Like concrete replacement itself, finding the right concrete contractor is a big job.
Concrete replacement is a big job. Demolition, excavation, building forms, pouring in the new material, finishing the wet concrete… a lot can go wrong, which is why it’s critical to find a trustworthy contractor to do the job right.
Here at A-1 Concrete Leveling, we specialize in lifting sunken slabs and repairing concrete, but there are often times when concrete is too far gone for our services.
In these cases, we recommend concrete replacement. But we know that finding the right contractor to do the job can be an overwhelming process.
For this reason, we’ve compiled this list of 8 essential steps to follow when looking for a reliable concrete contractor for your concrete replacement needs.
1. Consider All of Your Options
The first step in the process is to determine if concrete replacement is necessary for your situation. In many cases, concrete can be repaired much faster and for far less than replacement with concrete leveling, concrete caulking, and concrete cleaning services.
Concrete repair is a good option if your concrete slabs are mostly intact, just uneven or out of level, and you want a quick and affordable solution.
Some cases where concrete repair won’t fix the situation are if your concrete is severely cracked or crumbling or if you want an entirely new design.
2. Research Concrete Contractors Near You
Once you’ve decided that concrete replacement is the right solution for you, a quick Google search can provide you with plenty of concrete contractors to get in touch with.
You should also ask around for recommendations from neighbors, friends, and family who may have had good (or bad) experiences with local concrete contractors.
Once you have your list of contractors together, you should call each one or visit their websites to get some preliminary information. Here are some things to consider:
- Do they offer free quotes?
- Do they have minimum job size or cost requirements?
- How far out are they scheduling estimates or work?
3. Review Portfolios
Before going with a concrete replacement contractor, review photos of their previous jobs to gauge whether or not they’ve done work similar to your desired aesthetic. Seeing examples will also help you get a feel for the quality of their craftsmanship.
Nowadays, most contractors have their portfolios clearly listed on their websites. If you’re considering working with a contractor whose portfolio isn’t available publicly, be sure to request examples of their work before proceeding.
4. Get Quotes and Compare Prices
Arguably one of the most important parts of finding a contractor to replace or install your concrete is to meet with as many as you can to get quotes and compare prices.
Schedule multiple estimates to get a good feel for the high and low price ranges in your area. The more quotes you receive, the better you will get to know what good and bad pricing looks like for your project.
Be sure to get thorough quotes that have detailed line item breakdowns for each cost. Doing this will allow you to compare each quote side by side and see where exactly your money will be going.
5. Ask the Right Questions
When meeting with concrete contractors during estimates, be sure to ask lots of questions to get to know about the work that will take place, what to expect during the process, estimated timelines, downpayment requirements, payment methods, and more.
Not sure which questions to ask? Start here: 13 Questions to Ask a Concrete Contractor
6. Judge Customer Service and Communication Style
After spending time meeting with various concrete contractors and communicating with them over text, email, or phone call, ask yourself whether you felt taken care of.
Did you feel heard and appreciated as a potential customer? Were all of your questions answered thoroughly?
Everyone has different communication styles and customer service values, so make sure to choose a concrete contractor that you’ll feel comfortable working with for many weeks.
7. Read Reviews and Ask for References
Reading public reviews on Google, Yelp, Facebook, Angi, etc. is another great way to see real positive and negative customer experiences. How the company responds to these reviews will also tell you quite a bit about their character.
Contacting previous customers can also give you a great idea as to how well the contractor’s work has held up over time, as well as if the company was as good as it claims to be overall.
When talking with references, ask questions like:
- How different was the final price from the estimated price?
- Did the job take longer than expected?
- Did you have any hiccups throughout the process?
8. Verify Insurance and Licenses
Before any work takes place, you’ll need to make sure the contractor’s insurance will cover any accidents that could happen on your property during the replacement process. Ask your contractor for their insurance provider’s details so you can call and check the coverage for your project dates.
Each state has different licensing requirements for contracting work, so research what is required in your area and double-check that your contractor is playing by the rules.
Your Next Steps
After learning what it takes to find a good concrete contractor to tackle your replacement project, you’re one step closer to having great-looking and functional concrete. Now you can get to work contacting the concrete contractors in your area!
But before you go, be sure to check out these topics related to concrete replacement from our online resource library, Concrete Academy:
- When To Repair vs. When To Replace Your Concrete
- How To Maintain Your Concrete
- Concrete Leveling vs. Concrete Replacement
Most locations here at A-1 Concrete Leveling don't pour new concrete. Instead, we repair and restore the concrete you have for a fraction of the cost of replacement.
If you’d like to see what A-1 can do for your concrete, click the link below to request a free onsite cost estimate from your nearest A-1 location!
Click Here to Find Your Nearest Location and Receive a FREE Estimate
Sarah Etler joined A-1 Concrete Leveling after receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Northern Kentucky University. As A-1's Content Marketing Manager, she works closely with industry experts to produce content that will best answer questions related to concrete repair and maintenance practices. Sarah loves living a life full of discovery and is excited every day to see what new things she can learn and share with those around her.
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