Top 10 List in Choosing a Decorative Concrete Contractor

Posted on January 12, 2022 in Franks

As with any type of service, a little preparation in selecting the right contractor will make all the difference in your finished project. Here are the top 10 things to look out for before hiring someone to do decorative concrete work for you.

Don't be swayed by slick advertising gimmicks. The best decorative contractors don't have to do a lot of expensive advertising. They get the majority of their work through satisfied customers' referrals. Consult friends and neighbors who have had work done. Past performance is an excellent indicator for future performance.
Check with the Better Business Bureau or local consumer-affairs agency for complaint histories of the contractors you're considering. If you see one or two complaints it doesn't necessarily mean the contractor isn't qualified. Find out what the situation was and how the situation was resolved. Be wary of a contractor with more than one or two complaints.
Ask potential contractors for a list of previous customers. At the very least, you should be able to see a portfolio of completed projects. If possible, visit their projects to look at the work. If you're able to talk to their previous clients, here are some questions you should consider asking:
- Would you hire this contractor again?
- Were you satisfied with the quality of the work?
- How did the contractor handle cleanup each day?
- Was the contractor easy to work with?
- How did the contractor handle differences and work changes?
- Was the job completed on time and at the bid? If not, why not?
- Did the contractor representative return phone calls and emails and keep their word?
Verify the contractor's license and insurance. Since requirements vary state by state, check with the appropriate agency to see if the contractor is properly licensed and insured in your local are. As a rule, licensing entails passing a test to measure competency, while registering involves only payment of a fee. If a problem arises, a government agency may be able to pursue a licensed or registered contractor on your behalf. Licensing won't guarantee success, but it indicates a degree of professionalism and suggests that the contractor is committed to their job. Remember that you usually get what you pay for.

Check for membership in or certification by an industry group such as the Decorative Concrete Council or other trade associations. This is usually a sign of someone who is in business for the long run and not the quick buck. It also means that this contractor is invested in the future development of the industry. To go a step further, is the contractor a member of the council or trade association? Have they served on committees? Do they attend the conferences? Have they taken an active role by becoming a leader (key expert) within the organization? All of these are indicators that you'll be working with a professional who cares about their craft.

Get a written estimate from at least three contractors. An estimate should detail the scope of work to be done and the length of time the job will take. Be sure to note what is included and not included. Once agreed to and signed by you and the contractor, a bid becomes a contract. You can learn a lot about your potential contractor by the details and professionalism in the estimate writing. If he is sloppy in this area he will be sloppy in the work as well—this often leads to misunderstandings and possible disappointment in the finished job.

Try to limit the down payment to 10 percent or less. It's not uncommon to pay for a decorative project in phases over the course of the job, but keep an eye out for a contractor who is asking for a substantial amount up front. While it's not always the case, it could be a sign that they need your money to finish a previous job or pay for other bills. In some states, it's illegal to require large deposits. It's important to note that some specialty projects do require larger deposits. For example, if custom colors or specific textures are being used, you may be asked to pay a higher down payment.

Throw out the low-ball bid. Oftentimes, if you get a bid that's significantly lower than all other bids, this contractor is probably cutting corners or desperate for work. There may be problems later on, and it may be difficult to get ahold of them if something goes wrong. Be especially wary of contractors who offer a bargain price, claiming that they're doing a job in the neighborhood and have leftover materials. On that note, be wary of anything that looks too good to be true.

Ask for a warranty. Reputable contractors guarantee their work. You may even choose to ask for a reference that has had warranty work completed so that you can get a feel for the type of service provided days, weeks, months, and years after the job is complete.

Pay close attention to their listening and communication skills. Arguably, the single most important factor in choosing the right contractor for your job is how well you and the contractor communicate. It is critical that your contractor has a clear understanding of your needs and wants for your project.