Whenever any client approaches us to hire a driveway contractor or expert of any kind for their concrete projects, we expect them to be well equipped with a list of questions and a bit of prior knowledge. It can go a long way if you’re contemplating hiring a concrete contractor in Los Angeles.
Whenever you plan for a concrete driveway project before you begin to call around for quotes, plan out multiple questions to ask. We suggest our prospective customers decide on criteria that they feel that the concrete contractor must meet earlier. This will help you prepare for filtering through the information or sales pitches that are offered to you about the services.
In this article, we have identified a list of questions and criteria to guide you in preparing to speak to concrete contractors. They are as follows-
Search For Multiple Options and Narrow the Field
You can compare the responses that you receive to your queries while you go through your list of candidates and narrow your options. Communicating with multiple candidates will possibly provide you with an even better understanding of the criteria you should be seeking, which makes for a more well-informed final round of phone calls with any extra questions for your top choices.
Get Ready and Feel Confident
The more confidence and knowledge you gain about what you’re seeking, the easier it will be to judge the competence level or experience of the concrete driveway contractors you interact with.
Consider the Drying Time for Your Deadline
You need to remember that whatever deadline you set for the completion of the work, still you can’t have access to your driveway for at least a week. A lot of concrete driveway contractors, including us recommend a fortnight to a month of drying time to confirm the robustness and durability of the driveway. If you have any plans to host an important event at your home and you need some delivery of heavy appliances, then you need to factor your plans into the project deadline by including more weeks to the projected completion date.
Have Multiple Scheduling Options
Many successful and experienced concrete driveway contractors have hectic schedules. That’s why, if they aren’t available for the dates of your wish, consider being flexible and seek alternate timelines before you cross them off your list. Most importantly, you need to be a bit suspicious of easily available contractors, that too immediately as they have little or no upcoming projects.
Be Prepared to Refuse Upsells
If you add finishing touches like stamping or scoring patterns into your concrete driveway or have it stained, then it’ll provide your concrete with a decorative flair and boost the curb appeal of your property. But these upsells may not be within your budget. That’s why feel free to ask for prices ahead of time and refuse extra services if there’s any budget constraint.
Ask About the Type of Permitting That Will Be Necessary
If you ask about permits that’ll be needed for you, then it’ll be a great way to self-educate with the advice of professionals like us while you prepare to build your concrete driveway. Moreover, it’s an amazing way to assess the contractor’s experience. If you find the contractor is unaware of the permitting process or expects you to shoulder that responsibility, it may be due to a lack of experience or a lack of quality service. However, we excel in both parameters.
Ensure That Projects Come with Written Contracts
Ensure that a written contract is standard protocol for the contractor and ask more about what is usually covered in the contract.
After Receiving the Cost Quotes, Get Technical
A home visit from contractors while you gather quotes can provide you with a better sense of specifics if you are unaware of them. Gathering multiple opinions on what materials and specifications you will require can help you to narrow your choices as well.
Clarify Everything Included in the Contract
Contracts must be technical, specific, and include cost and schedule to ensure a guarantee of quality and clear expectations. This guide to help you decide between going DIY on concrete driveway projects or hiring a contractor points out that you should establish the thickness of pavement you wish and will have to be precise on the compaction of the subgrade and base before you sign any contract. This referential guide on concrete driveway construction basics can help you gather more knowledge about specifics.
10. Ask Relevant Questions to Test the Knowledge and Skill of the Contractor
Narrow your list by observing how comfortable the contractors are while replying to technical questions. Ask a potential contractor how they’ll ensure the prevention of driveway cracking.
Ask them to explain the process they’ll go through before pouring the concrete and how long the total project will take.
Inference
Being the provider of one of the best concrete services in Los Angeles, we help our prospects in every possible way with proper guidance. Call us today if you want to know more.
