A solid concrete foundation is essential for any building. It will support the structure and anchor it to the ground, so it is important that you find a reputable contractor for your concrete project.
Look for companies that have years of experience, relevant concrete industry certifications and glowing client testimonials. You should also make sure that they have the proper licensing and insurance for your concrete project.
1. Experience
A high-quality concrete contractor will have years of experience in the industry. This means they will know how to handle any size job and have the expertise to finish the work on time. They should also be able to answer any questions you may have about the project.
When choosing a concrete contractor, you should do some research and find out about their past projects. You can do this by checking out their website or social media accounts. You can also get a better idea of their work by reading customer reviews. This will help you narrow down your search and find the best contractor for your needs.
In regions like Texas, which is known for major construction activities, contractors lay great emphasis on the quality of concrete used in their projects. This is because the concrete determines the stability and longevity of the construction. For this reason, the quality of concrete should always be of the highest possible standard. To ensure this, contractors often opt for pump rentals from reliable sources.
This helps them meet the stringent quality standards in place, which are regulated by reputable bodies. This way, they can avoid any lawsuits in the future. Also, they can keep their clients happy and satisfied with the quality of service provided.
2. Certifications
Concrete construction companies can set themselves apart from the competition and improve quality outcomes on the jobsite by guiding their employees through training. The American Concrete Institute (ACI) offers nearly 30 certificate programs that form a minimum qualification for personnel working with concrete materials, design, and repair. This is especially important, as many states have now added certification requirements for concrete contractors on projects that require high-performance concrete.
Precast concrete plants and erectors that have obtained PCI Certification provide benefits to owners, architects, engineers, and contractors beyond the assurance that their products and erection services are compliant with national, published industry standards. Knowledgeable specifiers look for a precaster’s PCI Certification as proof that the plant has qualified, capable quality control personnel.
Among other things, a precast concrete company with a PCI Certification will have staff that understands how to properly mix, transport, place, cure, and finish concrete. This means that their products are likely to perform better and last longer than those produced by non-certified precasters.
A PCI certified concrete company can also help their customers by providing input in the design phase of a project, thereby ensuring that the precast components will work well with the other building elements and reduce construction costs. They can offer input on dramatic architectural effects, efficient sizes and shapes, value engineering options, state-of-the-art connection systems, and other factors that result in a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing finished project.
PCI certification isn’t just for plant quality personnel, but for inspectors and engineers as well. More than 40 states have a requirement for contractor inspectors to be PCI certified. This ensures that they are trained to inspect the proper fresh concrete tests and documentation, as well as the daily internal inspection of batching, mixing, conveying, placing, compacting, curing, and finishing operations.
The QC/QA personnel at a PCI-certified precast concrete plant can also help with estimating and scheduling, helping to make the process smoother for everyone involved in the job. Their input can save time and money, resulting in a project that is built the right way and on schedule.
3. Insurance
Concrete contractors work on many different types of projects, and they deal with heavy machinery. Because of this, there’s a great chance that an employee could get injured on the job site. Having workers’ compensation insurance helps to protect the company from liability and lawsuits should someone become injured. The premiums for this type of insurance can be expensive, but it’s important to have in case something goes wrong.
General liability is another policy that all concrete contractors should carry. It provides financial protection in the event that a third party is hurt or their property is damaged by your business during a project. In addition, some projects require that contractors be covered by a specific amount of this type of insurance. Many general contractors also require that subcontractors carry their own liability insurance and that they be named an additional insured on their policies.
Commercial auto insurance is another important policy to have for your concrete contractor business. It covers your company’s vehicles if they are involved in an accident while on the road or in storage. For example, if one of your cement trucks skids on ice and collides with a car, this insurance policy will pay for the damages. Inland marine insurance is another coverage that’s important for concrete contractors. It covers tools and equipment while they’re in transit or at a job site.
Latent defect insurance is an essential coverage for concrete contractors to have as it covers any issues that may arise months after a job is completed. For example, if a homeowner notices cracking in their new pool a few months after you lay the concrete, they might claim that it was because of the incorrect mixing ratios that were used. This type of insurance policy helps to cover legal fees and repair costs that the concrete contractor would be responsible for. Another policy that’s crucial for concrete contractors is employee dishonesty insurance, which covers theft of money or company property by an employee. This is a very common problem in the construction industry and having this policy can save your business a lot of grief and money in the future.
4. Communication
Concrete is a versatile material that can be used in numerous applications, including building and repairing foundations, creating structural supports for heavy loads, and constructing permanent commercial hardscapes. While high-quality concrete is extremely durable, it can be subject to deterioration over time, especially if exposed to harsh weather conditions. In these cases, it is important to work with a trusted contractor that will provide quality service and address any concerns or issues that arise during the construction process.
When selecting a concrete contractor, it is essential to verify their credentials and insurance policies. It is also important to discuss the company’s pricing structure and how they will handle any unforeseen expenses or changes during the project. Additionally, it is helpful to ask the company about their safety procedures and any other relevant details related to the commercial concrete project.
Whether you are looking for a commercial concrete contractor to help with a new commercial build or to repair an existing structure, it is important to choose a company that has extensive experience with large-scale projects. These contractors will have the necessary skills and expertise to handle the job efficiently and accurately, saving you time and money in the long run. They will know how to properly prepare the area, measure for safe and sturdy thickness, and use the right reinforcement techniques to ensure a strong and lasting finish.
In addition to their experience, a reliable commercial concrete company should have a well-established reputation in the community. Look for testimonials, reviews, and references from previous clients to get an idea of the company’s performance and customer service. Eclipse Concrete and Landscape is a respected concrete company in Breese, IL, that is committed to transparency, open communication, and exceptional customer service.
It is important to take the time to interview potential contractors and to carefully assess their portfolios before making a decision. A thorough portfolio will illustrate the contractor’s knowledge and experience in working with commercial concrete. In addition, it will show the contractor’s ability to effectively communicate with clients and complete projects within a timely manner.
