Have you ever wondered why some concrete jobs around Kearns look good for many years, while other concrete jobs crack and crumble faster than a stale cookie? It is not always bad luck. A lot of times, it comes down to some common mistakes that folks make when they are planning or hiring for a concrete installation project.
As a local contractor with Kearns Concrete, our team has seen many good, bad, and ugly concrete jobs. We want to help you avoid the ugly concrete jobs, so we will talk straight about what to watch out for when you are planning your concrete project in Kearns.
Mistake #1: Not Looking at the Ground Under Your Feet
This is a big mistake, especially here in Kearns. We are sitting on what are called Lake Bonneville deposits. This means we have a lot of deep, slowly draining clay and silt in our soil. This soil swells when it gets wet as well as shrinks when it dries out. If you do not prepare the subgrade correctly, that shifting soil will cause problems for your concrete. This will happen no matter how good the concrete pour itself is. Our team has seen driveways near Kearns High School crack early because the contractor did not think about our specific soil conditions.
- Red Flag: A contractor who does not talk about site assessment, grading, or compaction is a red flag. They should be looking at your site to understand the soil conditions as well as the drainage needs for your concrete project in Kearns.
- How to Avoid Regret: You should ask about their process for site preparation. Do they test the soil? How do they make sure the base is stable? A good contractor will explain how they will handle our local clay soils as well as make sure there is proper drainage. This is important because many properties drain westward off the Kearns-Benion hill formation.
Mistake #2: Choosing the Lowest Price
We understand that everyone wants to save money. However, when it comes to concrete, a very low bid is almost always a red flag. Concrete is not cheap. There are certain costs for quality materials as well as for skilled labor that cannot be cut without cutting corners.
- Red Flag: A bid that is much lower than all the other bids is a red flag. This often means they are planning to use cheaper materials. They might also rush the job or they have simply underestimated the work.
- How to Avoid Regret: You should get multiple quotes for your concrete work in Kearns. Do not just pick the cheapest one. You need to compare what is included in each bid. Does the bid say what strength the concrete mix is? Does it mention reinforcement, like rebar or mesh? Does it include proper expansion joints? A fair price shows quality work that will last through our Kearns freeze-thaw cycles.
Mistake #3: Not Getting Things in Writing (or Not Reading It)
A handshake deal might feel old-school and trustworthy. However, it leaves you completely open if things go wrong. A vague, one-page estimate is not much better for your concrete project in Kearns.
- Red Flag: No written contract, or a contract that is missing important details about the work, the materials, the payment schedule, and the timeline is a red flag. You should also be careful of anyone who asks for a very large upfront deposit.
- How to Avoid Regret: You should insist on a detailed, written contract. This contract should clearly show everything. This includes what is being installed, the materials that will be used, the project timeline, the payment schedule, as well as what happens if there are delays or unexpected problems. You need to make sure it includes specifics about who is responsible for permits. You generally need a permit for new construction or for big repairs that change drainage in Kearns.
Mistake #4: Not Checking References and Credentials
You would not let just anyone work on your car. So why would you let just anyone work on your home's foundation or driveway in Kearns?
- Red Flag: A contractor who cannot or will not show proof of licensing and insurance is a red flag. Someone who makes excuses when you ask for references is also a red flag.
- How to Avoid Regret: You should always check their license as well as their insurance. This protects both you and the contractor if something goes wrong. You should ask for references and then actually call them. Ask about their experience with the contractor. Ask if the project stayed on budget as well as on schedule. Ask if they would hire them again. It is even better if you ask to see some of their past work, especially projects that are a few years old. This way you can check for long-term quality of their concrete work in Kearns.
Mistake #5: Bad Communication
This sounds simple. However, poor communication is a very big source of frustration for homeowners. You need to know what is happening with your concrete project in Kearns.
- Red Flag: A contractor who is hard to reach, does not call back, misses appointments, or gives vague answers about timelines and progress is a red flag.
- How to Avoid Regret: You should pay attention to their communication from your very first interaction. Are they responsive? Do they answer your questions clearly? You need to set up clear communication channels from the start. You should also expect regular updates about your concrete project in Kearns.
Choosing the right contractor for your concrete project in Kearns can feel like a big decision. It is a big decision. However, by avoiding these common mistakes and knowing what to look for, you will be much more likely to end up with a concrete installation you are proud of. This concrete installation will stand up to our unique Utah weather for many years to come. If you have questions about concrete installation in Kearns, do not hesitate to reach out to Kearns Concrete. We are here to help with your concrete needs.