red flag!
How will they clean up the concrete dust?
Raleigh concrete services should be able to explain how their equipment works and what is being used. Furthermore, suppose it is a residential project. In that case, you have some extra considerations, including whether or not your neighbors might get annoyed by any loud machinery. That said, some precautions may need to be taken to prevent dust from getting into the surrounding areas.
What are their aftercare procedures?
Raleigh concrete services should have all of your questions answered, so if they do not seem interested in providing you with information on how to take care of your project once it is complete, that may be a red flag! You also want someone who will provide you with warranty information and procedures if something goes wrong.
How much will it cost?
While you should expect to pay for quality concrete work, a North Carolina contractor should not surprise you with hidden costs or make excuses for being more expensive than their competitors. Furthermore, if there is an agreement of any kind, be sure that everything has been written down and that you both have a copy.
How long will it take to cure?
You should expect concrete to dry within twenty-four hours. Still, suppose the project is more significant or has multiple layers of concrete. In that case, curing time may vary according to what your contractor tells you. Make sure they can explain why their timeline is best for your project, and be sure to ask for it in writing.
How long will the concrete take to set?
North Carolina concrete contractors should know precisely what they are talking about, so if they cannot give you a clear timeline, that may be a red flag! Furthermore, once your contractor is done with their work, ensure no damage or degradation to the concrete, debris, or leftover materials. You may also want to check in periodically with your contractor to ensure everything is going smoothly and on time.
What type of warranty do they provide?
Raleigh concrete contractors should be able to tell you what their warranty entails, how long it lasts, and any conditions such as reroofing or a change in ownership. Furthermore, you should also ask about any limitations due to environmental factors such as moisture and heat exposure!
What kind of concrete do they use?
Depending on your project, you may want to ask about the different materials commonly used for concrete. Furthermore, if you have any specific quality requirements or preferences, it is better to know now rather than later!
Are their employees trained and certified?
Raleigh concrete contractors should have no problem getting their employees certified and trained if they are not already, so you should feel confident that your project is in good hands. Furthermore, it may be helpful to ask for references to provide you with even more information about the contractor's track record!
What do you need from me?
A concrete contractor should have everything planned out ahead of time, so if they are not sure about the length of your project or what you will need to provide, it may be a red flag! You should also expect an estimate for their services, including how long everything is expected to take and any quality materials that might need to be purchased.
How do I pay?
A concrete contractor should know exactly what job you are signing up for, so it may be a red flag if they are not interested in this information. Furthermore, make sure that there are no additional costs associated with your project, and whatever agreement you come to should be written down and signed by both of you!
How do I take care of the concrete?
A concrete contractor should leave you with all necessary information about taking care of your project once complete. Hence, if they are not interested in providing this information, that may be a red flag! Furthermore, make sure that there is no damage or degradation and ask for any warranty information in writing!
Is there anything I need to know?
You should expect a concrete contractor to protect you from any liability. Hence, if they are not willing to provide this information, that may be a red flag. Furthermore, you should also ask about what happens when something goes wrong, how much it will cost, their warranty, and how long it lasts!
What will the finished product look like?
A Raleigh NC concrete contractor should provide various images and samples to know precisely what your project will look like. Furthermore, you should ask for references which provide more information about the contractor's track record and how well their projects turn out!
Once you get everything laid out and planned out, a concrete contractor should be able to get everything complete in about two weeks.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this information will help make the decision process easier for you. Your next project can be completed on time and within budget. If you want assistance with choosing the right concrete contractor or any other questions, don't hesitate to contact us today! We are always happy to answer your questions and provide guidance and expertise in finding the best solutions for all of your construction needs.
If it sounds like we might be a good fit, one of our team members will get back to you as soon as possible with more information on how AJ Concrete Contractors can help make sure your next construction project goes smoothly from start to finish. You won't regret it!
Contact Us for a Free Estimate!
Our team of professional Raleigh concrete contractors and estimators are standing by. Let's get started on your project!
RDU Concrete Contractors and Paving
Need professional concrete construction in Raleigh NC? Your FREE Estimate will be delivered from our expert contractors.
Quick Links
© 2020 RDU Concrete Contractors and Paving Raleigh, NC | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Photo Credits