Top 10 Tips For Choosing the Best Concrete Resurfacing Contractor

Concrete is the most durable, aesthetically appealing, and cheapest building material. No doubt, it is one of the most common choices of homeowners looking for the best material to build and design their homes. Concrete slabs are mostly used on floors. Whether you are building a patio from scratch or renovating your pool deck, concrete is your best choice if you are looking for variety and durability.

The material can tolerate any kind of weather and temperature. It’s also strong enough to resist spills, stains, and other damage. However, the quality of your floor or other construction project depends as much on the concrete resurfacing contractors as the material itself. But, the question is, what skills should you look for in a contractor? It’s best to create a checklist that gives you details about the things you should look for in the concrete resurfacing contractor. Choose someone who knows how to resurface a concrete driveway and can do it efficiently. Let’s check out a few essential factors to consider when hiring a concrete resurfacing professional.

1. Do Your Research

You will find many concrete resurfacing contractors in your area. All you need is some research, and you will come across many professionals who have done the same job for many clients. Still, running a background check is important. The internet has made research fairly easy. Just type “the best concrete resurfacing contractor in Orange County, California,” and you will get a list of contractors serving in your city.

You can also talk to your family and friends if you know someone who has worked with a contractor. This will make the research part easy. Whichever contractor you hire, must be willing to respond quickly, communicate regularly, and handle all aspects of the building job smoothly. The search engine allows you to filter your search by whichever search criteria you like — be it their proximity, qualifications, or experience.

2. Consider Reputation

Many builders claim to offer flawless service, but that doesn’t make them the best at concrete resurfacing projects. But, how do you know if they can deliver the promised work? The only way to find out is by checking reviews of previous customers. See what others have to say about the contractor. Did they do a satisfying job? Get suggestions from an expert in this field. For example, a real estate agent or someone involved in the construction business can help you find the most reputable and professional contractor. Better Business Bureau and Yelp are a few popular online sites that give you detailed information about contractors, their work history, track record, etc. You can also request testimonials from people they have worked for.

3. Check Experience

It’s obvious that if a contractor has been doing something for a while, they must know the ins and outs of that business. You should work with someone with experience in working with concrete and other paving materials. If they have worked on many similar projects in the past, it goes without saying that they have what it takes to accomplish your concrete resurfacing project. Remember, experience matters. In fact, that’s all that matters when it comes to construction and home renovation. Ask them about the number of similar tasks they have completed, what challenges they faced, how they dealt with them, and if the customers were satisfied with the results.

4. Request Written Contract

Anyone can make promises, but not everyone can put them in writing. Drafting a contract that explains the roles and responsibilities of the contractor and the consequences if they fail to fulfill their promises is the best you can do to ensure a safe deal. A written contract signed by the contractor and the team gives you peace of mind. You know you will get a refund if the results are not what the contractor claims before starting. It’s always good to have an attorney to draw up a contract.

5. Check Certifications and Insurance

If your state requires the concrete resurfacing contractors to have the necessary certifications and a license to practice, check these documents too. In fact, that should be the first thing to look for in a contractor before hiring. These credentials prove the contractor’s expertise, professionalism, and experience in the field. While you are at it, ask them to show their insurance coverage too.
Insurance is incredibly important in a construction job. Even the most experienced contractors can make mistakes. Besides, accidents can occur when the contractor is building your floor. You need to ensure that you won’t be held responsible if any mishap occurs while the workers are on your premises. The insurance will cover accidents that can damage your property. A professional contractor will have an insurance policy that protects you and your property in the event of an accident.

6. Get Quotes

Another important thing is cost. Do not hire a concrete resurfacing contractor without checking and comparing the cost with other professionals. Chances are you will find someone equally experienced and reputable but charges lower than other contractors. Always get quotes from multiple contractors. Once you have shortlisted a few professionals, call them to get a quote. Don’t just ask about the fees. You should request a complete quote — including the cost of materials, labor, and any hidden cost. You don’t want to end up paying more than what was agreed during the interview. So, it’s best to get a written estimate. Don’t negotiate the quality of the work for a low price. Hire a contractor who charges a reasonable price without compromising on the quality.

7. Check Portfolio

An experienced deck builder knows which elements will look perfect on your deck and how you can transform this space into a visually appealing spot. You must be able to share your goals with a portfolio that gives you details of past jobs the contractor has worked on. If they claim to have experience in the construction business, they must have a portfolio that shows you the records of their past work, experience with other clients, and the services offered. This portfolio is uploaded on their websites and social media. Check their website and follow their social accounts to learn more about the contractors, their team, records, previous accomplishments, client satisfaction rate, etc. A portfolio also gives you an idea of what your final project will look like. So, if the contractor hasn’t listed their past jobs or has no portfolio on their website, move to another. This is often a red flag.

8. Customer Service is Important

You don’t have to wait until the contractor starts work to determine their customer service. It’s something you can figure out as early as when you meet them. Notice little things like — are they punctual, do they listen to your instructions, do they understand your requirements, and how quickly they respond.
A good concrete resurfacing contractor isn’t just capable of creating a sturdy and attractive floor, but they are equally good at communication. They will keep you up to date with the progress. Hire a friendly team. Work with people who understand your requirements, pay attention to your instructions, and execute the floor installation following your preferred method.

9. Services Offered

A concrete resurfacing professional specializes in various jobs other than flooring. They can build a contemporary-style pool deck or a patio. They can also renovate your concrete floor by replacing outdated slabs with modern stone pavers.
An experienced contractor offers a broad range of services — ranging from sidewalk repairs to building a fireplace wall with concrete slabs. They also know which material is the best for your driveway and how much depth the base needs for a proper installation. Depending on your outdoor decor theme, budget, and preference, the contractors will help you select the best paving material for your exteriors.

10. Do What Your Gut Says

Once you have narrowed your choice to the top 4-5 best concrete resurfacing contractors, the next step is interviewing each. Ask questions about their qualifications, experience, and previous work to get a better idea of their expertise. Concrete resurfacing is not a one-day task. It might take the contractor a few days to install the tiles.
They may also apply a sealant to protect the pavers from spills and stains. Since you will be working with the contractor for a week or longer, it is important to evaluate professionalism, teamwork, punctuality, passion, communication, and other soft skills before hiring. During the interview, you can ask questions on a personal level. This way, you will know how comfortable you are working with the concrete resurfacing company.

If your pool deck feels slippery and cracked, it is a sign you should resurface your pool deck immediately. Similarly, if you have an old-style patio, now is the time to give it a modern finish with concrete. Concrete resurfacing is a time-consuming and complex task that requires an experienced contractor.

After installation, you will want the floor to look good and new for years. Follow the above tips when choosing a contractor. Always ask about the durability and resistance of the material used. At Prestige Decking, we know how to resurface concrete. Whether you need to upgrade your floor or repair the cracked slabs, we can help.