Concrete and landscaping contractors are a dime a dozen these days. You can find them all over the internet, on social media, and in your local phone book. So, with many options available to you, how do you hire the right one for your needs?
What you’ll find here is some guidance on how to go about just that.
But First— What Does A Concrete and Landscaping Contractor Do?
In a nutshell: a concrete and landscaping contractor is someone who performs work on concrete structures.
They are usually called to work on driveways, patios, sidewalks, and even your garage floor. However, they could also do other landscaping tasks like building retaining walls or installing climbing plants to add greenery to the concrete surfaces that you already have around your property. You might even need them for small projects such as repairing cracks in concrete.
Do You Really Need To Hire A Contractor?
The urge to do it yourself may be tempting, but before you get started on your project, ask yourself: Can I do this myself? If you have the time, experience, and resources, then sure, you may be able to do it yourself.
But if you’re quite busy, or if this is a big job that you don’t want to take on, then hiring a contractor can be worth your while for several reasons:
- You can get the work done faster.
- You don’t have to rent or buy the equipment required for concrete work.
- You can enjoy results that are attractive and functional (and not just quick DIY fixes).
What Makes A Good Concrete Landscaping Contractor?
There are three qualities that make up every good landscaping contractor: reliability, experience with different projects, and knowledge of customers’ needs. Let’s explore each quality below.
Reliability:
Naturally, you would want to work with a contractor that you can count on. Good service reflects not just in the work they do but also in the way they communicate with you.
With that said, it’s important for them to keep you in the loop with regards to any questions or concerns they may have about your concrete project, such as not being able to find a certain tool needed for completing it; or even if another appointment needs to be scheduled before yours.
How do you determine their reliability before you hire them?
One way to do this is to ask the contractor about their availability. Do they meet deadlines? Will they be able to tell you if there is going to be a delay in starting or finishing your project?
Another telling sign is if they are prompt with the way they communicate with you, right from the get-go.
Experience with Different Projects:
A concrete contractor that has a strong portfolio of completed projects is more likely to do the job right. On top of this, they will have references you can contact for verification of their expertise in different project types, as well as finished product quality.
We cannot stress this enough: when it comes to concrete and landscaping work, inexperience can create a lot of problems—from poorly executed concrete work to an unfinished landscape. So you want someone with experience handling concrete projects for your home or business.
How do you gauge their experience before you hire them?
Ask what types of concrete jobs they have completed in the past and whether they are familiar with local building codes. Be sure to check their portfolio too.
Knowledge of Customer’s Needs:
Finally, your contractor should know the needs of their customers—or potential clients like yourself.
For instance, you would want to work with someone who has experience dealing with different types of concrete projects, as well as familiarity with local building codes; they should also act in accordance with these guidelines.
The contractor should also be able to provide concrete and landscaping solutions that match your budget, preferences, timeframe for the project completion, etc.
How do you know if they are right for your needs?
Ask the concrete contractor to prepare a project proposal for your concrete work. You should also ask them about their experience in meeting deadlines and budgets, as well as what they will do if there are any changes that need to be made during or after concrete installation (for example, excavating additional soil).
Contact TNA Concrete For Your Landscaping Needs
Not all concrete landscaping contractors tick off all three qualities, but there’s one right in Calgary that does—TNA Concrete. With over 25 years of experience in concrete work and landscaping, we always make sure to deliver high-quality results that exceed client expectations.
If you would like to learn more about TNA Concrete and our services, feel free to reach out to us at 403.276.2168 or through our website.
