How to find the Best Concreter near me in Melbourne

Lay a firm foundation for your concrete project by finding the best there is on offer in Melbourne and the surrounds. 

With proper care, a polished concrete floor can look great for at least 20 years, if not more. But if you enlist the services of an amateur concrete contractor, you run the risk that you’ll need to replace your concrete floors after only a couple of years. 

Concrete might be the most common building material across the globe with the majority of structures using it as its main material, but not every contractor is as good. And there are certainly plenty to choose from popping up in the marketplace. How can you be sure that the contractor you’re considering has what it takes to get your job done right, well, and on budget? 

To help you identify the most suitable pro for the job, here are some practical tips for finding the best concreter in Melbourne. 

What to look for when hiring a concrete contractor

Cost is not the only factor that you should consider when hiring a concreter. Sure, there’s no point in ignoring your budget. However, there are a number of other items that are equally important to ensure that you get the most bang for your buck. Here are the main considerations:

Experience

In the construction industry, there’s no replacement for practical experience. Not only will an experienced concrete contractor know the best ways for applying, grinding, and polishing concrete, but they’ll also know how to deal with unforeseen problems like bad weather. Ideally, the company that you decide to work with should boast at least five years’ experience.   

Insurance and certification

Having the right license, certification, and insurance is non-negotiable. It’s key that they have an insurance policy in place that offers adequate protection in case there’s an accident. Also, be sure to check the dates of the license, certification, and insurance policy.

Quality of materials and equipment

A concrete contractor is only as good as the raw materials that they use. For example, if the concrete mixture was made using too much water, the strength of the concrete will be affected. As a result, it could crack more easily. On the other hand, if the concrete dries too quickly, it can also cause cracks to form on the surface. 

In short, the materials and equipment that are used help to ensure the durability of the final product. So, it’s a factor that you should definitely keep in mind.

Flexibility

Any building project is contingent on the weather. For example, if there’s a spell of a few rainy days, it can impact the deadline. 

For this reason, you’ll want to enlist the services of a concreter who has a Plan B ready to go. Come rain or shine, the best concreter will have the necessary experience to deal with issues that weren’t bargained for so they don’t impact the agreed upon deadline too drastically or, worse, prevent the project from getting completed altogether.  

Cost

Needless to say, cost will be one of the driving factors. After you’ve received a quote from a potential concrete contractor, take the time to compare it to a couple of other quotes. If there’s a hidden cost that hasn’t been itemized clearly, be sure to ask for more details. 

Depending on the type of concrete you wish to apply, you’re looking to pay anything from $50 to $175 per square meter. That’s for the concrete only. You’ll also need to keep in mind labor costs. On average, the hourly rate of contractors in Melbourne is more or less $70 per hour. While you might be tempted to hire a contractor who charges less, it can easily work out more expensive in the long run. 

Customer feedback

Reviews and testimonials remain one of the most effective ways to determine if a concrete contractor in Melbourne is reliable. In addition to reading the reviews that a company has published on their website, be sure to do your own research and search for online reviews, too. 

Reviews will give you a much better idea of the type of customer service that you can expect. Qualities that you should look out for include communication skills, punctuality, reliability, and professionalism. If a contractor has a number of negative reviews, it’s best to steer clear. 

Questions you should ask a concreter before getting started

In addition to keeping the factors discussed above in mind, you can also ask your contractor specific questions directly. The following are some of the most important questions that you can ask potential contractors before hiring them for your building project. 

• How big is your crew?
• Do you have a portfolio that I may view?
• Do you have any references that I may contact?
• By when would you be able to complete the work?
• Is rebar reinforcement necessary for my project?
• Do I need to apply for any permits?
• Which safety standards do you implement?
• Do you offer any guarantees?
• Who will be responsible for cleaning up the site afterward?
• Do you require a deposit?

Bonus tips for hiring a concreter in Melbourne 

Ask the provider to explain the process to you

Not only should you do your own homework regarding potential contractors in Melbourne, but it’s also a good idea to find out more about what the job entails. By asking them to explain how the process works, you’ll gain a better idea of what you should expect. It can also be used as a test as to their knowledge of technical matters. 

Put everything agreed upon in writing

While insurance is necessary, it’s also recommended that you draw up a written contract as an added safety measure. In short, you want to double-check that you get every aspect in writing. This step will ensure that all parties understand their responsibilities so that the project gets completed without any preventable problems.  

While saving money is attractive, hiring a professional will ultimately work out cheaper

Sure, some concrete contractors might charge half of what the going rate is, but in some way or another, whether it’s shoddy workmanship or just an unpleasant overall experience, you’ll end up paying what you might have saved initially. Then, there’s also the risk of disappointment. When you’ve put time aside for a concrete project, you want the results to be right the first time.

To ensure high-quality results delivered on time, speak to the team at Absolutely Flawless Floorz. We’re one of the leading concrete companies in Melbourne. Whether it’s a residential or commercial project, our team of experienced and licensed concrete pros use only advanced tools to deliver best-in-class results. For a quick quote, call us on 0450 550 649 today!