I am getting our 25 year-old concrete driveway replaced (torn out and new one put in). Any advice/tips to ask/look for in finding a good company/guy to do the job?
Cory
I am getting our 25 year-old concrete driveway replaced (torn out and new one put in). Any advice/tips to ask/look for in finding a good company/guy to do the job?
Cory
company/guy
Cory, what part of the country? Drive around and look for jobs being done and ask questions. Check with prior customers and always get references. Muff
Muff,
I'm in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada...
Specifically, look at other jobs they have done. See if they will provide you with a list of references for the past 5 years. The reason i say 5 years is to see how their work lasts after a couple years. Typically if concrete spalls it will do it in the first 2 years or less.
I checked out this one concrete contractor's work whom I'm leaning towards. He showed me two driveways, one that is a year old, another that is two years old. They both appear to be in good shape. I talked to the owner of the 2-year old - he says this guys does good work. Should I get him to show me a driveway older than two years old?? I also called his old boss and left a message with him to call me. What should I ask him?
Cory
Too bad for her - your wife didn't do that..
I would say if the 2 year old slab looks ok he's probably alright. Ask his boss simple stuff like was he on time for work. Did he get along with his co-workers. You probably won't get him to tell you much about the quality of his work - that's the problem with ex-bosses they want work too. You can ask just remember to take it with a grain of salt if it's not such a great review.
Cory, looks like you are on your way to getting a good contractor. I'm sorry you don't live closer as I have an outstanding concrete guy here in Tampa Florida who does outstanding work Jeff who owns Concrete Concepts. Muff
PS...that news hound guy's parents had no children that lived.
So what if he did not get along with his co-workers; or reported 11 minutes late for work. That is not going to affect the quality of his work. I know people that should never be in contact with other humans, but they are very skilled at what they do to earn a living.
It is a driveway job, not a career employment. Ed snipped-for-privacy@snet.net
If you read what was asked - "I also called his old boss and left a message with him to call me. What should I ask him?" How much information on the quality of his work do you think his old boss is going to offer. I know I would offer minimal. In light of that fact, and seeing that Cory had already setup the call from his old boss. One thing I want to know is if I can work with the individual, especially if something goes wrong 6 months after the fact.. Yes this is just a concrete pour to you and I but to the owner who has to walk / drive up and down it everyday it makes sense to get as much info as possible.
Rich
In our local township the residents had to have their concrete sidewalks done if they weren't smoothed or uncracked. (Don't get me started - yes I said we HAD to get them repaired!)
But my point is you might want to investigate who ever does that kind of work for your township, bourough et al.
Rose
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