Hiring a Schenectady Concrete Contractor? Ask These 7 Questions

What Licenses and Insurance Coverage Do You Carry?

All licensed, professional concrete contractors are obligated to have adequate insurance coverage and carry the correct state licenses for the type of concrete job they are performing. In New York State, for example, contractors working on structural items (i.e., driveways, walkways) are required to have the correct licenses and certification. All legitimate contractors should be able to produce proof of insurance and licensure at the time of contract signing. This is an opportunity to ask questions regarding the types of jobs they perform and whether they have workers’ compensation insurance, which is a requirement in the state of New York.

Do You Complete Permits for Jobs and Adhere to City Code?

Most concrete work in Schenectady, such as driveway replacement, sidewalk construction, and patio installation, requires a building permit issued through the Schenectady Building Department. A building permit application must be submitted before commencing any construction. Included in the application package will be a scope of work detailing the proposed construction, materials to be used, workers’ compensation insurance information, and any other applicable information. The building department will review the application and issue the permit upon approval. As an experienced contractor, it is expected that you will complete the permit application and follow all city code requirements for the job.

In addition to obtaining a building permit, there may be additional permits required depending on the scope of the project. For instance, if you are installing a curb cut in front of a driveway entrance, you will need to obtain a permit from the Department of Engineering. By hiring a reputable contractor who has experience with local codes and regulations, you will minimize the risk of encountering problems with compliance during your project.

Are You Familiar with the Schenectady Codes Regarding Concrete Construction?

As a result of the City of Schenectady’s ordinances, sidewalks must be constructed of concrete (with the exception of historic districts, where sidewalks can be built of brick or slate). Similarly, all curbs must be built of either granite or concrete and must adhere to the city’s specifications. You must hire a qualified contractor who understands the requirements of the city for the construction of concrete sidewalks, driveways, and curbs. Not only must the contractor comply with the city codes for construction, but he or she must also consider the aesthetic appeal of the finished product so that it blends in with the surrounding neighborhood.

Can You Provide Local References and Examples of Completed Projects?

Legitimate contractors are proud of the work they do, and will usually have numerous examples of their past projects available for viewing. Ask your prospective contractor to provide examples of projects that were completed within a reasonable distance of your location (e.g., Central Park Rose Garden, GE Realty Plot, etc.). Also, request references from recent clients. When verifying references, pay close attention to the quality of the contractor’s work and the level of satisfaction of the client. If you can, visit some of the contractor’s recently completed projects to get a visual impression of the quality of the work.

Additionally, ask the contractor to provide you with names and phone numbers of two or three of their recent clients, preferably in your immediate area. Once you’ve obtained these contacts, call them to find out if they were satisfied with the quality of the work and the timeliness of the project completion. Find out how easy it was to communicate with the contractor, and if they would recommend him/her to others.

What Is the Timeline for Completion of My Project? What Are Your Plans for Handling Any Weather-Related Delays?

Weather plays a major factor in completing a concrete project successfully. Therefore, you must understand the timeline established by your contractor and their plan for handling any weather-related delays. Typically, spring and fall seasons are considered the best times for concrete installation due to moderate temperatures and low humidity levels. Summer months present challenges with extremely hot temperatures, while winter months create difficulties with cold temperatures and snow cover. Experienced contractors will take into consideration the weather patterns and advise you on the best time to start your project.

As previously mentioned, concrete must be installed under optimal weather conditions. Experienced contractors will continually check the weather forecast and adjust their project schedule accordingly to ensure the optimal placement of the concrete. Additionally, your contractor should be prepared to educate you on the effects of temperature and humidity on curing times and the quality of the final product.

Seasonal Considerations for Concrete Work

When planning a concrete project, it is essential to take into account the season in which the project will take place. Spring and fall are generally the best seasons to install concrete because the temperatures and humidity levels are moderate. Summer months present challenges with extremely high temperatures and humidity, while winter months present challenges with cold temperatures and snow cover. Seasonal challenges can be mitigated by selecting a skilled contractor who knows the best time to begin your project based on the weather patterns.

How Will You Prepare the Job Site and Clean Up After the Job?

The job site preparation is one of the most critical steps in completing a successful concrete project. The contractor should prepare the job site by excavating the area and preparing a solid base to lay the concrete. He/she should also be knowledgeable of drainage requirements and prepare the area to prevent water accumulation. Our experienced contractors will prepare the job site thoroughly and will restore the job site to its original condition after the project is completed. Our contractors will also protect existing hardscape driveways and adjacent structures from any potential damage.

What Warranties Are Provided on the Finished Product?

A professional contractor will always provide a comprehensive warranty on the finished product. A standard warranty provided by most contractors covers defective materials and workmanship for a period of one year. Many contractors will extend this warranty to two years or longer on residential concrete projects, such as driveways and patios. The warranty should be included in the written contract and should provide detailed explanations of the coverage and claims procedure. Your contractor should also provide you with detailed information on the situations that would void the warranty, and provide you with a plan for repairing any defective work.

Will You Provide Me With a Written Quote for the Project?

A professional contractor will always provide a written quote for the project. The written quote should include all estimated expenses, including materials, labor costs, permit fees, and any other additional fees associated with the project. The quote should also include the specifications of the concrete mixture to be used, the amount of reinforcement to be included, and the finishing techniques to be employed. The written quote should also provide you with a detailed payment schedule related to the progress of the project. It is essential to compare multiple quotes from reputable contractors to determine which contractor provides the best value for the price. Keep in mind that quotes that appear too good to be true may indicate that the contractor is cutting corners on materials and/or workmanship. A professional contractor will provide competitive pricing for the quality workmanship that you expect.

Understanding Concrete Specifications

Concrete comes in many different mix designs to suit different applications. For example, a driveway mix is designed differently from a sidewalk mix or a decorative patio mix. A professional contractor will explain the differences in the mixes and the benefits of each. Additionally, a contractor should explain the different types of reinforcement that can be added to increase the strength and durability of the concrete. Steel mesh or fiber additives can greatly improve the concrete’s ability to resist cracking.

At Schenectady Concrete Works, we strive to provide the highest quality service to our clients by providing accurate quotes, timely completion of projects, and excellent customer service. We are committed to ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of service and satisfaction with our company.