7 Essential Questions for Concrete Contractors in Miami Gardens

Are You Licensed and Insured for Work in Miami Gardens?

Before looking at the specifics of your job, please confirm that any contractor you are interested in is properly licensed and insured to perform jobs in Miami Gardens. In addition to Miami-Dade County building regulations, the State of Florida requires contractors to hold valid licenses, and Miami Gardens follows those regulations that require compliance with the Florida Building Code. In order to obtain their license, contractors must complete educational courses and pass exams demonstrating their proficiency with various types of construction.

In addition to being properly licensed, contractors must be able to provide proof of both general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. General liability insurance protects you from lawsuits related to property damage resulting from the contractor’s work, while workers’ compensation insurance protects you from liability if an employee of the contractor is injured on your property. Please request a copy of each type of insurance certificate and contact the insurance company to confirm the validity of the policy. Working with a contractor that does not carry the necessary types of insurance leaves you personally liable for any accidents or damage caused by the contractor’s employees during the course of construction.

What Experience Do You Have with Similar Projects?

The amount of experience your contractor has with jobs similar to yours in terms of size, complexity, and design is significant. When interviewing contractors, ask them about their experience with jobs that are similar to your own in size and design complexity. For example, contractors who specialize in residential driveway installation in the Norland area have different skills and experience levels compared to contractors who specialize in installing commercial parking lot slabs.

Ask your contractor for a portfolio that shows examples of their completed work, and pay particular attention to examples that show jobs that are similar to your own. Many contractors showcase photos of their most recent installations on their website or social media pages. Also, ask your contractor to provide references from previous customers, and do not be afraid to contact these references and ask about their overall satisfaction with the completed job.

How Will You Obtain Necessary Permits and Schedule Inspections?

There are many types of permits that must be obtained prior to starting a concrete job in Miami Gardens. As such, there are numerous regulations regarding obtaining permits and scheduling inspections. Contractors who are experienced with the local permitting process know exactly which permits are needed for your job and can assist in obtaining the necessary permits and scheduling the necessary inspections.

Your contractor should clearly explain to you which permits are required for your project and obtain the necessary permits on your behalf. Additionally, your contractor should schedule the necessary inspections at the correct point in the project. It is worth noting that inspection requests submitted before 3:00 PM on the day before the desired date for inspection usually will receive inspection the next business day. If inspection requests are made after 3:00 PM, they will be inspected on the second business day following. Failure to obtain the necessary permits will subject you to fines and other penalties when you sell your home.

Understanding Miami Gardens Local Building Codes and Regulations

As stated previously, the Florida Building Code (FBC) sets the minimum standards for construction throughout the state of Florida. However, Miami Gardens, like the rest of Miami-Dade County, has local ordinances and regulations that supersede some of the FBC. Contractors that are working near Scott Lake or in other Lake Lucerne areas must demonstrate their knowledge of the applicable local regulations and inform you of how they will comply with local regulations throughout your project.

What Specifications Will You Use for My Concrete Installation?

The type of concrete used for your driveway, patio, or sidewalk installation can affect how well your installation performs. Different applications require different specifications. Residential driveways typically require concrete with a compressive strength of no less than 4,000 psi to support the weight of vehicles and foot traffic. Additionally, due to South Florida’s high humidity and occasional heavy rain, your concrete will require proper air-entrainment to prevent the absorption of water.

When asking your contractor about the specifications of the concrete, ask them about the mix design, including the water-to-cement ratio and any additives that will improve the performance of the concrete. Contractors should also explain their method for curing the concrete properly. Curing refers to providing the concrete with the right amount of moisture and heat to allow it to reach the highest possible strength.

What Services Are Included in Your Bid/Quote?

Clear, accurate bids are essential in avoiding costly surprises and enabling you to fairly compare the services of different contractors. Bids that detail all of the components of your project, including site preparation, materials, labor, and finishing work, are ideal. Make sure to specify that you want to know which services will be charged additionally to the base price of the job.

Some services that you may want to clarify include removing old concrete, preparing the ground for new concrete, installing drainage systems, and applying sealer or coating to protect your newly installed concrete. Some contractors will charge extra for these services, while others will include them in the bid price. Clearly understanding what is included in your bid allows you to avoid surprise costs as the job proceeds. Payment terms should also be discussed – most contractors will only accept payment once the job is completed and the concrete supplier has received payment.

Logistics for Material Delivery and Job Site Operations

You should discuss logistics for material deliveries and operations on your job site with your contractor. Ready-mix truck drivers require good access to your property, and your contractor will require space to store equipment and dispose of waste. You should also ask your contractor about their procedure for cleaning up and protecting your existing landscaping and other features in and around your yard.

Timeline for Completion of My Project

Knowing how long it will take to complete your job affects your daily routine, so you must get clear timelines from your contractor as soon as possible. Typically, a standard residential concrete job takes two to three days from preparation to completion. Depending on the size and complexity of your project, it could take longer.

Ask your contractor about their current workload and when they can begin your project. During busy times of the year, contractors may have longer lead times. While it is tempting to rush a contractor to finish your job quickly, rushing quality work is never worth the cost. Ask your contractor about the number of people on their crew and the typical hours of operation. Having this information enables you to better prepare for the disruption to your routine that a concrete job will cause. Weather conditions can also affect the timing of a concrete job, especially during South Florida’s wet season; therefore, you should inquire about how the contractor will manage delays and whether they will have a secondary date available if delays occur.

Do You Offer Any Warranties?

Warranty is a sign of a contractor’s faith in their ability to perform your job correctly and protects your investment. Ask your contractor about the types of warranties they offer, how long the warranties last, and what types of issues they cover. Most contractors will offer warranties for structural issues, cracks outside of normal control joints, and surface failure.

Be sure to review the warranty language and ask your contractor about any actions you would need to take to void the warranty. Some contractors’ warranties may require you to follow specific maintenance procedures or exclude damage from certain sources. Get the warranty language in writing and keep it as part of your contract. This will prove very helpful if any issues arise months or even years after your job was completed. Contractors who are confident in their work will respond to any warranty claims promptly.

Long Term Maintenance and Care

While a warranty is important, it is equally important to learn about the long-term maintenance requirements for your newly installed concrete. Properly caring for your concrete will extend the length of time that your driveway, patio, or sidewalk will remain functional and look great. Ask your contractor about how you should clean your concrete, how often you should reseal it, and how you can prevent damage. Learning about the maintenance requirements for your newly installed concrete will help you protect your investment and keep your concrete looking great for years to come.

Evaluating Contractors

Selecting the right contractor for your concrete job is more than just selecting the lowest-priced contractor. Evaluating contractors is about evaluating their qualifications, experience, communication, and commitment to quality. Take time to interview several contractors and evaluate their responses to the same set of questions. Trust your instincts during the interviews. Knowledgeable contractors, who communicate clearly and provide detailed written estimates, tend to produce higher quality jobs. Contractors that appear to be in a hurry, lack clarity, and are unwilling to provide documentation of their qualifications may not be the right contractor for your job.

At Miami Gardens Concrete Pros, we recognize that educated homeowners make the best clients. Our staff welcome your questions and will provide you with honest answers to every question you may have about the entire process of concrete installation. We have and will continue to maintain all of the necessary licenses and insurance required to operate in Miami Gardens. We adhere to all of the necessary permitting procedures in Miami Gardens and use only quality materials that meet the demands of South Florida weather. From our first conversation until the completion of your project, we strive to provide you with the clearest communication and the highest quality craftsmanship possible. Our service area encompasses all of the Miami Gardens neighborhoods, and we are committed to producing beautiful and long-lasting concrete installations that increase the value and beauty of your property.