Avoiding Bad Hires: Questions for Doral Concrete Contractors

Essential Licensing and Insurance Questions

All concrete contractors doing business in the State of Florida must be properly certified with the State of Florida through the Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR). All contractors must also register with the City of Doral prior to commencing any form of construction within the city limits. Ensure the contractor provides proof of their state certification, as well as their local registration number(s) with the City of Doral. Verify the contractor maintains an active workers’ compensation insurance policy that includes all employees working on your project.

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is designed to protect homeowners from potential accidents or damage to their property resulting from the actions of a contractor performing a job at their home. A reputable contractor will possess professional liability insurance, commonly referred to as “Comprehensive General Liability Coverage,” which typically has a coverage limit ranging from $500,000 to $1 million. The contractor should provide you with a certificate of insurance, and you should verify that the policy extends coverage for the length of your project, as well as the time frame after your project is completed. Do not consider hiring a contractor who does not possess valid liability insurance; in such cases, you would likely assume responsibility for any accidents or damages that occur to your property.

Knowledge and Compliance with Permits

The City of Doral generally requires a building permit for all forms of concrete work, regardless of size, unless exempt. Many contractors understand local permitting processes and will assist you in completing the necessary applications. Any project with a total cost exceeding $2,500 will require a recorded Notice of Commencement through the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts. Prior to selecting a contractor for your project, inquire about their knowledge of local permitting requirements and if the costs associated with obtaining a permit are included in their quote.

Assessment of Quality and Experience

Evaluate the contractor’s level of experience by asking them to provide references from recent concrete jobs completed in the Doral area, specifically for jobs of a comparable nature to the one you are planning to have installed. If a contractor cannot provide references from recent jobs of similar scope, it may indicate that they do not have sufficient experience. Ask for contact information of their previous clients, and ask to see pictures of some of their completed work. Inspect the quality of some of their finished jobs in person to evaluate the quality of their work, paying particular attention to the uniformity of the finish and overall appearance of the finished product.

Experience working in the South Florida environment matters greatly when evaluating contractors for a concrete job. Local contractors understand the various soils found in the Doral area, as well as the appropriate drainage requirements for this region’s high volume of rainfall. Ask them about their experience with the specific concrete types and techniques applicable to your project.

Material Selection and Specification

Ask the contractor about their choice of concrete mix design, as well as where they obtain their materials. The Florida Building Code requires that all residential concrete work meet certain minimum specifications for the type and strength of concrete used, as well as the type of reinforcing used. A good contractor will explain why they made the specific choices for your project, and how they ensure quality control throughout the entire process of mixing and installing the concrete.

Project Timeline and Communication

Clearly define the expected timeline of your project, as well as the policies the contractor will use in the event of inclement weather, and establish a plan for communicating with each other during the course of the project. Weather conditions can cause significant delays in concrete work, and good contractors make provisions for flexibility in their scheduling. Ask about their policies for delays caused by rain or other unforeseen circumstances that frequently occur in South Florida.

Communication is essential to avoiding confusion and ensuring that your project stays on schedule. Establish a preferred method of communication, a regular update schedule, and availability for answering your questions during the course of your project. Good contractors communicate effectively with their customers and respond promptly to any of their inquiries.

Final Inspection and Approval

Find out what inspections are required by the City of Doral for your specific type of project, and how the contractor will coordinate with the City of Doral building officials to facilitate the necessary inspections, including any intermediate inspections during construction and the final inspection and approval after the completion of your project. Ask them about their past experiences with the local inspectors and the typical timeframe for receiving approval for your project.

Transparency Regarding Costs and Payments

Request that the contractor provide you with a detailed written estimate of all costs associated with your project, broken down into separate categories, including labor, materials, permits, etc. This allows you to compare quotes fairly and clearly understand what services are included in the price. Do not consider hiring a contractor who gives you an ambiguous estimate of the costs involved, or requests an excessively large amount of money as a deposit prior to starting work.

Most legitimate contractors will request only small deposits, with the remainder of the payment being made as the project progresses, based upon the completion of certain milestones, or upon the completion of the project. Be very cautious of contractors who want you to pay the full amount prior to commencing work, as this usually suggests there is a problem with the contractor’s proposal.

Warranty and Maintenance Information

Reputable contractors should offer warranties that cover both the materials and the workmanship for their products. Ask the contractor about the length of the warranty, what specific issues the warranty covers, and how you can address any problems that may develop during the warranty period. Most reputable contractors stand behind their work and will provide you with a clear and written warranty agreement.

Knowledge of Neighborhoods and HOA Requirements

A local contractor will know the different neighborhoods in Doral, and therefore, will be aware of the architectural style prevalent in the areas surrounding your property, and will be knowledgeable about the rules and regulations governing your neighborhood as set forth by your Homeowners Association (HOA). For example, projects located near Doral Central Park or in the Downtown Doral area may be subject to specific aesthetic standards that a knowledgeable local contractor will be able to navigate with ease. Before selecting a contractor, ask them about their familiarity with your neighborhood and whether they are knowledgeable about any special requirements for your location.

Relationships with Suppliers and Other Trades

Experienced local contractors will have established relationships with local suppliers, inspectors, and other trade contractors that will ultimately benefit your project. These relationships can result in lower prices for materials, shorter times for permits to be processed, and improved coordination among other contractors if necessary. Ask the contractor about their relationship with local businesses and suppliers.

Selecting the Right Contractor for Your Project

Carefully evaluating the qualifications of the contractors you are considering will help protect your investment and ensure a successful conclusion to your project. Take the time to interview multiple contractors and review their references, as well as verify their licensure and insurance requirements. Use your judgment when evaluating a contractor’s professionalism, communication abilities, and overall approach to your project.

While the lowest bid may appear to be the best value, this is often not the case, particularly when quality and reliability are important factors for long-term satisfaction. Look for contractors that demonstrate expertise, clarity in their communications, and a commitment to excellence in both the quality of their concrete installations as well as their customer service.

At Doral Concrete Works, we understand the significance of choosing the right contractor and will provide you with complete contractor services for all your concrete needs throughout the Doral area. Our experienced staff will ensure that all of your concrete projects comply with local ordinances and deliver quality results that meet or exceed your expectations for your concrete installations.