The 4 Critical Questions You Should Ask
Before You Choose A Concrete Driveway Contractor
There are many concrete driveway companies in the Twin Cities area to choose from - some reputable and a few that you want to stay away from. How do you know who's good and isn't. It can be a difficult process if you know very little about concrete or asphalt driveway replacement, and if you're not sure where to start or what questions to ask.
We recommend the first thing you learn are the following questions ... they will help you to easily begin evaluating any driveway paving company in Minnesota.
1. How will you communicate with us during the process?
One of the biggest frustration homeowners have with contractors is not being kept aware of what the plan is and how everything is progressing. Pay attention to how they handle themselves during the entire process; from the first time they answer the phone, (if you don't get a voicemail) during the estimation process, while the work is being done - until they hand you the final bill. Here are some important things to consider:
- Do they have a live person answer the phone?
- How long did it take for them to get back with me?
- How far out did they schedule the free estimate?
- Was the estimate easy to understand and did they take the time to thoroughly explain the estimate - in layman's terms?
- Are they willing to put everything in writing?
- Who will be the point person before, during and after the job?
- Do they have references ... and if they do, ask those references if they kept you informed throughout the entire process.
2. How often does the final bill match the estimate?
Most reputable concrete driveway paving companies in Minnesota have experienced just about every type of situation, or surprise that can come along when replacing a driveway. One has to wonder, why then the final bill with so many paving companies comes in so much higher then the estimate. One of the biggest aggravations for most homeowners is with hidden costs - when the bill comes in significantly higher then the estimate!
Why does this happen? Because the contractor fails to communicate the true cost of the job in the first place. Or, the contractor fails to update the homeowner on any surprise or changes that the contractor experienced while the driveway was being replaced.
3. How long have they been paving driveways in the Twin Cities?
There truly is only a handful of concrete and asphalt paving companies in the Twin Cities that have been in business for any length of time. And even fewer that have been around as long as Richfield Concrete - which is since 1954. Longevity is not only proof of good service to the community but also solid proof of good businesses practices. A driveway paving company that has been in business for over 50 years has experienced every type of driveway ... and every type of driveway problem hundreds and even thousands of times. You know that if you have questions or issues in the future - the company will be there to back you up!
4. Do you have any un-resolved complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)?
Calling the BBB is a quick and easy way to scrutinize any company. When you call you want to ask them two questions: 1) How many complaints have you had over the past 3 years? 2) How many unresolved complaints have they had...and how many are current? To get a hold of them you can call: 651-699-1111 or go to www.bbbmnd.org and type in the name of the company.
SIDE NOTE: Richfield Concrete has ZERO complaints over the past 3 years
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