Managing a budget
It’s difficult to understand the costs related to concrete if you are working with a new build and have never seen a quote before. Concrete is less expensive than a lot of materials (like pavers or stone), but it’s not cheap. It’s important to shop around and get at least 2-3 quotes from local concrete contractors to understand the scope of work and costs. In addition, you want to vet their approach to business and verify that they have at least a few teeth left. Whether you choose JLC Martinez Concrete for your concrete project or not, we’re happy to share a few tips to help you choose a contractor who will stick to your budget!
find a budget friendly contractor
A budget-friendly contractor isn’t one that just charges less for labor and materials. They also listen and consult you and your family on what is necessary and what isn’t. A quality contractor must be able to provide guidance and insight while being honest about pricing, right from the start. Don’t settle for a crew that is not willing to communicate or compromise. Your landscape or concrete project is a team effort, and that begins from the beginning with transparent conversations about costs and expectations.
Like anything, you usually get what you pay for. It’s no different with concrete work. Make sure you’re dealing with a licensed contractor and search for a company that provides customer friendly services like the ones below:
- Free-no obligation estimates- Any professional, dependable contractor will require a consultation with the homeowner before work begins. You can usually tell if the company is legitimate within 5 minutes of talking to an owner or foreman. An estimate will provide necessary measurements and details, and also serve as that invaluable first impression, which goes a long way.
- License Numbers- a CSLB license number should be available on the quote or right away. If an unlicensed contractor performs your concrete work, you are susceptible to several issues. 1) if found, they will be taken off the site, fined, and penalized by the state with no money back or reimbursement to the homeowner for work already completed 2) An accident could occur with one of the many dangerous pieces of equipment on a site and you could be sued 3) They could disappear in the middle or early phases of a job and you have no recourse with the state… they’re just gone with your deposit or down payment. We’ve seen it happen a hundred times.
- Strong communication from the start- a professional contractor will keep you in the loop regarding quotes and schedules. Don’t deal with someone that does not answer the phone or text you back. It’s a red flag. Stay informed and expect transparent, timely communication from your contractor team.
JLC Martinez Concrete provides quality concrete services for residential properties across the Sacramento, Elk Grove, Galt, Lodi, Stockton, Tracy, Lathrop, Manteca, and Modesto areas. We understand how important (and challenging) it can be to work within a budget after moving into a new build. That is why we secured a finance partner and offer the most affordable rates around. Don’t hesitate to reach out if we can make your dream home a reality with our creative financing solutions. At JLC Martinez Concrete, we apply empathy and compromise into our work. After all, we’re a bunch of dads trying to give our communities a solid foundation.
