The Process of Hiring a Commercial Concrete Contractor: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you own or manage a commercial property, finding a dependable commercial concrete contractor takes time and preparation. Do enough research to make a confident choice, and you’ll find a contractor who won’t disappoint you.

What are the steps to hiring the right concrete company? The team at K&E Flatwork in Kansas City has put together this guide to give you all the information you need to make the right decision. We hope that you’ll choose us for all your commercial work on curbs, sidewalks, driveways, ramps, and parking lots.

Step 1: Identify the Goals for Your Concrete Project

Use these questions to identify project goals:

•       Do you need to comply with local safety codes while installing a ramp?
•       Is budget the primary concern for selecting a commercial concrete contractor to build your parking lot?
•       Does your project cover multiple locations, have special requirements for residential or retail properties, or deal with complex timelines?

Find out if the contractors you interview can handle every aspect of your project. Most importantly, hire a team that focuses on your needs and requirements.

Step 2: Narrow Down Your Shortlist of Contractors

After you write down your goals, it’s time to research local commercial concrete contractors. Start by asking business associates and friends who have finished concrete projects like yours. You can also look at online reviews and ratings.

The top qualities to look for include the following:

• Sterling reputation: Word of mouth and online reviews can provide
  detailed information on how a concrete company treats its customers. Additionally, you can contact the BBB to find out how well the company addresses complaints.
• Honesty and transparency: Honest contractors offer upfront estimates, clear answers to questions, and contact information published on their website. At K&E Flatwork, we understand that a happy customer is the best advertisement. That’s why we proudly publish customer testimonials on our website.
• Industry know-how: K&E stays current on the latest innovations in concrete technology. We’re also an active member of the American Concrete Institute.

Step 3: Ask the Right Questions

If you don’t know much about concrete, how do you know what to ask? Here’s the thing. The right commercial concrete contractor will hire passionate people who can answer all your questions. You just have to get them started and assess whether they have the know-how and professionalism to handle your concrete project.

Besides asking about their active insurance coverage and valid license status, several questions will help you weed out inexperienced, unmotivated companies.

•       What type of soil do I have on my property?
•       What type of concrete is best for the soil conditions here?
•       Do you use additives? When and why?
•       Will you use rebar for my ramp, sidewalk, patio, or parking lot?
•       How will you help prevent cracks and defects?

Look for confident, detailed answers to these and other questions. Also, trust your instincts.

Step 4: Ask for Quotes

Let’s say you have narrowed down your list to the top four or five contractors in your area. Now, it’s time to ask for quotes and compare prices. Remember, price isn’t the only factor in determining which company will do the best job.

Consistent quality of work can help prevent frequent commercial concrete repairs. So, look out for prices that are far lower than the competition. Additionally, comprehensive upfront quotes separate reputable contractors from scam artists. 

Our team may suggest add-ons during the estimate process. However, once you receive a quote, there shouldn’t be hidden charges at the end of the job. Watch out for companies looking to maximize revenue without consideration for your needs.

Step 5: Check References

You can find references online or ask the company directly. Immediately weed out any commercial concrete contractor that won’t provide references. For the best results, contact the references and ask a few questions that will help you decide if the contractor is a good fit for you.

You may only get to ask a few questions if the former customer is busy. Here are a few queries to include in your conversation:

•       What kind of project did the concrete contractor complete for you?
•       Was it finished on time and within your budget?
•       Did you feel the project was worth the expense?
•       Would you recommend this company to family or friends?

Step 6: Consider the Schedule

You’ll need to stay off freshly poured concrete surfaces for about a week. Sometimes, it’s longer. Therefore, the schedule for the poor matters. For example, if you need a new parking lot finished before your grand opening, you’ll want to schedule the project a few weeks in advance.

The contractor you choose may have a full schedule for the next several weeks. Therefore, aligning your schedule with the commercial concrete contractor’s availability is important. At K&E Flatwork, we’ll work with you to ensure the job is done in time for your important event. Also, you can count on honest answers, not excuses.

Step 7: Ask for Copies of the Contractor’s License and Insurance

Commercial insurance is expensive. Inexperienced or failing businesses often fail to keep their insurance up to date. That’s why it’s essential to ask for a copy of a concrete contractor’s current insurance policy before hiring them.

Licensed contractors answer to state boards. You can also hold them accountable for poor work or damage to your property by appealing to the state board of licensing.

Always ask for proof of licensing and insurance.

Step 8: Get Everything in Writing

Ask for a written contract documenting everything the contractor has agreed to do for the estimated price. Without a written contract, you don’t have any guarantees that they will perform the work to your expectations. A signed contract can ease your mind and clarify the agreement for all parties.

The contract should include the following details:

•       Work schedule, including start and completion dates
•       Materials required
•       Payment timeline and expectations
•       Details such as who is responsible for site cleanup and waste disposal

Choosing a Contractor

K&E Flatwork is the leading commercial concrete contractor in the Kansas City area. We’ve provided parking lots, ramps, and other hard surfaces for retailers, business owners, property managers, and other clients. Reach out to our team today to set up a consultation and receive a free quote.