So, you have decided to upgrade your concrete floor. Congratulations! Now it’s time for the most important decision of all—picking which contractor to hire. It’s important to do your due diligence to ensure that you get quality work and value for your money. This guide can help you select the best company for you.
Know What’s Important to You
Prioritizing budget, schedule and quality is always a balancing act. Something always has to give. Sometimes, you’ll have to sacrifice a speedy installation for better craftsmanship. Or pay a bit more to get a company that hires well-trained, professional employees instead of inexperienced day workers. Know what is important to you before you begin interviewing potential flooring contractors.
Finding Your Subcontractor
There are a lot of companies that install epoxy and aspartic flooring. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by your options. Some are scams, and some are very reliable, experienced companies. But how do you know the difference? Who can you trust? Here are some things to look for.
Experience
A company that’s been in business for years has seen it all. They know the various manufacturers and products and can provide you with excellent advice on how to achieve the look you want. They explain the difference in materials, including the quality and cost of each. They walk you step-by-step through the entire process. And they make sure you understand the ins and outs of long-term concrete flooring maintenance.
Reputable companies invest in employee training and care deeply about customer service. They make sure you get the result you want.
Professionalism and Credibility
Customer service is the backbone of any business. Pay attention to the details. If you send a company an email or request a quote, how fast do they typically respond? If you call them, do they answer on the first ring, or are you put on hold? Are they friendly and interested, or impatient?
References or testimonials are always a good thing to check when you’re first looking at a company. Read the testimonials on the company’s website, their Google reviews, and the comments that have been posted on Facebook. This will give you an idea of what their clients think and how the company responds when issues arise.
Licensing. Another way to make sure a floor coating subcontractor is a good choice is if they are licensed. Do not assume that a number provided to you is current or valid. You can enter that number or the name of the company into your state’s Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation or Department of Safety and Professional Services website. Click here for Virginia’s.
Bonding. Professional companies are also bonded, ensuring that you will get the product and service you contracted them to provide.
Insurance. You don’t want to be surprised after your property has been damaged. Ask any potential contractor what insurance they have and what it covers while you are interviewing different companies. A general liability policy covers property damage, accidents, disasters, and bodily injury. Request proof of insurance from the companies on your short list.
Warranties & Guarantees. Good subcontractors offer a guarantee or warranties. Make sure you understand the details—that they will return to fix any issues that occur during installation.
Questions to Ask Subcontractors
Here are some questions to ask a company that wants to install your epoxy or polyaspartic coating:
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How long have you been in the industry?
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How well does your team work together? Are they day workers or employees of the company?
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How do you usually find clients? Word of mouth? Client referrals? Online?
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Can I talk to past clients or see pictures of past projects?
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How do you differentiate yourself from others in the industry?
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Are you running any promotions or specials now?
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What questions do you have for me?
Check Out Their Past Work
Look through each company’s portfolio of completed projects. Don’t hesitate to request personal references. A short phone conversation with previous clients can be quite helpful. They can tell you about the company’s service, materials, and performance.
Evaluate and Compare Company Quotes
Make sure the quotes you receive include all the details, including the coating material type, the quantity of coating material, flooring tools, labor, and so on.