Ready-mix concrete as the term suggests is a type of concrete that is produced and manufactured at the facility. There are several advantages to using ready-mix concrete, but people often want to know about the supplier, especially if it’s their first time ordering a batch. It is only logical that you are aware of the basics and familiar with the right questions. This helps you pick the right option without experimenting and wasting all your money. So, these are the questions you need to ask your ready mix concrete supplier.
Top Questions To Ask Concrete Contractors
What Types Of Ready-Mix Concrete Do You Offer?
The first and most important question you need to ask your ready-mix concrete supplier is the types they have to offer. One thing you need to keep in mind is that ready-mix concrete suppliers tend to produce multiple types of ready-mix concrete at the facility.
The most popular types include standard concrete, high-strength concrete, and self-compacting concrete. Each type serves varying purposes and you should be well familiar with their differences to be able to pick the right option for your needs.
For instance, if you want to repair or fix some cracks or leakages on your property, you will need standard concrete. But, if you plan on constructing a building, you will need high-strength concrete. A reliable supplier will always educate you on the differences and characteristics as well.
The reason is there is a significant price difference between the types as well. So, it might be that you end up choosing the wrong type having paid a huge amount for it. Plus, the applications differ too. So, you will want to think twice and be smart with your decision-making process.
Can You Provide Technical Support And Expertise?
Some ready-mix concrete suppliers tend to offer technical support and expertise as well if you are willing to pay an additional amount. This helps if the construction of the delivery site is a bit challenging. Technical support and expertise help not only transport the concrete but also deliver it i.e. unload it properly.
Furthermore, if you opt for the extra services, they might send some experts that will help apply the concrete as well. A reliable seller must have a team on standby to help the client. If you observe that your supplier is not willing to do that, you should look for other options.
This is also because a reliable seller will have a team of experts who are well-versed in mixing recommendations, weather conditions, and other factors. So, even if the concrete is being delivered to a far-off location, the experts will ensure it is delivered in perfect condition.
What Are Your Rates?
If it’s your first time looking for options in the market, you should know that there are going to be people who are waiting to rip you off. To avoid that problem, you should research and put in some work before personally visiting the supplier. You might also want to ask your colleagues and experts in the field. Moreover, if any of your friends or family share your vocation, then you should get a suggestion from them as well.
It might be that someone in your social circle knows someone who deals in ready-mix concrete and can get you a good discount. Not only that, you will also be sure that the quality of the poured concrete will be better than other suppliers. Plus, you should get multiple quotes from different suppliers as the rates vary depending on the type.
Once you have gathered all the quotes, you should cross-compare the options and pick the one you think offers the most value. Moreover, keep in mind that ready-mix concrete purchased in bulk will help cut down the prices.
If you tend to purchase it in small batches, it won’t save you money. Instead, you should at least order a truck to help the supplier give you some discount as well.
What Is The Delivery Time?
Delivery time is an important question as it might take an entire day for the concrete to be delivered if the construction site happens to be far. But this will increase transportation costs as well. The biggest factor that needs to be considered in such situations is ensuring the concrete remains in perfect condition.
So, the supplier might send some people along to keep an eye out. Plus, the concrete delivery Rockville process also entails requesting permits and other documents if the concrete needs to be transported via busy streets. This is also going to increase the total costs.
In addition to that, you should also make sure that the supplier is willing to accommodate unforeseen changes or urgent requirements. Reliable suppliers will always make sure their clients are looked after and are willing to cater to unexpected or urgent needs and preferences.
How Do You Ensure Quality?
Ensuring quality is paramount to the strength and durability of your construction project. Different suppliers utilize varying concrete manufacturing techniques to match the quality standards. This means that you should ask your supplier about how and what techniques they use to produce good quality concrete. Which materials are used and in which ratio.
Certified suppliers will always opt for international standard techniques and employ high-quality machines to produce the best quality ready-mix concrete out there. However, you can expect such concrete to be a bit more expensive than the others.
Do You Have Certifications Or Licenses?
Some states have strict regulations regarding concrete production and transportation. While looking for options, you should always ask if the supplier possesses the certifications and licenses required by the state. If that is not the case, it is most likely that the supplier offers you lower rates than the average market rate.
It may be tempting, but you should not involve yourself in such transactions. Instead, you should be willing to pay more for good quality and regulated concrete. The state has to also ensure the concrete is environmentally friendly and does not pose a risk to the surroundings.
So, if you end up picking a supplier who doesn’t care about the certifications or licenses, they are probably going to deliver poor-quality concrete as well, which can put your whole construction project and your own license in jeopardy.
Do You Have Insurance?
This is one of the most important questions you need to ask your ready-mix concrete supplier. As mentioned earlier, concrete is transported via trucks to construction sites. Sometimes, this can lead to accidents as the trucks have to travel on busy routes and navigate through difficult areas.
Additionally, construction sites tend to be busy places as well. Sometimes, even a minor mistake can cause a lot of damage. To cover the costs, the supplier should have insurance. Otherwise, the supplier may end up blaming you and your team for negligence and other issues, which can turn into a long legal battle.
Conclusion
Ready-mix concrete suppliers are experienced people in most cases. But, considering the number of options, you should never leave anything to chance. The questions mentioned above will surely help you pick the right concrete mix delivery Silver Spring supplier. However, you should take your time and carefully analyze the options before making the final decision. If possible, consult your team or an expert who can provide you more help.
