Arming yourself with a list of questions as well as a bit of prior knowledge goes a long way when hiring a driveway builder or expert of any type.

Before you start searching for concrete driveway quotes, you must plan a set of questions. It's an excellent idea to determine the requirements you believe that the concrete contractors Knoxville tn needs to meet prior to the call to help prepare you to filter through the details or sales pitch they provide clients about their services.

Take a look at the checklist of questions and guidelines below to guide you in your preparation for talking to concrete contractors.

1. Be ready and confident

The more confident and knowledgeable you are regarding the type of driveway you're searching for, the easier it will be to evaluate the proficiency or expertise of the concrete driveway contractors you talk to.

2. Explore a range of options, and narrow the field

As you review your candidates, compare the answers you get to your requirements and narrow your choices. Talking to multiple candidates will help you get a better understanding of what you should consider. This lets you make more informed phone calls, and also ask any questions you have about the top candidates.

3. Have several scheduling choices

Concrete driveway contractors with the most success and experience might have busy schedules. If they're not available on your specific dates Be flexible and ask about alternate timelines. Be wary of contractors with completely open availability and little to no projects scheduled for the future.

4. Take into account drying time when you calculate your deadline

Remember that no matter what date you choose, your driveway will not be accessible for at most one week. A lot of people recommend that driveways be dried for a minimum of two weeks to ensure their durability and strength. Planning to host an important event at your home? Do you require delivery of large appliances? Consider your plans in the project deadline by adding a few weeks to the estimated completion date.

5. Find out about the requirements for permit

As you plan to build your driveway with concrete, it's an excellent idea to inquire for the permits you'll require. It's also an excellent method to assess the expertise of the contractor. It could be a sign of inexperience, lack of service or lack of knowledge if the contractor isn't familiar with the permit procedure.

6. Accept the possibility of being requested to decline any upsells

Concrete can be given a decorative touch with the addition of finishing touches, such as cutting or stamping patterns on it , or even staining it. This can increase its curb appeal and provide concrete with a unique look. But, these extras might not be in your budget, so you should be ready to inquire about prices ahead of time and not accept additional services if you are in a tight spot financially.

7. Get cost estimates Get technical

A home visit from contractors when you are collecting estimates can help you get a better sense of specifics if you don't already know these people. Gathering several opinions on what is the materials and specifications that you'll need can also help you to narrow down your options.

8. It is important to ensure that each project is accompanied by written contracts

Ask the contractor for his typical contract terms and make sure there is a contract written.

9. Ask what's included in the contract

In order to ensure quality assurance and clear expectations, contracts should be precise and technical. This guide to help you decide between going DIY on concrete driveway projects or hiring a professional suggests that you establish what thickness of driveway you want and have to know the level of compaction in the base and subgrade prior to signing a contract. And this guide to the fundamentals of concrete driveway construction will assist you in gaining more knowledge about specifics.

10. Do not hesitate to ask questions to assess the contractor's knowledge and skill

You can narrow down your list by asking technical questions. An article by Knoxville Concrete List on hiring concrete driveway contractors recommends asking prospective contractors what they'll do to prevent the possibility cracking of the driveway.

Their answer should also mention joints that allow for flexing as well as the quantity of water used in the concrete mix. You may also ask them to explain the process they'll go through prior to pouring the concrete, and how long the whole project will take.