Concrete is a key building material for both residential and commercial spaces, And this is really not surprising, since concrete is the most widely used building material in the world. And your concrete contractor is key when you need concrete.
With each project requiring its own unique set of skills and industry knowledge, connecting with the right contractor who will understand your requirements is not an easy task. Specifically, if your location is hard to reach with large trucks, you probably need a concrete pumping contractor.
Here’s a checklist of some of the most sought-after qualities in a concrete pumping contractors:
TOP NOTCH CUSTOMER SERVICE
They say that first impressions matter, and it’s true! If someone cannot sell their services in a convincing manner, then their credibility is certainly questionable.
An expert concrete pumping contractor will know how to walk the customer through the entire process – from mixing concrete to pumping and pouring – and will openly communicate about the timeline, overall costs, etc., from beginning to end.
LICENSED AND CERTIFIED
This is one of the most important factors to look out for when selecting a concrete pumping contractor; they should have the right license and certification for the job. Be sure the license is recent and up-to-date, especially since it needs to be renewed periodically.
EXPERIENCE IS THE BIGGEST FACTOR
One essential aspect of hiring vetted concrete pumping contractors is to have a look at the years of experience that they have and whether they will be able to do justice to the task at hand.
In a labor-intensive industry like construction and building, experience helps build up on the contractor’s skills and industry knowledge. For instance, certain aspects of on-field work can only be mastered through experience.
It is OK to look at their past record. Remember, a concrete pumping contractor who has been in business longer will definitely know how to work around time delays, back logs, and other such problems.
CHECK FOR GOOD REVIEWS
Customer testimonials are one of the best ways to judge a company’s reputation and credibility in the business. It is recommended that you stay away from concrete pumping contractors that have multiple negative reviews online, as this could signal negligence on their part. Websites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Home Advisor usually have a list of credible companies operating in different locations, so it’s always wise to check with them.
COMPETENCY AND FLEXIBILITY
External factors such as unpredictable weather, rain or other such unforeseen challenges can significantly affect the project deadline. In these cases, it is important that the concrete pumping contractor that you have hired is experienced enough to tackle such issues that come their way.
Competency is all about keeping contingency factors in mind and working your way around it. A backup plan will ensure that any uncalled for delays do not interfere with project completion.
PRICE ESTIMATION AND COST
A comparative analysis between the price quotes that different concrete pumping contractors provide should also be a determining factor. Be on the lookout for hidden charges that a contractor has not clearly identified in the quote or contract.
A reliable contractor will know the real costs involved in building or revamping your facility and if they are true to their work, they will never try to hit you with hidden costs.
Additionally, here are a few questions that you may ask the contractor before taking them on board for your project:
- Do you have references that vouch for your quality of work?
- Do you have a portfolio?
- Can you give a timeline for the completion of the project?
- Are there any government or state level permits required for the project?
- Does my concrete work require rebar reinforcement?
- How many members do you have in your team and what are their qualifications?
- What are the safety standards that you follow? Are you aware of the labor rights and laws governing the construction industry?
- Do you offer product or performance guarantees?
These and many more factors may seem inconsequential at first, but can later become issues for the successful completion of a project. So, start by identifying a list of potential concrete pumping contractors and evaluate them on the factors listed above.