Before Hiring a Concrete Contractor, Ask These Questions:

The CONCRETE DOC has compiled a list of questions that you should be asking before you decide on which contractor to use so that the project will be done right the first time.

1. How much experience does the contractor have?

How many years have they been in the masonry and concrete business and have they been doing the type of work you’re looking for very long? If you're looking to hire a contractor for your concrete project, and that mason has been spending the majority their years in business doing brick masonry, they may not be the ideal company to hire for your project.

2. Will they be purchasing all of the materials that will be used for the project?

Who will be responsible for purchasing the materials that will be used? A concrete contractor will typically purchase all materials, but it’s a good idea to be sure that this is the case. Also, will they provide samples for you to choose from?

3. Did they have examples (photos) of their work (and do you like what you see)?

As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Hopefully, they will have quite a few photos of their work so that you can see for yourself if they do quality work.

4. Do they have insurance in the event of an accident on-site?

Your contractor should be fully insured in the event of an unforeseen accident on your project site. The type of insurance you’ll want to confirm is called Liability Insurance and Workers’ Compensation Insurance.

5. Can they tell you how long your project will take to complete?

How long the project will take? While there are unforeseen circumstances that can occur that will alter the completion date, it’s a good idea to get a sense of how long the project will take to complete and if that timeline meets your needs.

6. Is there anything you need to do to prepare the project site before they begin?

There are instances where you may need to complete some prep work before your project begins. Have your masonry contractor give you any instructions you’ll need to follow.

7. Will your concrete contractor provide you with a detailed estimate before they start?

A verbal description and pricing of the work should be totally unacceptable. A detailed estimate should be spelled out in a document that lists every aspect of the project and how much it will cost. It should also give specific timelines for project milestones, how your payment schedule will work, and what types of payment methods are available for you.

8. What happens if the finished product does not meet your expectations?

Does your contractor offer some type of quality assurance? What will happen if you're not completely satisfied with the quality of their work? If your contractor gives you some sort of quality guarantee, that tells you that the company is confident in its abilities and believes that you will be satisfied with its work.

9. Will they clean up the job site when the project is completed?

Not all masonry contractors will clean the project site before leaving. Ask them if their masons will leave your property as clean as they found it before they started the project.

Hiring the Right Masonry Contractor is Crucial

Asking the right questions is important when you’re about to make an investment in your home. If you're looking for a quality concrete contractor in the Rochester, NY, area call us today at our parent company, Gruttadaurio Masonry, at (315) 310-7193 or contact us online.