From residential basements to retail stores and large garages, many properties benefit from concrete flooring. Concrete floors are rugged, durable, and low-maintenance; they can look fantastic with the right treatment. While also relatively affordable, investing in new concrete floors remains a significant decision. For residents of Phoenix, AZ, you want to make sure you hire the right contractor for the job. Before you sign a contract, you must ask the right questions.
Important things to consider include permitting, warranty information, and liability, among other things. At Valley Concrete Coatings & Polishing, we believe in total transparency in everything we do. We encourage potential clients to ask tough questions. You should feel confident in the contractor you hire to handle your flooring. Here is a useful guide to the important questions you should ask a flooring contractor before hiring them.
Do You Carry the Required Arizona Registrar of Contractors License?
The Registrar of Contractors (ROC) oversees the licensing of all construction companies in Arizona. For any project that exceeds $1,000 in labor, the state requires a license. A contractor will typically hold a special resident R-11, a commercial C-11, or a dual CR-11 license for concrete flooring. The first question you should ask is for the ROC number of that license. Verifying the company is legitimate protects you.
Licensing in the state requires more than simply applying. In order to obtain a license for concrete flooring, the contractor needs to pass exams and meet the state’s requirements. We are very open with potential clients about our licensing information. This should be standard practice for any concrete contractor worth their salt.
Will This Specific Project Require a Building Permit in Phoenix?
While some jobs do not, many still require a permit. If it’s just finishing work, like sealing existing floors, then it likely will not require one. If it’s a large-scale commercial job, the project typically requires a permit. If the work affects the structural integrity of any building, you must permit it. This is a question you should initially ask a contractor.
For residential projects, adding a new concrete slab or driveway usually requires a permit if it exceeds certain height or grade requirements. The rules are even stricter for commercial jobs due to safety and drainage compliance. Any reputable contractor knows and understands the local codes. For instance, we can tell you exactly which of our concrete flooring jobs require a permit. The permitting process adds time and costs to any job. A good contractor will remain open and knowledgeable about the process.
Do You Carry General Liability and Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
As a property owner, a contractor’s liability should be your largest area of concern. If any sort of accident happens on your property, the courts could hold you responsible. Although it’s not necessarily your fault, the legal system does not see it that way. Since it’s your property, you bear liability for damages if the contractor doesn’t have insurance to cover them. Ask to see a contractor’s Certificate of Insurance (COI) that lists their different coverage types. A proper COI will list at least general liability and workers’ compensation.
What Is the Specific Scope of Your Workmanship Warranty?
You should also be sure to inquire about warranty options the contractor offers. Any warranty is only as good as the company standing behind it. You need to distinguish between different warranty types. A contractor can tell you that they offer a warranty, but it may only be a manufacturer’s warranty on the product(s). You also want a warranty on the labor the contractor provides. Concrete flooring projects should have at least a one-year warranty on the workmanship itself. High-quality coatings and more extensive jobs often carry longer warranties.
Ask what the policy specifically covers and, more importantly, what it excludes. Some warranties will not cover cracks that form in the concrete or other instances of damage. A reputable contractor will go through the warranty’s scope with you and provide it in writing.
How Do You Handle Unexpected Site Conditions or Delays?
Many different unforeseen aspects could delay a job. If the site conditions are too moist, they can push a job back. If the area experiences bad storms, this could bring on a delay. Luckily, rain is rare in the area, but it can still happen in the fall and winter. Concrete is a natural material, and its water content is important. If a job site is too moist, the crew may need to reschedule the job. This is something you should ask the contractor up front. Find out how they handle delays and what they do about poor site conditions. Ask about how this affects your cost and any liability.
A transparent company will explain its process for testing moisture and repairing the substrate before applying any new products. They should have a clear policy and plan in place to handle these sorts of circumstances. Reputable contractors do not just “wing it” based on the immediate situation. They always have a contingency plan in place. However, you will not know about this unless you directly ask.
Can You Provide References for Similar Projects in the Area?
Hiring a contractor with proven experience in the Phoenix area is very important. Due to the heat and lower levels of humidity, the cure and coatings bond differently than in other areas. So, if the contractor is from another area, they may not possess the skill to handle this climate. You should inquire about other jobs the contractor has performed. For a job like residential garage flooring, make sure the contractor has ample experience in the area. Ask for local references to verify the company’s track record.
You can really delve into the questions here with references if you want. You can inquire about many different things. Did the contractor show up on time? Was the work site safe? Did they complete the project within the timeline? You can ask multiple different questions here to help you make an informed decision. We take pride in the local reputation we have earned over the years. We’ll be happy to share references and a catalog of former area jobs with you.
Trust the Professionals at Valley Concrete Coatings & Polishing
When done correctly, concrete floors are durable and attractive. They add a lot of value and utility to a property. However, the result definitely depends on the contractor you hire. You should always be willing to ask the right questions. A reputable concrete contractor has nothing to hide and will happily answer those questions. At Valley Concrete Coatings & Polishing, we want to be as transparent as possible. We aim to answer every single question you have for us. We’re a family-owned and operated local company with deep ties to the community. Our goal is to ensure that you get floors that last a lifetime. If you have questions to ask about our process, we’re happy to answer.
Contact Valley Concrete Coatings & Polishing for information about our concrete flooring options in Phoenix.
