Commercial Concrete Installations: Everything You Need to Know
You want to hire a contractor to install a unique concrete structure for your business, but you’re not exactly sure what the process entails. Concrete is one of the most important building materials in the construction industry, and it is also the go-to choice for many business owners. Concrete installations offer you a lot of versatility and the material itself is among your more durable and cost-effective options. A commercial contractor can build you a sidewalk or provide you with a beautiful and visually appealing driveway for your business. You can also install an entirely new concrete slab to serve as the foundation for your warehouse or manufacturing facility.
All of this sounds great, but you always want to make sure that you are hiring the right contractor for the job. You want them to meet all of your needs, but you also want to ensure that they offer enough experience and qualifications to get the job done. Here are a few things you should look for when it comes to a commercial concrete installation service:
Dependability
When you hire a contractor, you are putting a lot of trust in their abilities to deliver you a premium product. You always want to ensure that they have a good reputation when it comes to showing up to work on time, meeting deadlines, and remaining communicative throughout the entire process. A commercial contractor will help guide you throughout the entire process and they will always keep you in the loop. If they need to make any changes before and during the installation, they will alert you to it immediately. You can also ask for references to get a better idea of the contractor’s capabilities and history. They should have photographs and documentation on hand of their previous work to prove that they are a reliable provider of concrete installation services.
Skills and Experience
You always want to choose a contractor that has plenty of knowledge, experience, and competence. However, you should also consider the kind of specialty services that they offer. For example, let’s say you want to install stamped concrete or pavers for an outdoor patio. You better learn ahead of time if this is something that the contractor can provide.
Also, the company has to have access to all the necessary building materials and tools to get the job done. What will happen is you hire a company to install a driveway. However, the company has to outsource the work because they lack the proper equipment and training to get the job done. This is something you want to avoid at all costs. When you get the chance, ask the contractor for a detailed list of the services they offer. This will help you determine if they are qualified for the job.
Customer Satisfaction
A reliable contractor will go to great lengths to ensure that their services are satisfactory. Commercial concrete installations are always a major undertaking, and you always want to ensure that you getting a lot of value out of what you invest. You should do a little research before you decide to hire the contractor to determine how past customers rated their services. Most customers will grade a contractor based on their completion time, service costs, communication, and overall professionalism. Once you know more about what you can expect from your contractor, then you should feel comfortable hiring them.
Frequently Asked Questions
We receive a lot of questions about contractors and what it is exactly that differentiates all of them. There are various approaches to commercial concrete installations and we want to help you get a better idea of what the process will require. Listed below are several questions you should ask a contractor and the answers you can expect:
- What is your current schedule? Getting an idea of the contractor’s schedule will allow you to determine if they can meet your deadline. If you are searching for someone who can perform a quick turnaround, then the answer to this question for you is crucial. Also, if the contractor is highly sought-after and reputable, then they will schedule your project well in advance.
- What is the time frame for my project? A commercial contractor should provide you an answer on the timeframe upfront before any work takes place. At the very least, they should provide you a rough estimate. With commercial sidewalks and driveways, a contractor typically takes about 2-4 weeks to complete the entire project. If a contractor estimates a timeframe that is widely different from the other contractors, then you should move on from them.
- Will my project require a permit? An experienced contractor knows very well what the process entails when it comes to obtaining permits for a building project. They should have ample knowledge of the permits required for producing a commercial concrete installation. This is what will ensure that they are proving high-quality work. If the contractor cannot answer any questions regarding permits, then they likely lack the experience to get the job done.
- What will you use to reinforce the concrete structure? This is a good question to ask if you are hiring a contractor to build a concrete foundation for a commercial structure. Many contractors will utilize rebar reinforcement to provide the necessary structural support. It allows the concrete material to sustain any weight or pressure that’s placed on it. Also, asking this question allows the contractor to reveal more about their process and methodology.
- What safety and protective measures do you use? Every commercial contractor understands that following safety guidelines is extremely crucial when it comes to doing their job. This also gives you a better idea of their training and experience. Work-site protection and proper safety procedures play a huge role in ensuring that your project will go according to plan. Also, ask about their liability insurance so that you will know ahead of time that you are not responsible for accidents that happen on the job.
- Do you manage the entire project? In other words, how many people will be involved in the project and who will be in charge? You should always try to learn the number of concrete professionals who are going to be working on your property. If the contractor can’t answer this question without hesitating to think about it, then they probably lack the experience to provide you with service.
- Do you provide a written agreement? Written agreements should include every little detail of the project, including deadlines, the thickness of the concrete material, and the prices per square foot. The agreement will also clarify who is in charge of what as well as individual responsibilities. If you have any questions regarding the framework of the agreement, then ask your contractor about it. If you notice that the installation doesn’t meet the standards set down by the agreement, then you should inform your contractor about it immediately.
A Few Advantages and Disadvantages
Your commercial concrete installation is going to benefit you immensely no matter what you decide to do with it. Concrete patios and sidewalks offer a simple yet elegant upgrade that will work wonders for your business. The material is also incredibly sturdy and long-lasting – plus it will require minimal maintenance and repair work. Lite pressure washing will keep it in pristine condition for years to come. Also, if you reseal the concrete material periodically, then you won’t have to worry about cracks and other physical defects taking form.
Here are some additional pros and cons that you can expect from concrete:
Pros of Commercial Concrete Installations:
- Quality concrete installations can last up to 30 years without undergoing any major physical deterioration. We recommend that you carry out regularly-scheduled maintenance and cleanings to preserve the value of your property.
- Poured concrete offers incredible load-bearing capabilities and it is also shock-absorbant.
- Freshly-installed concrete gives a nice appearance to your business and adds more curb appeal.
Cons of Commercial Concrete Installations:
- Due to changes in temperatures and weak soil, settling can occur. This can lead to distortions in the structure of a building and will require major (and costly) repair work.
- Natural erosion and heavy impacts cause cracks to form.
Can You Demolish Concrete on Your Own?
If you have access to certain tools, such as a sledgehammer or jackhammer, then it is feasible for you to demolish it on your own. However, we strongly recommend that you hire a professional to perform any demolishing. The task itself requires you to follow certain safety precautions, including the usage of protective eyewear, face masks, and gloves. With thicker concrete structures, you will need ear protection as well. You’re ultimately going to be a lot better off by hiring a professional who can ensure that everything is done safely and efficiently.
Have any questions regarding concrete installations for your business? You can always give us a call! One of our professional concrete installers will provide you with detailed information on everything the process entails. They can also answer any questions you have on pricing and scheduling.