5 Things to Consider When Hiring a Concrete Driveway Contractor

Concrete driveways are strong, durable, and affordable, which is why they tend to be the first choice for homeowners looking to create a utilitarian pathway that takes their cars from the street to the garage on the property. In addition, concrete is endlessly customizable thanks to options for dying and stamping that allow homeowners to create almost any look they crave. If, for example, you want the look of cobblestones, you can have it for a lot less when you simply create a concrete surface that is stamped and dyed to create the illusion of the real thing. But before you move ahead with plans to repair, replace, or install new concrete in your driveway, you’ll need to find a contractor to handle the job. And this could require you to carefully consider the following.

1. Your location. Although concrete is perhaps the most popular option for driveways, you really need to think about the region in which you’re located before you decide on concrete, asphalt, or another material for your driveway. The reason is related to weather. Although concrete is generally the most durable and the most affordable option, it may not hold up as well as other choices in climates that suffer inclement winter weather. When freezing and thawing occurs, it can damage concrete, which isn’t as malleable as asphalt. So if you live in a predominately warm climate where the temperature rarely falls to freezing, you’re in a good location to use concrete for your driveway. And an experienced contractor should be able to help you make the right choice for your location.
2. Reputation. You’ll no doubt want to get bids before your select a concrete driveway contractor, but first you need to find reputable service providers to choose from. If family, friends, and trusted acquaintances are unable to provide you with referrals, you might want to start your search on sites like Angie’s List or Yelp that offer consumer feedback on vendors. Or you could check in with your local Chamber of Commerce for a list of preferred contractors.
3. Experience. It is essential to find a contractor that has a long history installing concrete driveways as you stand to gain several benefits from this choice. An experienced contractor will not only be able to install your driveway and have it ready for use in record time, not to mention doing the job right the first time, but he should also be well aware of any building codes or permits included in the process, saving you time and money in the long run.
4. Cost. Getting bids will help you to find a concrete contractor you can afford, but be wary of selecting the lowest bid. It’s worth paying a little more for a solid reputation, greater experience, and a highly-recommended service provider like the Penhall Company.
5. Guarantees. When you hire a driveway contractor to install your concrete, you’ll want to sign a contract that spells out the legal obligations of your agreement, including pricing and services to be rendered. However, you should also make sure there is some guarantee concerning quality of work and longevity of the product. It’s as close as you’ll get to an insurance policy on this addition to your property.