How to Spot a Quality Concrete Contractor in the St. Louis Area

Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance Coverage

Contractors licensed to operate in St. Louis are required by law to obtain a Graduated Business License issued by the City’s License Collector’s office. In addition to obtaining this license, qualified contractors will have an array of insurance, including comprehensive general liability and workers’ comp to cover injuries to employees working on-site at your property. If you hire a contractor that is properly insured, you won’t be liable in the event of an accident occurring while the contractor works on your property. Before hiring any contractor, request copies of their current insurance certificates. In addition, verify that the contractor has adequate bonding, as this ensures that your project will be completed even if unforeseen circumstances occur that make completion impossible.

Verify the Contractor’s Familiarity with Local Permit Requirements

St. Louis has very strict building codes governing the work of concrete contractors, and permits are generally required for every project. Qualified contractors are familiar with the One-Stop-Shop for Permits available at City Hall Room 425, which streamlines the permitting process. A quality contractor understands when a permit is required prior to commencing excavation (i.e., a soil inspection) and when a building permit must be posted on-site. A contractor with no knowledge of these regulations will cause unnecessary delays and possible legal complications. An additional benefit to hiring a quality contractor is that they have established working relationships with the Building Division’s Inspection Section and can assist in scheduling required inspections throughout your project.

Evaluate the Contractor’s Portfolio and Recent Work Examples

An experienced concrete specialist will have an extensive portfolio showing examples of previous work performed in the greater metropolitan area. To help select the correct type of concrete for your installation, ask to see photos of their previous work that are similar to what you want to install. The performance of concrete varies greatly based on soil conditions and drainage characteristics unique to neighborhoods such as Clayton, University City, or South City. To get a better understanding of the contractor’s ability to complete a successful installation, contact at least three of the contractor’s recent clients to discuss their experience with the contractor. Ask them to describe their experience with the contractor, specifically their communication skills, ability to meet deadlines, and how the contractor handled any unexpected challenges that arose during the project. Drive by the contractor’s recent installations to visually inspect the quality of their work, specifically to observe how their finished installations hold up to multiple St. Louis winters.

Evaluating Their Understanding of Materials and Sourcing

A quality contractor knows how to specify the correct type of concrete mix design for the local climate. Due to extreme temperatures and fluctuating temperature conditions in Missouri, a good mix design should include proper air entrainment to resist freeze-thaw damage. A quality contractor should be able to explain the types of aggregate they use for each of their project types and describe their curing processes for the current weather conditions. A quality contractor purchases materials from reputable local suppliers and provides detailed specifications of materials in their written estimate. While substandard materials may save a contractor money initially, the cost to repair damaged materials and restore the original condition of the installation will far exceed the savings. In addition, a quality contractor understands reinforcement requirements and incorporates the correct rebar or wire-mesh placement to avoid cracking and structural failure of the installation.

Review Their Estimate and Contract Terms

Written estimates that detail all aspects of the proposed project are indicative of a quality contractor and protect both the homeowner and the contractor. A quality estimate includes separate line items for labor costs, materials, site preparation, and waste removal. The estimate should also include the thickness of the concrete, reinforcement details, finish details, and curing procedures. Vague estimates that do not provide specific measurements or material grades indicate either a lack of experience or an attempt to intentionally mislead the homeowner. All contracts should have payment schedules tied to specific project milestones instead of requiring large upfront payments. Payment schedules should also include provisions for weather-related delays and scheduled inspections. Additionally, warranties that cover defects in workmanship and materials for at least one year are indicative of a quality contractor who is confident in his or her ability to complete a quality installation.

Examine Their Equipment and Crew’s Professionalism

A quality operation will have modern equipment suitable for the size of your project. Equipment that is well-maintained is a reflection of the contractor’s willingness to invest in quality workmanship. Arrive early enough at the job site to observe if the contractor and their crew arrive on time, work efficiently, and maintain an organized job site. A quality contractor will also have a respectful demeanor and communicate with the homeowner courteously. Poorly managed job sites with materials scattered around the yard and safety risks present are indicators of poor management. Additionally, having consistent crew members throughout your project will provide accountability and quality control. On the other hand, having crew members rotate frequently may indicate a high employee turnover rate, or the contractor may be using untrained subcontractor laborers.

Understand the Contractor’s Knowledge of Required Inspections

The City of St. Louis has specific inspection points for concrete work. Contractors are required to notify the Building Division’s Inspection Section at least 24 hours before beginning construction. After excavation, inspectors will visit the site to inspect the trenches and footings before concrete placement is allowed. Inspectors will also inspect the foundation forms and reinforcing steel before pouring concrete. A quality contractor will know how to schedule inspections in a timely manner and avoid project delays. In addition, quality contractors know when a geotechnical analysis is needed and will obtain any necessary soil reports. A quality contractor views the inspection process as a means to verify that the installation meets the required quality standards.

Evaluate the Contractor’s Communication and Customer Service Skills

Good communication skills are important to distinguish quality contractors from those that are merely average. Quality contractors will respond quickly to phone calls and inquiries, explain complex concepts clearly, provide frequent updates on project progress, and resolve issues in a reasonable amount of time. Quality contractors will also be proactive in communicating with the homeowner regarding potential issues or changes to the project timeline. Quality contractors will provide documentation of all communications and agreements in writing and provide copies of all permits and inspection reports. Quality contractors will continue to follow up with the homeowner after the project is completed to determine if they are satisfied with the final product and to handle any warranty claims.

Investigate the Contractor’s Business Stability and Reputation

Quality contractors typically have many years of experience in the industry and a strong reputation among their customers. Conduct thorough research of the contractor’s reputation by reading online reviews across various platforms, paying attention to any recurring themes or complaints. Review the contractor’s rating and complaint resolution history with the Better Business Bureau. Memberships in professional trade organizations will provide some indication of the contractor’s level of professionalism and commitment to quality workmanship. Referrals from friends, family, or neighbors who have recently completed a similar project are excellent sources of information to help you evaluate a contractor. Years of experience in a competitive market such as St. Louis demonstrate a contractor’s ability to provide quality service to their customers and establish trust with their customers.

Verify That the Contractor Understands Your Property’s Specific Challenges

Each property presents its own unique challenges for the installation of concrete. Neighborhoods near the Missouri Botanical Garden present different drainage issues compared to those in Soulard’s historic district. Quality contractors take into consideration the properties’ unique characteristics, including slope, existing utilities, tree-root systems, and soil composition, before providing a solution. Quality contractors also understand the effect of St. Louis’s clay-rich soils on drainage and foundation stability. Quality contractors also consider aesthetics and recommend finishing options and colors that fit with the character of the surrounding neighborhood. A thorough assessment of your property will help to prevent problems during installation and ensure long-term performance of the installation.

Quality contractors can only be identified through diligence and careful evaluation. Quality contractors will go above and beyond the lowest price and will allow you to evaluate their qualifications, experience, and professionalism. Verify the contractor’s licensing, review their portfolio, and reference-check them thoroughly. Verify the contractor’s knowledge of St. Louis permit requirements and that they have demonstrated an expertise in local soil conditions. At St. Louis Concrete Works, our team takes pride in open and honest communication, superior craftsmanship, and compliance with all City of St. Louis ordinances. We deliver durable and functional concrete installations that increase your property’s value and functionality for years to come.