There are three primary ways to find out how to select a concrete contractor. The first is to contact your local government, the second is to contact the Better Business Bureau, and the third is to contact your state or local licensing board. Unfortunately, none of these options is comprehensive. You may receive a short list of contractors from your insurance company, but this doesn’t include all of them. Likewise, you may contact the insurance company and they may contact the licensing board, but again, that’s not the most complete result.
There are many resources on the Internet that can help you find out how to select a concrete contractor. Typically, these references come from the contractor’s own employees, if the project is big enough to have a division of workers who are responsible for providing references. You can also contact these employees or their references directly. Typically, it’s more difficult to contact references from an individual than it is to contact the references of an entire crew.
As you research how to select a contractor for a major project, it’s important to remember that not all of the best contractors will be able to provide the best references. You need to contact references from multiple contractors and ask for names and contact information for these people. Sometimes you can get this information online easily. Most insurance companies have a web site that allows you to request this information. After you have all of the contractor’s or other company’s contact information, you can call each one individually and speak with each one about your project.
If you can’t get a straight answer about whether or not the company is willing to work, move on to the next company. When it comes to insurance, however, be sure to ask questions about any guarantees or warranties the insurance company offers. Be careful, though, because some insurance companies will use these terms as a way to get a cheap quote. They may then refuse to pay out if the project goes over their estimate.
Once you’ve found a few potential candidates, it’s time to go over each one’s references. It’s important to talk to each reference individually. Some contractors will simply give you their phone number or e-mail address to talk over the phone, but be sure you ask each person for a story about the project they were a part of. If a contractor refuses to talk to you, that’s a big red flag.
Once you’ve gathered enough information, you’ll be ready to ask the question of how to select a concrete contractor. Remember, you don’t always have to go with the first one you hear. Take your time and weigh your options. If you’re not comfortable with the answers you’ve received, move on to another company. The project you’re working on shouldn’t cost you more than what you’re willing to pay to get it done correctly the first time.
For more information about concrete work, call Sunshine Concrete Contractors Tampa, 5001 N Nebraska Ave Suite 103, Tampa, FL 33603, (813) 750-0680.