Reliable Concrete Contractors in Kent, WA: 5 Must-Ask Questions

Why Choosing a Contractor Wisely Is Important When Working With Concrete In Kent

Kent homeowners have their own particular needs to think about when it comes to concrete projects, including Kent’s specific permitting requirements and the fact that Kent is located in the Pacific Northwest region, where the weather is unpredictable. An experienced contractor in Kent knows these regional aspects and will be able to help you with all phases of your project.

Kent is close to the Green River and in King County. Therefore, there are specific requirements regarding soil and drainage for all concrete projects. Each part of Kent (including East Hill, Valley Floor, and surrounding areas around ShoWare Center) have their own unique challenges, and experienced contractors know how to overcome them.

There is much more to doing professional concrete work than just mixing and pouring. There is knowing local building codes and getting all necessary permits for the City of Kent, and making sure that your project complies with the rules and regulations set forth by the State of Washington. By using a licensed and bonded contractor, you save yourself time, money, and possible legal problems down the road.

The 5 Essential Questions To Ask Your Potential Contractors

1. Are You Licensed And Insured In The State Of Washington?

All legitimate concrete contractors working in Kent must be licensed to operate as a contractor in the State of Washington. That is not something you can negotiate. Your contractor must show you their license number and check it on the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries website.

Insurance is equally important. Your contractor should carry both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. This will protect you from being held financially responsible if there is an accident on your property or if the work causes damage to your home.

Do not settle for a verbal agreement. Ask to see the current insurance certificates and call the insurance company to confirm that they are still active.

2. Will You Take Care Of The Permits For Kent?

Permits are usually required for most concrete projects in Kent, especially for concrete driveways, walkways, etc., and for any type of work that could affect the drainage pattern. The City of Kent Building Department has specific requirements for residential concrete work, especially for homes in the vicinity of Kent Station and Riverbend Golf Complex, due to drainage concerns.

An experienced contractor will handle the permit process for you. They will know what types of projects need permits and will complete the application process for you. They will also make sure that the work is done correctly and meets the requirements of the city inspections.

Ask your contractor about his or her experience with the permitting process in Kent and get references from recent projects in Kent where he or she got the permits.

3. How Much Experience Do You Have With Kent’s Soil And Weather Conditions?

As previously stated, Kent has many geographical and soil variations that can affect the concrete work. A contractor who is familiar with the area and has experience working in this area will know how to adjust for the various conditions.

The Pacific Northwest has a very wet climate, which means that the contractor needs to use a special mix of concrete and a special curing process. An experienced local contractor knows how to keep the concrete safe and properly cure the concrete during Kent’s rainy months and in the high humidity levels.

Ask your contractor about his or her experience in your neighborhood and how he or she adapts to the local conditions.

4. Can You Give Me Some Local References And Show Me Your Past Work?

Reputable contractors are proud to show off their past work. Ask your contractor to give you some local references from recent concrete projects in Kent that were similar to what you want to do. Do not just ask for names, but ask for specific addresses so you can go see the finished work firsthand.

Drive by some of your contractor’s finished projects in areas like Panther Lake and near Kent-Meridian High School. If your contractor did a good job, you will see evidence of that in the finished work: a smooth surface, proper drainage, and aging that shows the contractor started with good initial construction.

Call the previous customers and ask them about your contractor’s professionalism, how quickly the project was completed, how well the site was cleaned up after the project was completed, and how they handled any issues that came up during the project.

5. What Information Should I Expect To See In My Written Contract?

A written contract is essential to protect both you and the contractor. A reputable contractor will include in your contract information regarding materials, labor costs, timeline, who will obtain permits, and who will clean up the job site.

In addition to the above, pay close attention to the warranty information included in the contract. A reputable contractor will stand behind their work and provide a warranty that covers both the materials and the craftsmanship of the project for a reasonable amount of time. Be wary of contractors who offer little to no warranty or who only verbally agree to one.

Warning Signs To Help Protect Yourself

Some red flags will alert you to avoid certain contractors. For example, door-to-door solicitors who claim they have leftover materials from a nearby project often perform inferior work. In addition, contractors who demand full payment before starting the project or who quote a price significantly lower than other contractors are likely cutting corners that will cost you more in the long run.

Also, beware of contractors who cannot produce documentation to prove they are licensed and insured or who advise you to disregard references. Reputable contractors welcome scrutiny and will proudly display their qualifications.

Kent Concrete Masters: Your Partner For All Your Concrete Needs

While looking for concrete contractors near me, there are advantages to working with local, well-established businesses. At Kent Concrete Masters, we understand the local requirements of working in our community, whether it is dealing with the permitting process at City Hall or the soil conditions in various parts of town.

Local contractors build their reputations in the community and rely on local customer referrals. Their success depends on providing quality work to the local community.

Making The Right Choice

Once you have interviewed several potential contractors, compare their responses to the five essential questions outlined above. The right contractor will have clearly and concisely answered your questions and demonstrated a thorough understanding of Kent’s specific requirements and conditions.

Do not immediately opt for the contractor who gave you the lowest bid. Instead, consider the total value of the contractor you choose, including the length of the warranty, the contractor’s familiarity with Kent’s requirements, and the peace of mind you will feel once you hire an established contractor.

Your concrete project is a worthwhile investment in the value and functionality of your home. Spending time researching and selecting a suitable contractor will ultimately result in a successful project and long-term satisfaction.

Your concrete project deserves the attention of local professionals who understand the specific requirements of Kent and take pride in their local reputation. While selecting the right contractor will take a bit longer, the results will be worth the wait.