Concrete is a versatile material that can be used for a variety of projects–which is perhaps why it is becoming an increasingly popular choice for home renovators and contractors in recent years. If you’re in need of concrete services “near me,” it’s important to know what to look for in a contractor. Not all contractors are created equal, and you’ll want to make sure you hire a local concrete professional who will meet your needs and expectations. In this article, we’ll discuss the types of projects you can hire a professional concrete contractor for, and what to expect from their services. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right contractor for your project!

Concrete has been used by builders and contractors for centuries to complete projects ranging from underground warehouses to furniture. This low-maintenance, affordable, and high-value material has the two-pronged benefit of not only being incredibly durable, but also nearly endlessly visually variable with a wide variety of stains, dyes, and other aesthetic alterations available. So, what does the average professional concrete contractor do? Here are the top five projects that homeowners and business owners outsource to professional concrete contractors:

Because of its low-cost, high-value, and low-maintenance nature, many commercial and industrial spaces are turning to concrete as their logical flooring solution. One of the cheapest flooring materials on the market with one of the longest life spans (as opposed to sheet vinyl, which must be replaced every 10 years or so), concrete is a natural choice for buildings that are likely to see a lot of traffic—whether by way of foot traffic, car, forklift, etc. In fact, all that’s needed to keep your concrete floors in decent shape is to maintain them with the occasional dry mop followed by a wet mop. If taken properly, concrete floors can last upwards of 100 years!

Business owners aren’t the only ones who can appreciate the pragmatism of concrete. Many homeowners are turning to concrete as well—and many are going the extra mile to alter the appearance of their concrete, buff it with a high polish seal, install radiant heating underneath it, or all three. Not only are concrete floors a relatively cheap option for new homeowners or renovators, but they can also range from being a subtle visual addition to a space to becoming the focal point of a room. Concrete can make a visual statement as readily as it is practical, which is why it has grown increasingly popular as professionals have developed more and more ways to stain, dye, etch, and engrave it.

A concrete contractor worth their salt will also be able to tackle your outdoor spaces as well. If you need a level concrete patio, a concrete expert will be able to deliver a high-quality result that seamlessly goes with the rest of your home or property. It’s important to note that some concrete stains are not UV stable, and as such are not recommended for outdoor use. If you’re hoping to alter the appearance of your outdoor concrete patio, consider opting for either an acid-based or water-based UV-resistant stain.

For those who are looking for practicality, functionality, and affordability for their garage, it’s hard to beat concrete. In fact, should you happen to leak some motor oil, for example, it’s not too much work nor cost-prohibitive to repair the damage by absorbing the excess oil, applying a degreaser, poultice, or microorganism that feeds on oil, and buffing the muck away.

The quality of your driveway can make a lasting first impression on those who see your home—whether that’s a guest or neighbor, or a quality inspector. Aside from this, your driveway likely sees daily traffic, for those who commute to work or decide to run errands. Hiring a professional concrete worker to install a driveway or walkway on your property can add a significant amount of resale value to your house, making the likelihood of a Return On Investment (ROI) even higher should you ever decide to sell. In fact, adding a concrete driveway alone can increase your property value by as much as 10%.

When it comes to concrete, there are a few key things you should expect from your contractor. The first is timeliness. Do they show up and leave on schedule each day, and will they stay on target to meet your deadlines? A good concrete contractor will be able to complete your project in a timely manner, without sacrificing quality or craftsmanship. They will also be professional, courteous, and client-oriented throughout the process, and clean up after themselves when the project is complete.

In addition to timeliness and professionalism, you should also make sure your contractor is using high-quality materials—from the concrete itself to the caliber of the stain, dye, or even the polishing and sealing process. This is especially important if you’re planning on using concrete for an outdoor project, as lower-quality concrete can crack or chip more easily, as can concrete that has been improperly sealed and finished. You can ask your contractor about what type of concrete they use, and whether or not they use any added ingredients to improve its lifespan or aesthetic appeal.

Finally, it’s important to choose a contractor who is familiar with the type of project you’re planning. Some contractors specialize in specific types of projects, such as drives, patios, or sidewalks. Others might have more experience with large-scale projects, such as foundations or industrial floors. If you’re not sure what type of contractor you need, it’s a good idea to ask for recommendations from owners of floors you admire and to check out a contractor’s references before hiring them.

Now that you know what to look for in a concrete contractor as well as some common jobs that concrete contractors excel at, you can begin your search for the best concrete services “near me”! In your search for the right contractor, don’t be afraid to ask a variety of questions in your initial consultation, including specifics about the materials, references, and access to their portfolio of previous work. When it comes to adding value to your home or commercial property, you want to make sure you are increasing your positive equity in the event you ever decide to sell. One easy way to do that is by hiring a qualified and experienced concrete contractor for your indoor or outdoor flooring needs!

Looking for the leading concrete services in MD and the Washington D.C. area? Contact the professionals at The Concrete, Etc. today for a no-obligation consultation!