Concrete Storm: How to Choose a Contractor in this Crazy Market!

The Great Winter of 2017 seems to be finally fading into the rearview mirror! Good riddance to ice dams, never-ending cold, and falling on your behind!

However, all that snow, cold, and freeze/thaw cycles leaves a great deal of damage in it's wake. Many people are seeing the ice melt only to reveal spalling driveways, flaking patios, and cracked walkways. This has created unprecedented demand for concrete services in the Treasure Valley. In contrast to prior years, when winter months were pretty quiet, concrete guys are reporting their phones ringing off the hook.

While this is good for business, and promises to deliver a banner year for contractors, it means that consumers need to be pro-active and decisive in securing contractors to complete their projects. The longer customers wait, the fewer options they'll have, the longer the timeline will grow, and the more expensive it will get. A driveway quoted at $7.50 a square foot to replace in February will be $9.00 a square in May, and going up from there. That's a pretty big chunk of change when multiplied across hundreds (or thousands) of square feet.

However, that is not to say customers should not make a choice just to make a choice. Instead, they should put contractors through their paces a little bit, testing to see how professional and responsive they are in trying to secure your business. That will tell you a lot about how they'll behave once they have been awarded the business.  Some key things to look for:

• Do they show up on time for appointments?
• Do they have a website?
• Do they provide professional estimates in writing?
• Do they respond to calls/emails/texts?
• Do they follow up on their bids?
• Are they licensed and insured?
• Will they provide you with a Certificate of Insurance naming you as an Additional Insured?
• Do they provide thorough and complete contracts to govern the transaction?
• Are they willing to made reasonable changes or additions to said contract?

If you are considering a contractor that does not meet all of these criteria, then you might want to be a bit leery. If a potential contractor is falling short when they are trying to win your business, how will they perform once the contract is signed?

Boise Concrete and Construction of course meets all of these criteria (otherwise we wouldn't be writing this article tell you how important all of these things are!), and would be very interested in talking with you about your project. Contact us today to set up your free consultation!