Concrete Companies Near Me

Concrete has been used since the Roman Empire as a key building material in construction projects around the world. It is a bonded aggregate made of crushed stone, gravel or rock, with a lime-based binder.

Residential homeowners can use concrete for patios, driveways, and foundations. Decorative concrete can be stamped, stained or polished for an elegant look.

Experience

Whether you need a new driveway, pouring a concrete patio or adding countertops to your home renovation, it’s essential that the company you choose has the experience necessary to complete the project correctly. Concrete contractors must be familiar with the correct ratios of cement, water and aggregate materials to create a strong, durable and long-lasting surface.

A concrete contractor can also repair existing concrete surfaces if they are cracked or crumbling, or have been damaged by poor drainage, freeze and thaw cycles, ground movement, or poorly designed structures. This type of work requires extensive knowledge of concrete mix design and construction, including how to correct mistakes made during the original installation process.

The concrete contractor should be able to provide detailed quotes using an online calculator. These calculators will take into account the square footage of the project, the length and angle of the forms, the unknown pitches and elevations of the site and produce modified estimates of raw material requirements based on these variables.

Certifications

While it may seem like a simple mix of cement and water, the concrete industry is complex and has many different areas of expertise. Look for contractors with extensive experience, relevant concrete industry certifications, the proper licensing and insurance and glowing client testimonials.

Sika’s Concrete Construction Certification Programs provide training pathways and credentials to help individuals excel in the concrete construction profession. This two-level Concrete Construction curriculum includes basic concepts of concrete materials, safety, placement and finishing as well as quality control.

The newest innovation is the Concrete Flatwork Finisher Certification Program. This course helps contractors understand the mechanisms that cause scaling and how to monitor field practices to prevent it. This course also provides inspectors with a basic understanding of finishing techniques, allowing them to better identify problems on PennDOT projects and improve quality.

In addition to standard concrete installation and repair, many residential concrete companies offer decorative concrete options. This could include stamped, stained or tinted concrete that can mimic the look of pavers or natural stone at a fraction of the cost.

Licenses

As a concrete contractor, you will need to obtain the necessary licenses and permits. These vary depending on your state’s requirements and the size of your service area. You can start the process by searching for your state’s licensing guidelines online. However, these regulations are often complex and may be hard to understand. You can also contact a local small business lawyer for guidance.

Once you’ve taken care of the legalities, you can focus on finding clients and hiring a team. This will include a general manager, who will handle staff management and accounting tasks. Other positions you’ll need are a foreman and concrete laborers.

The concrete industry is booming, with new home construction and commercial projects on the rise. If you have the right experience and marketing skills, you can carve out a share of this market. This is particularly true if you can offer services that aren’t available from competitors. This can make a huge difference in your bottom line.

Insurance

When searching for a concrete company, look for one with years of experience in the industry, relevant certifications and glowing client testimonials. Then review their insurance policies to ensure they have the right coverage for your needs.

General liability insurance is a must for concrete contractors as it covers third-party injuries and property damage caused by the work they perform. Most general contractors require that concrete companies have a minimum of this type of insurance before they will allow them on the job site.

Workers’ compensation is also important as it covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees that are injured on the job. Finally, commercial auto insurance protects concrete contractor vehicles and tools while they are in transit or being stored between jobs. This type of insurance is often bundled with general liability in a business owner’s policy (BOP) for cost savings. This policy can be priced for just a few hundred dollars per month.

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