If you are in the market for some concrete work, you will need to hire a specialist from a number of concrete contractors. Alexandria, VA home and business owners know that concrete contractors can do a variety of things, from pouring a concrete floor to finishing it to look quite spectacular. But before you hire a concrete specialist, there are a few things you need to know. In this article, we will discuss what goes into becoming a licensed concrete contractor, what services they provide, and how to pick the best one for your project.

Contractors can be generalists, or they can be specialists, like a concrete contractor. Concrete contractors Alexandria, VA are licensed and capable of constructing using concrete. This includes laying foundational “formwork, placement of steel reinforcement, batching, mixing, delivery, placing, finishing, and curing,” according to the legal definition. There is a vast range of different types of concrete contractors out there, with the ability to do everything from creating gorgeous, resilient flooring to creating entire buildings made from concrete.

Concrete flooring has been around for thousands of years thanks to its durability and chemical stability—which is why it continues to be a choice for home interiors, offices, and industrial spaces to this day. There are many benefits of concrete flooring, not least of which is its low-maintenance nature, or the fact that they are resistant to harboring bacteria, dust, or allergens. They can be a subtle addition to any room, or they can easily become the focal point with a little extra attention, such as dyeing, staining, or etching the concrete surface. For more information on the benefits of concrete flooring, check out our recent article on the topic! And for a better idea of the different options for concrete flooring available to you today, check out The Concrete, Etc’s gallery of previous work!

While on the surface it might seem relatively simple to work with concrete, there’s actually quite a bit of work, schooling, and skill that goes into becoming a concrete contractor. One of the most important things an aspiring concrete contractor can do is become licensed in their state. In order to qualify for a license, they must:

·      Be 18 years or older

·      Have a credit score above 660

·      Fill out an application for a contractor license in their state and pay the appropriate fees

·      Pass the state construction exam

·      Obtain proof of liability and insurance, like workers’ compensation

·      And have their fingerprints electronically scanned

However, these are the bare minimum requirements just to become licensed. Far more goes into actually becoming a skilled concrete contractor. For example, breaching the industry often requires a degree in chemistry, fluid mechanics, or physics—or a lot of experience in the field. In some cases, special trade schools exist specific to construction or working with concrete, so some contractors opt to go that route. Whatever your concrete contractors’ credentials, it’s important to always be sure that you are working with a legally licensed and insured contractor.

Aside from the legal aspects of selecting between concrete contractors Alexandria, VA, there are other factors to consider when it comes time to make the choice of who you wish to hire. Here are the top three things to consider when looking for a concrete contractor—whether you are looking for concrete flooring, concrete furniture, or full-scale buildings.

Concrete work has a definitive nature of permanence. So much so, that we’ve uncovered concrete structures from thousands of years ago! However, there is much more to concrete than its known durability; and there are a lot of areas where a contractor can go wrong and make an expensive mistake that is difficult to correct or remove. This is all the more reason to take the time to peruse a contractor’s portfolio and view their previous work.

If you like what you see, you’ll want to consider contacting any referrals they may have or reading up on customer reviews. Is the contractor likely to act with professionalism and clean up the worksite upon the completion of their project, or leave it a mess? (Concrete can be a very messy job!) Doing a little digging into a contractor’s reputation can be a simple way to make the choice of who to hire.

Expertise doesn’t necessarily have to mean that they hold a degree relevant to their field—it could translate to years of experience, or a wide diversity of projects worked on. Ask your contractor about their methods, including how many years of experience they have. What makes them more credible than the next contractor? In other words, is there anything about their previous work or educational history that makes them a good fit for your job?

And finally, you’ll want to consider what the experience of working with this concrete contractor will be like. Is it easy for you to get in contact with them? Do they take the time to answer any questions you may have? Can they articulate their intentions well? Are they receptive to your input? Are they communicative about pricing and the hazards associated with the job at hand? All of these factors and more can make or break an experience working with concrete contractors Alexandria, VA.

For more on what to look for in a flooring contractor, reference our latest article on the matter!

Concrete is one of the toughest, most durable materials in the world of construction. Working with this type of product is nothing to be taken lightly. That’s why it’s important to do a little research in advance and select from the best concrete contractors in Alexandria, VA, and the surrounding area. By digging into the credibility of your concrete contractor, ensuring their status as an actively licensed specialist, and getting a feel for their methods through asking questions about their process, you can end up with a contractor that not only meets your expectations but exceeds them.

Are you looking for the premier concrete contractor serving Alexandria, VA? Contact The Concrete, Etc. today for a consultation!