Concrete vs. Masonry for Commercial Walls
This article will break down the key differences between concrete and masonry walls, comparing them across essential categories like cost, [...]
Deciding on which concrete contractor to hire for your commercial project can be a complicated process. Of course, to even put their hat in the ring for your concrete project, they need to have the correct credentials and a good reputation.
However, even after you’ve narrowed down your list to the last remaining contestants, you should still ask plenty of questions before making your final decisions.
Otherwise, you may be disappointed with the results.
To help ensure you feel confident that you’ve chosen the right concrete contractor, we’ve compiled a list of important questions you should ask a concrete contractor during the bidding process, and what to look for in their responses.
Table of Contents
1. Can You Provide A Copy of Your Licenses and Insurance?
2. How Much Experience Do You Have with Commercial Projects Like Mine?
3. What’s Your Timeline and Availability?
4. What Is Your Safety Record and Protocol?
5. Can You Provide References?
6. How Close Is Your Bid Estimate Typically to the Final Cost?
7. Who Will Be Overseeing the Project?
8. Can You Explain Your Process For Site Prep And Curing?
9. How Do You Plan for Potential Weather or Site Delays?
10. Do You Regularly Check for Quality Control and Perform Inspections?
11. What Steps Do You Take to Minimize Disruptions to My Daily Operations?
12. What Are the Payment Terms and Milestones?
13. How Do You Coordinate with Other Contractors or Trades on Site?
14. Who Will Be Responsible for Permitting and Scheduling Inspections?
Although it may seem like this is a given, it is always best to ask for proof of these credentials.
A valid license confirms that the contractor meets the legal and professional standards in your area.
Liability insurance protects your business from injury claims and property damage, while a surety bond covers losses in case of breach of contract.
Having these documents in hand allows you to take time to ensure that they meet or exceed the needs of your business.
Allowing your financial and legal teams to review these documents is a best practice for any commercial concrete project.
For example, they may have insurance, but is it enough? Does it cover all aspects of the job, or will some liability remain yours? Does the language in the surety bond allow for any loopholes?
Any subcontractors they hire should also carry the same insurance and licensing.
Residential work and commercial work require two completely different approaches. Even within the scope of commercial concrete services, projects can vary greatly.
You want a potential contractor who has successfully delivered projects similar in type, size, and complexity to yours.
An experienced contractor will understand the unique challenges of your project, whether that’s a concrete slab for a manufacturing facility, flatwork for a parking lot, or decorative concrete finishes for a retail entryway.
They should also be able to provide examples of past projects, showing schematics and photos.
Because large-scale concrete installations are complex and will come with plenty of challenges, you need to not only be confident in your concrete contractor’s quality of work but also their ability to handle these challenges successfully.
In commercial concrete construction, timing is everything. One delay in the project can lead to another, and another, ultimately pushing back the final delivery date.
Ask the contractor to walk you through the start and completion dates they committed to in their bid, identify potential variables, and have a clear contingency plan to keep the job on track should any of these variables become a problem.
Consider asking for references of this type of project in the past where they successfully met tight deadlines without compromising the quality of work.
On any construction site, safety isn’t an option. Accidents can cause serious injuries and costly delays, as well as legal complications for the project manager or property owner.
An experienced contractor in the concrete industry should have a documented safety plan and be able to explain how they protect workers during concrete installations.
This plan should cover proper use of equipment, site access control, the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required, and other measures that meet the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) job site safety standards.
As OSHA typically conducts compliance audits every three years, the contractor should be able to provide records of previous audits. It’s also worth inquiring whether they offer ongoing training for their crew and subcontractors.
They may even have awards or recognition for outstanding safety performance on past projects or similar projects, which is a great sign!
However, the most reliable contractors will treat safety as part of delivering high-quality workmanship, not just a regulatory requirement.
In the concrete industry, a proven track record is one of the strongest indicators of an exceptional contractor.
Former clients can confirm if the contractor stayed within budget, met the agreed timeline, and delivered high-quality workmanship.
When following up with references, don’t stop at “Were you satisfied?” Ask them if they would recommend the contractor and if they would hire them again.
Ask questions that give you a fuller picture — for example, how the contractor handled follow-up issues, coordinated with the project manager, or resolved problems under pressure.
In commercial concrete work, the lowest bid is not always the least expensive in the end.
Asking how closely a contractor’s initial estimate compares to the final invoice can save you from costly budget headaches later on.
This is especially important for large concrete projects, where even a small percentage overrun can add up to thousands of dollars.
A dependable contractor will have a consistent track record of keeping costs in line with their original bid.
They’ll be transparent about potential cost drivers and clear about how they manage scope to prevent overruns. Common variables include unforeseen site conditions, changes in the type of concrete mix, or adjustments to rebar placement.
Even if you hire the best concrete contractor in the area, you want to ensure they have the best people on their team working for you.
One of them is a consistent point of contact who understands your project inside and out, someone who is reliable, makes themselves available, and keeps the work moving according to schedule.
This individual, whether a project manager, site superintendent, or lead foreman, should have proven experience with similar commercial concrete projects. They should have the authority and expertise to resolve issues promptly and efficiently, without unnecessary delays.
It’s also important to confirm the site lead’s qualifications and track record. Have they managed commercial projects of a similar size and complexity before? How do they coordinate with subcontractors and inspectors, and what systems do they use for reporting and communications?
Their ability to provide timely updates, maintain accurate documentation, and produce detailed reports affects not only your peace of mind but also accountability, decision-making, and the overall success of your project.
Proper site preparation and curing are essential to the performance and lifespan of concrete.
Even the best concrete mix won’t hold up if the ground underneath isn’t properly prepared or if the curing process is rushed or neglected.
Ask the contractor how they prepare the site before pouring new concrete. They should be able to explain how they evaluate soil conditions, grade the area, and ensure a stable, compacted base.
Moisture control measures may also be necessary depending on the site.
Also, ask how they cure the concrete once it has been poured. Curing plays a major role in how concrete hardens and strengthens over time.
An experienced and reliable contractor will have a detailed approach, including how they manage the curing process and how they plan to adapt it to the site’s specific conditions.
What to look for in their answer:
Weather and unexpected site conditions are common challenges in construction, particularly in concrete work, where timing is crucial.
Understanding how your contractor manages delays is important because a well-prepared contractor can avoid costly schedule overruns and unnecessary frustrations.
Ask the contractor about their contingency plans in case of adverse weather or other issues that pop up on site. Do they have a backup plan for rescheduling pours, protecting unfinished work, or speeding up tasks once conditions improve?
A reliable contractor should be proactive in their contingency planning and prepared to adjust their schedule to minimize the impact on the overall project timeline.
It’s also worth asking how delays are documented and handled contractually, such as whether the contract allows extensions of time and how additional costs, if any, are managed.
Delivering high-quality concrete work requires consistent quality control and regular inspections throughout the project. This helps recognize potential issues early, reducing the risk of costly repairs or failures down the line.
Ask the contractor about their process for ensuring the quality of both materials and workmanship throughout the project.
Do they carry out regular in-house checks, like air content measurements and curing inspections? Do they work with third-party testing agencies that provide additional certifications?
It’s also helpful to ask whether inspection results are shared with project managers or clients, and how they handle any deficiencies that are identified.
Understanding their quality assurance process gives you confidence that the work will meet industry standards and your project’s specifications.
For most commercial projects, business owners cannot afford to pause all business operations, which means concrete construction will be done in tandem with their regular business activities.
This raises two concerns: safety and disruptions.
Ask your contractor how they plan to manage their work zone to ensure the safety of employees, customers, and visitors.
Construction zones should always be clearly marked and blocked off from foot traffic with signs in place. Scheduling noisy or intrusive tasks during off-hours is a professional courtesy that they should extend to others.
A reliable contractor will provide prior notice about any temporary changes to access or parking due to project activities, allowing you time to prepare.
Additionally, they should show respect for your need to maintain regular business operations. This may mean that their schedule has to adapt to yours.
Clear payment terms are essential in any concrete construction contract. These terms should be clearly outlined in the contractor’s bid or proposal.
However, it’s still worth revisiting and confirming when payments are due, what they cover, and how they relate to project milestones. This helps both parties maintain trust and hold each other accountable.
Ask the contractor to explain their payment schedule and clarify any terms in the bid that may be unclear.
Is an upfront deposit required? Do payment milestones coincide with phase completions?
Confirming these details before the project begins ensures you stay on budget and you manage your cash flow effectively.
The completion of a commercial project takes many hands. No doubt, your commercial contractor will need to coordinate with electricians, plumbers, and other contractors.
Their ability to do this effectively is essential to the success of your project. Otherwise, you could run into extra costs, schedule delays, or even safety risks.
Ask your contractor about any challenges they’ve encountered on multi-contractor sites and how they managed those situations moving forward.
Ask the contractor specific questions related to your project, for example, whether participation in coordination meetings is required for all levels of employees, and how they ensure clear and consistent communication with workers who may face language barriers on site.
Successfully managing permits and inspections is one of the most important steps in any commercial project. It’s how you stay compliant with building codes and local laws.
Miscommunication or lack of clarity in this area can lead to fines, delays, or even a complete halt in construction. That’s why it’s important to clarify — from the start — exactly who will be responsible for managing permits and inspections.
Ask your contractor whether they take responsibility for obtaining permits and scheduling inspections, or if those tasks fall to the project manager or property owner.
A knowledgeable contractor should not only understand local permitting requirements but also be willing to coordinate with inspectors as needed. Transparency about any associated fees or timelines is also essential.
Your construction project deserves a contractor you can trust. The best way to ensure you’re working with a professional and reliable team is by asking the right questions — and listening carefully to the answers.
At FMP Construction, we not only welcome these questions — we’re proud to provide the answers that set us apart.
Contact FMP Construction today for your next commercial concrete project.
