How to Find Someone Who Specializes in Structural Concrete Construction

Some construction projects have DIY potential, especially if you know what you’re doing. When it comes to structural concrete, though, so many factors are involved. If even one is incorrect, the integrity of your whole construction project — and the safety of everyone around it — could be in jeopardy.

This type of concrete creates the vital load-bearing parts of your structure, including the slabs, foundations, beams, and columns. You want to ensure these parts can stand up to weathering, storms, heavy use, and time. This goal requires knowledge of design, engineering, manufacturing, and technology. Whoever handles your construction must also be proficient in local, state, and federal regulations.

So, how do you find an expert in this crucial field, and how do you know if you can trust them with your structural concrete construction project? We’ll explain those answers here.

Research and Ask Questions

Choosing the team that will handle the structural concrete portion of your project is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in this journey. But if you aren’t sure what to look for, you may be tempted to take someone else’s recommendation or pick the first company that seems reputable.

Instead of rushing into the decision, take time to investigate and interview multiple companies that specialize in your particular project. For example, someone building an airplane hangar wouldn’t entrust their work to a company that has never handled that type of job before. As this article by FMP Construction explains, the nuances involved in designing an airplane hangar are intricate, and the concrete construction team needs to be highly trained in the potential conflicts and obstacles involved.

As you’re looking for someone who can help you with your structure, stick with the tried-and-true steps:

• Talk to your family and friends for their opinions on any local contractors they know. Would they recommend them? Why or why not?
• Check with the area’s metal building supplier and cement companies for recommendations.
• Once you have a list of at least three potential contractors, research their reputation. What’s their rating on the Better Business Bureau? Do they have a license and insurance (liability and workers’ comp)? Experience with the type of construction you need? Each of these things can be verified by you with internet investigations and phone calls.

Keep in mind that these professional requirements aren’t optional. If the company you hire to complete your structural concrete needs doesn’t have the right certification and credentials, you may run into problems when it’s time for the building inspection.

Meet With the Companies and Get References

In industries like construction, where reputation, quality, and trust matter just as much as cost does, the companies you meet with will expect that you’re shopping around. If they’re uncomfortable giving you references and answering your questions, that’s a good sign that you might want to cross them off your list. 

During your interview, include the following points:

• Ask for at least three references from previous clients who have worked with the company on structural concrete projects.
• Provide specific details about your job, including the anchor bolt plan and dimensions, and request a detailed quote.
• Request to see the company’s license and insurance to ensure the policies and credentials are active.
• Ask how long the turnaround time is from start to finish on a project like yours. When could they get started? What is their policy on delays due to weather and other obstacles?

When you leave the interview, call the references provided and ask them for feedback on working with the company and their satisfaction with the finished structural concrete. Would they recommend the company and use them again?

If you’re pleased so far, take one more step and visit one or more of the sites completed by that contractor. Does the structure look even, smooth, and level? Eliminate any contractors that don’t meet your strict expectations.

Compare the Contract

Now that you’ve narrowed the choices to the best reputation and quality contractors, it’s time to look at the quotes and contracts. Notice we didn’t say that you’ve narrowed your options based on budget. Your structural concrete construction is the foundation of your building, and this isn’t the part of the job where you want to go for the “cheapest” over the “best.”

With the quote and contract in front of you, compare the differences in bids. Look for items that are included with most companies but are missing in the “cheaper” bids. Do the material costs look similar across the quotes? What are the labor costs? Note that cheaper labor could mean the company hires less-skilled workers, and lower material costs might mean they use sub-quality material.

Conclusion

When you compare your bids " apples-to-apples " after making them as similar as possible and still can’t decide which one is the best, pricing can help you make your choice. Review the contract terms to look for fine print that says the price is accurate, as per the instructions (unless changes are made). You've found your help when you’re satisfied with the payment terms, schedule, and completion date, and the thought of working with a concrete company with their reputation for high-quality work makes you feel confident.