You are getting ready to do that concrete project around your Macungie home. It might be a new patio, or a driveway extension, or maybe you are finally fixing that cracked sidewalk. This is a good thing. But before you start, you need to find the right concrete contractor. Not all concrete guys are the same. Absolute Concrete Co has been in this business for many years. We have seen a lot of things. This guide will help you make sure you hire someone who will do the concrete job right.
What Questions Should You Ask a Concrete Contractor?
You should not be shy when you talk to potential concrete contractors. You are inviting someone to work on your biggest investment. You have every right to ask tough questions. You can think of it like an interview for your concrete project.
- "Are you registered with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office?" This is very important for home improvement work over $5,000 in PA. It is called the Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration. This is not a license, but it is a legal requirement. You can look it up on the AG's website. If they do not have it, that is a big problem.
- "Can you show me proof of insurance?" You want to see general liability insurance as well as workers' compensation insurance. General liability protects you if they damage your property. It also protects you if someone gets hurt on your property. Workers' comp is important if they have employees. This protects you from liability if one of their crew gets injured on your concrete job. Pennsylvania requires workers' comp for all employers. You should ask for a certificate of insurance. You can also call the insurance company to confirm it is active.
- "How much experience do you have with concrete projects like mine?" A concrete contractor who mostly pours foundations might not be the best choice for a decorative stamped patio. You should ask for photos of their past concrete work. You should especially ask for photos of local projects in Macungie.
- "Who will be doing the actual concrete work?" You should ask if it will be their own crew. You should also ask if they will use subcontractors. If they use subcontractors, you should ask about those subs' qualifications as well as their insurance.
- "What is your process for site preparation and drainage for concrete?" This is very important. Macungie has freeze-thaw cycles. Proper sub-base and drainage are important to prevent cracking as well as heaving later on. You want to hear about compacting the base. You also want to hear about using proper aggregate. In addition, you want to hear about how they address any water issues.
- "Will you pull the necessary permits for the concrete project?" You will likely need a permit for a new concrete patio or driveway. This is especially true if it is over a certain size. It is also true if it is attached to your house. You will need a permit from Lower Macungie Township or Macungie Borough. A good concrete contractor handles this for you.
- "Can I get a list of references for your concrete work?" You should then actually call those references. You can ask about their experience. You can also ask if the concrete project finished on time and on budget. You should also ask if they would hire the concrete contractor again.
What to Look For in a Concrete Quote
You should not just compare the bottom line price. A good concrete quote is detailed as well as transparent.
- Itemized breakdown: The concrete quote should clearly list materials. This includes concrete type, PSI, and reinforcement like rebar or mesh. It should also list labor, equipment, as well as any other costs. You want to see how they are calculating the square footage and thickness for your concrete project.
- Scope of work: You should make sure the quote clearly states what is included. It should also state what is not included. Is old concrete removal part of the price? What about grading and site prep? What about finishing work? What about sealing?
- Payment schedule: You should be careful of anyone asking for a very large upfront deposit. A reasonable schedule usually has a deposit. This is often 10-30%. It also includes progress payments. A final payment is made upon satisfactory completion.
- Warranty: You should ask what kind of guarantee they offer on their concrete work. You should get this in writing.
- Start and completion dates: Weather can sometimes affect concrete work. A concrete contractor should still give you a realistic timeline.
Red Flags to Watch Out For with Concrete Contractors
Some things should make you walk away. This is true no matter how good the price seems.
- Unsolicited offers: Someone might knock on your door. They might say they just finished a concrete job down the street. They might say they have leftover concrete. You should say no to this.
- Cash-only deals: This is a common way to avoid taxes as well as insurance. You should not agree to this.
- High-pressure sales tactics: They might say, "Sign today or the price goes up!" A good concrete contractor gives you time to review the quote. They also give you time to make an informed decision.
- No contract or vague contract: Everything should be in writing. It should be clear as well as easy to understand.
- Prices significantly lower or higher than others: If one concrete quote is much cheaper, they are probably cutting corners. If it is much higher, they might be overcharging. They might also not want the job. You should get at least three concrete quotes. This will give you a good idea of the market rate in Macungie.
- Lack of references or refusal to provide them: This is a big problem if they cannot or will not give you references.
How to Verify a Concrete Contractor is Legitimate
You should do your own homework. This is in addition to asking questions.
- Check the PA Attorney General's HIC registry: This is the first place to look for any home improvement contractor in Pennsylvania.
- Call their insurance carrier: You should use the contact information on their certificate of insurance. This will help you verify coverage.
- Look them up online: You should check for reviews on Google, Yelp, as well as industry-specific sites. A few negative reviews are not always a problem. However, a pattern of complaints is a problem.
- Contact your local township: For Macungie, this means Lower Macungie Township or Macungie Borough. They can confirm if the concrete contractor has pulled permits for other jobs in the area. They can also confirm if there are any outstanding issues.
- Ask for their physical business address: A P.O. Box is not always a red flag. A legitimate business usually has a physical location.
Hiring a concrete contractor does not have to be difficult. You can find a professional by doing your research. You also need to know what to look for. This professional can deliver quality concrete work. This work will stand up to our Pennsylvania weather. We at Absolute Concrete Co are proud of our transparency as well as our quality. We know that homeowners deserve a solid foundation. This is true both literally and figuratively.