So, you are ready to start that concrete project around your Kirkland home. Maybe it is a new patio for those nice summer evenings by Lake Washington. Or maybe it is a driveway that will not crack and heave with our Pacific Northwest freeze-thaw cycles. Whatever the project is, picking the right Concrete Contractor in Kirkland is an important decision you will make. A good Concrete Contractor in Kirkland means a job done right, on time, and on budget. A bad one means a headache you do not need for your Kirkland concrete project.
Our team has been in this Concrete Contractor business for a long time with New Look Concrete Solutions. We have seen it all when it comes to concrete work in Kirkland. Here is our direct guide to making sure you hire a Concrete Contractor who knows their stuff. This will help make sure they will not leave you in a bad spot.
What to Ask Before You Hire a Concrete Contractor
Do not be shy when talking to a Concrete Contractor in Kirkland. You are about to spend a good amount of money on your concrete project. So, you should ask questions. Here are the important questions to ask a Concrete Contractor:
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured in Washington State? This is not optional for Concrete Contractors in Kirkland; it is the law. Every Concrete Contractor working in Washington needs to be registered with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). They also need a surety bond as well as general liability insurance. The bond protects you if they do not finish the Concrete Contractor job or do it poorly. The insurance covers accidents that might happen on your Kirkland property. In Washington, general Concrete Contractors need a $30,000 bond. Specialty Concrete Contractors need $15,000. They also need general liability insurance, typically at least $250,000 combined single limit.
- Can you provide references for Concrete Contractor work? You should not just take their word for it. Our team recommends you call those references. Ask about the quality of the Concrete Contractor work as well as how they stuck to timelines. Also ask about their communication and if they would hire them again for a concrete project in Kirkland.
- What is your experience with concrete projects like mine in Kirkland? If you are doing a decorative stamped patio, you want a Concrete Contractor who specializes in that. You do not just want someone who does basic flatwork. Ask to see photos of similar Concrete Contractor projects they have completed in the Kirkland area.
- Who will be doing the actual Concrete Contractor work? Will it be their employees, or will they be subcontracting? If they use subcontractors for your Kirkland concrete project, make sure those subs are also properly licensed and insured.
- How do you handle permits for Concrete Contractor projects? Many concrete projects in Kirkland require permits from the City of Kirkland. This is especially true for driveways or anything affecting drainage. A good Concrete Contractor will know this. They will also handle the permit application process for you. Make sure it is clear who is responsible for obtaining as well as paying for permits for your Kirkland concrete project.
- What is your warranty or guarantee on the Concrete Contractor work? A reputable Concrete Contractor stands behind their work. You should understand what is covered as well as for how long.
Decoding the Concrete Contractor Quote: What to Look For
You should always get at least three written quotes from Concrete Contractors in Kirkland. Do not just compare the bottom line price. You should dig into the details of the Concrete Contractor quote:
- Detailed Scope of Work for your Concrete Contractor project: Does the quote clearly outline everything? This includes excavation, sub-base preparation, concrete thickness (residential slabs are typically 4-6 inches thick), and the type of concrete mix. It also includes reinforcement like rebar or wire mesh, the finish, sealing, and cleanup. The more detail in the Concrete Contractor quote, the better it is for your Kirkland concrete project.
- Materials Specified by the Concrete Contractor: What kind of concrete mix are they using? What PSI is it? Are they including rebar or fiber mesh? What sealer will they use?
- Timeline for the Concrete Contractor project: When will they start the concrete work? How long will it take? What are the plans for weather delays?
- Payment Schedule for the Concrete Contractor: A fair payment schedule usually involves a down payment. This is often 10-30%. It also includes progress payments as well as a final payment upon satisfactory completion. You should be careful of any Concrete Contractor asking for a huge upfront payment.
- Permits for your Concrete Contractor project: Is the cost of permits included in the quote? Or is it your responsibility to pay for them? This should be clearly stated by the Concrete Contractor.
- Cleanup after the Concrete Contractor work: What is included in the cleanup? Will they haul away all debris? Or will you be left with a pile of old concrete on your Kirkland property?
Red Flags to Watch Out For with a Concrete Contractor
Your gut feeling is important when choosing a Concrete Contractor in Kirkland. Here are some clear signs that something might be wrong with a Concrete Contractor:
- Unsolicited offers from a Concrete Contractor: Someone knocking on your door saying they just finished a job down the street. They might say they have leftover materials. This is a common scam for Concrete Contractors.
- Cash-only deals or huge upfront payments from a Concrete Contractor: Legitimate Concrete Contractors operate with proper invoicing as well as reasonable payment schedules.
- No contract or a vague one from a Concrete Contractor: Everything should be in writing. It should also be clear as well as easy to understand.
- High-pressure sales tactics from a Concrete Contractor: