When they first notice their concrete settling, people will often hire the first mudjacking and concrete leveling company they come across. Unfortunately, this can leave them with disappointing results and a final bill exceeding their initial estimate.
“To ensure that they will get quality work, it’s important for businesses and homeowners to know how to select a reputable contractor,” said Trevor Gaines of AAA Concrete Raising. “By knowing what to look for, it’s easier to differentiate skilled, experienced companies from less reputable contractors who don’t always stand behind their work.”
As a general rule, it’s best to hire a contractor with extensive experience. If they’ve been in business three to five years, they should have adequate technical knowledge and expertise. That said, more experience will increase the odds that you get great service without any complications or surprises.
“The more experience a contractor has, the better equipped they will be to do the job right in a cost-effective manner,” said Gaines. “It’s important to ask potential contractors how long they’ve been in business and have them show you portfolios of previous work. Most reputable concrete companies will have, on their social platforms or websites, a portfolio of past jobs. If not, it’s probably a sign they don’t have as much experience as they claim.”
Customer service is also a critical aspect of choosing the right contractor. When hiring a concrete service provider, it’s important to hire a technician who will be respectful, punctual, and personable. Good communication skills are also an important factor when it comes to choosing the right contractor. It’s much better to work with friendly people who understand your needs. To ensure that a project is handled professionally, you need a contractor who will explain every key detail and answer any questions you might have.
“A reputable contractor will understand that customer communication is just as important as service quality,” said Gaines. “To make sure a project is done right, according to your unique needs, you need someone who will answer your questions and carefully explain the reasons and process behind every decision. You also want someone who will give you a clear idea of how much the entire job will cost, so you won’t be blindsided by unexpected expenses after the project is completed.”
Anytime you hire a contractor for a project, you will want to get an estimate of the final cost. That said, not all estimates will look the same. As you begin to request and compare estimates, you will quickly notice that some are more thorough and much easier to read than others.
“A quality mudjacking and concrete raising company will prepare an estimate that’s detailed, clear, and easy to understand,” said Gaines. “A good, professional estimate will be broken down between labor costs and material expenses. Whatever the case, the contractor should always be willing to clearly explain how they arrived at the final estimated cost.”
It’s also a good idea to make sure that a local contractor is fully insured and certified to work professionally in your area. Above all else, it’s important to thoroughly research the company to make sure they have a long-standing reputation for providing reliable service in the area.
“Many people are surprised to learn that there are some less-reputable concrete leveling companies out there,” said Gaines. “Too many mudjacking contractors utilize inadequate, undersized equipment, and low-quality materials. Some contractors will also pump the slurry beneath the slab too thick, raising the slab on collars but leaving voids beneath the slab, which means the slab is never totally stabilized.”
By thoroughly researching a contractor, businesses and homeowners are more likely to choose a reputable contractor and avoid potential issues that could lead to long-term problems.
About AAA Concrete Raising
For more than three decades, AAA Concrete Raising has served homeowners and businesses in and around the Denver metro area. Established in 1988, our innovative concrete raising company brings the “monster” truck of the industry to each and every job.
Our leading-edge equipment eliminates the need for noisy, awkward machinery, ensuring a fast, efficient job that won’t disrupt the neighborhood. Leveraging our extensive experience and expertise, we use the best materials to support and fill all the voids beneath concrete slabs, ensuring a safe, functional concrete surface while avoiding the need for total slab replacement.