When looking for a new concreter, you want to choose someone with best practices. This is important to ensure your project turns out exactly how you want it to.
For example, it is common to add water on the job site to keep concrete workable, but this trick can lead to weaker slabs. Wetting a uniform subgrade prior to concreting and waiting until final finishing has stopped for bleedwater are also good practices.
1. Look at Their Reputation
When searching for concrete contractors, it is important to look at the contractor’s reputation. Many contractors have testimonials from previous clients online or will be able to provide you with a portfolio of their work if you ask them for it. Also, make sure to look at the reviews and ratings of each contractor you consider. A good contractor will have a lot of positive reviews and an overall rating of around 4.5 to 5 stars.
Professional concrete solutions Melbourne offer concrete solutions with a great understanding of the industry and can complete construction projects with precision. They also know how to save you time and money by using the right techniques. This means they will avoid costly mistakes and potential future problems such as cracks or damage from improper construction practices
If a concrete contractor does not have a website, it is worth looking up their address on a map or satellite service to see where they operate from. Some one-man-band concrete coating contractors will upload their service as a business even though they only operate out of their home or apartment, which can be a red flag. In addition, you should be sure to ask the concrete contractor about what is included in their total cost for a concrete replacement project. It is common for extra costs to pop up throughout the process, such as hauling away extra concrete, demolition, grading the land before the installation, tree or rock removal and proper curing and sealing of the concrete.
2. Look for ACI Certification
When ACI-certified individuals work on your project, you can rest assured that the concrete they produce meets industry standards. In fact, many local, state, national, and international building codes, specifications, and agencies require ACI Certification of personnel on the jobsite.
ACI certification is important for contractors and their employees because it gives them the credentials to demonstrate knowledge and skills in specialty applications of concrete construction, proving their value to their employer, their clients, and their community. ACI certification programs are designed to meet the needs of a wide variety of professionals, including technicians, craftsmen, supervisors, inspectors, and managers. ACI currently offers more than 30 certification programs, with several more in development.
Those looking to earn ACI certification can visit the website of their local ACI Sponsoring Group or ACI Resource Center to find a list of classes. Alternatively, they can enroll in online certification training offered by ACI University. The American Concrete Institute also encourages individuals and organizations to use the ACI Certification graphic on e-mail, websites, stationery, or other materials to show their support for the organization’s certification programs.
The development of the ACI certification program began when ready-mixed concrete producers started to see poor test results on their products. It became clear that a national, standardized program was needed, and the industry reached a consensus that ACI should deliver it. ACI’s certification committees started as subcommittees under the education committee structure but later spun off into operational committees that manage their content and exam materials as well as the policies specific to each program.
3. Ask for Proof of Insurance
When it comes to finding a concrete contractor, you want one who is insured. This is a risk maintenance best practice that helps protect you, the homeowner, from any damages or unforeseen events that could occur during the construction process.
Insurance for concrete contractors also gives you peace of mind that the company will have financial resources available if a lawsuit or injury should arise. It also shows that the company is a professional organization that takes its responsibilities seriously and cares about their clients. Many clients prefer to work with companies that are properly insured.
The type of insurance that a concrete contractor may carry can vary, but most will have general liability coverage to cover any injuries or property damage that may occur while they are working on your project. They may also have builder’s risk insurance to protect the job site and any equipment that they may use, and employee dishonesty insurance to cover any theft of money or company assets.
Insurance information is usually provided in the form of business certificates of insurance (COIs). A COI is a document that provides a snapshot of a company’s insurance coverage and acts as proof that they have appropriate protections in place should something go wrong on your job site. You should ask any potential contractor to provide you with a COI before hiring them. You can also ask them to add you as an additional insured on their policy if you would like to be covered by the company’s insurance should an incident occur.
4. Look for Experience
Concrete installation may seem simple when viewed from the outside, but it takes a lot of experience to get the job done correctly. Professional concreters can take care of the project from start to finish, ensuring it turns out exactly how you want it. They can also help you design and plan, ensuring that your concrete project looks its best from start to finish.
Hiring a new concrete contractor is a big decision, and you want to make sure that you choose the right one for your needs. Look for a reputable company with years of experience and a great track record. You should also ask about their insurance policies and whether or not they provide a written contract for their services. This will help protect you from any misunderstandings that may occur in the future. If you follow these tips, you should be able to find the perfect concreter for your next project!