A concrete contractor checks the concrete’s quality before processing it. This is an important step in assuring the quality of the building that’s about to be created. Nowadays, many tech-savvy concrete contractors use construction management software like Bridgit to upgrade their workflow. You can visit this link to learn more about them. Since fresh concrete is liquid and might form any shape, the concrete contractor will make a framework or purchase an Amico Global concrete forming system to shape the structure.
Every construction needs a concrete contractor, especially large-scale projects. Concreting is about batching and mixing different materials, depending on the project’s requirements. Then, the mixed concrete is transported to the construction site, where it’s poured and leveled as desired.
A concrete contractor supervises the concreting process. So, you must know how to choose the right concrete contractor for construction.
6 factors to consider while choosing a concrete contractor
Here are 6 factors to consider while choosing a concrete contractor.
1. Experience
Experience matters in the construction project, especially when hiring a concrete contractor. Concreting has the following applications in every construction:
- Buildings – Residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
- Roads – Common roads, streets, highways, and runways.
- Dams – Water storage facility at riverbeds.
- Pavior – Path for pedestrians and cyclists.
An experienced concrete contractor will first analyze the construction project type and finalize the concrete’s requirements. Although every project uses the same concrete, there are different concrete requirements for different construction projects.
If you hire an inexperienced contractor for concreting, they might use unsuitable materials in the concreting procedure. As a result, the project will lack quality and might lead to project failure.
2. Skills
A concrete contractor must be skillful in the very field. Since large-scale industrial projects are different from residential ones, they have different concreting processes. So it’s important to verify the expertise of the concrete contractor by comparing their skillset with the project’s requirements. Even small details can make a difference in the project’s quality.
While you are looking for a concreting contractor, check out the following areas:
- Batching – To make high-quality concrete, the concrete contractor measures the required materials (cement, stone, sand, and water).
- Mixing – The subcontractors mix the concrete in the desired ratio. Concrete contractors know that ratio and will guide the subcontractors to keep a fine balance between the concrete materials.
- Pouring – The concrete is poured into the desired area with the help of a concrete buggy, line pumps, or shovels under the concrete contractor’s supervision.
- Leveling – The concrete contractor will then level the concrete, which is still in liquid form. A team member will use a floor screed to level the surface and make required designs if necessary.
- Curing – The concrete is hydrated according to its quality and temperature to solidify it for the best result.
Concreting is time-taking, but you will find a skillful concrete contractor getting involved throughout the process with the team.
3. Prices
Concrete contractors will quote their prices when you ask for the concreting service. Depending on their experience, skill, and reference, you will find varying prices. That’s why it’s important to research well before deciding which concrete contractor is the best for your project.
Remember that pricing should never be the only factor when choosing a concrete contractor. If you go for a low-priced concrete contractor, your project will lack quality because of poor concreting.
4. Communication
You must check the level of communication with the concrete constructor, as it’s important to communicate with them throughout the project. Some concrete contractors are experienced with the right skill sets but don’t properly communicate with the clients or construction managers.
The miscommunication from the concrete contractors leads to poor concreting, which might create big problems in the construction.
For example, if your concrete contractor doesn’t consider the project’s special requirements regarding flooring despite your informing them, the whole project might fail. That will lead to a huge financial loss for the company and also will damage the company’s reputation.
5. Reference
Make sure the concrete contractor you want to hire must be known to others. You can also ask the contractors if they have any references.
Referencing helps you in finding the right concrete contractor for your project. First, you can easily communicate with them because of the reference. Second, you might get reduced concrete contracting pricing without losing the quality.
6. Insurance
You already know construction projects are full of risks. So, always check if the concrete contractor you hire for your project must be insured. That will not make you accountable if something goes wrong.
You can ask the contractors to show their insurance and call the insurance company to validate the coverage. Make sure the insurance coverage is enough to cover the maximum project cost.
4 responsibilities of a concrete contractor
Here are the 4 major responsibilities of a concrete contractor.
1. Concrete selection
The concrete contractor will select the materials to prepare the finest quality concrete for the project. Experienced contractors know the ratio in which different materials are mixed. You can also ask them about the proportion if you are worried about the quality.
2. Site preparation
Concrete contractors check the construction site before transporting the concrete. They ensure the site is ready and make necessary preparations, like excavation. For example, they might work with other team leaders to make the ground ready for concrete to quicken the construction.
3. Concrete formation
Concrete contractors will make a structure according to the project’s design to hold the concrete. Since fresh concrete is liquid and might form any shape, the concrete contractor will make a framework to shape the structure.
The framework is usually made of wood, and once the concrete solidifies, subcontractors will dismantle the framework.
4. Finishing
Once the concrete contractor pours the concrete into the framework, they will give it the finishing touch according to the desired project design. Some clients want the concrete to be in a unique design. That requirement is fulfilled in the concrete finishing phase with the help of different concrete designing tools.
Conclusion
Concrete contractors play an important role in construction projects. They select the materials required and prepare a high-quality concrete mixture. Transporting and pouring the concrete to the construction site is also the concrete contractor’s responsibility. Hopefully, with this guide, you can now choose the best concrete contractor for your company.
