Follow these steps to make the task of finding the best concrete lifting contractor into a much easier process.
1. Get referrals from your network of friends, family, and coworkers.
One of the best ways to ensure that you find a qualified, professional concrete lifting contractor to resolve your sinking concrete is simply by asking people in your network for references. Concrete issues are common, so chances are you know someone who’s had to have a similar problem addressed. Talk with friends, family, and coworkers to see who has performed concrete repair work for them.
You can also expand your network by asking friends, family, or coworkers if they know someone that has had to have concrete lifting work performed. The people just outside of your network may have different experiences with the same contractors recommended by friends or family, or they may know of someone else who’s done a similarly good job for less cost. There are great opportunities to see completed work in person which is more reliable than photos you might see on a contractor’s website.
2. Check reviews and contractor websites online
Don’t just rely on the top-ranking listings to tell you which contractor is the best. When you find a few highly reviewed concrete lifting contractors, go ahead and check out their websites. Look at some of the projects they’ve done that are similar to the issue you have with your concrete and check out before and after photos to visually judge the quality of their work. Many contractors will also have videos available that can help you understand the process of their concrete repair solutions.
3. Schedule Consultations
After you’ve done your research with your network and the internet, the next thing you can do to ensure you’re hiring the best concrete lifting contractor is simply to schedule a consultation with ones you think will be a good fit for your project. Many contractors offer free consultations, and it’s a great opportunity to ask a series of questions that can tell you if the contractor you’re considering is the best person for the job.
One of the best questions to ask is how long the contractor has been in business performing work similar to the job you need done. Knowledge and training can go a long way, but nothing beats time tested experience. A reputable contractor should also be willing to provide their license and insurance information, so if they don’t offer it upfront, be sure to request it. Before committing to hiring them, double-check with your local Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing to verify the contractor’s license and insurance.
Get Everything in Writing
Finally, verbal agreements are hard to enforce so after deciding on the perfect contractor for your concrete lifting job, be sure to ask for the cost estimate and contract agreement, including any discussed warranties, in writing. A reputable contractor should provide everything in writing even if you don’t ask. This ensures that both you and the contractor have a recorded agreement, protecting both parties.
