Relaxing on the patio is the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon or a crisp evening in the fall. If your patio is falling apart, or you don’t even have one to begin with, then it’s time to think about calling a concrete patio builder. Concrete holds up much better against the Tulsa, OK elements than wood, and you won’t have to worry about weeds sneaking up between the gaps in your pavers.
Before you run to the bank to make a deposit on a new concrete patio, make sure you find a quality concrete patio builder. How can you tell if your contractor is worth the investment? At Summit Concrete & Construction, we know the signs of a quality contractor. Here’s what you should look for before you start your next patio project.
7 Characteristics of a Quality Concrete Patio Builder
1. Years of Experience
There’s no substitute for experience. Each job presents unique challenges and obstacles to overcome, and only an experienced builder will have seen it all. That previous experience helps us solve potential problems with your patio build and make sure it lasts. Of course, anyone can claim to have been in business for decades. What really matters is what a company has done in that time.
Ask for a concrete patio portfolio before you sign anything. A reputable company will take pride in its work and be happy to show it off to you. We feature photos of our work on our website for all to see. A contractor without a portfolio may be new to the business or may have results they’d rather you not see.
2. Licensed & Insured
The last thing you want is for an accident to occur and leave you stuck with a bill. Unfortunately, there are many uninsured contractors or ones that operate with expired licenses. If something goes wrong, you may wind up losing your investment. Your homeowner’s insurance may not cover damages caused during renovations, making matters even worse.
Oklahoma has no licensing requirements for concrete contractors or patio builders, but we follow all laws, such as additional requirements or permits for any work that requires it, including our home renovation work. We also follow all state and local guidelines. You should request license information and be wary of anyone who hesitates to provide proof of insurance. We always keep our licenses up to date and can show you our insurance policies upon request.
3. Positive Reviews
We promise quality work, but don’t take our word for it! Check out our positive reviews to see for yourself. Google Maps has reviews from the local Tulsa area, and you can read social media comments on our Facebook page to see what they think about the work pictures we’ve posted.
When you compare contractors, make sure you look at how the business responds to the reviews they receive. A bunch of reviews without a single reply tells you that the company isn’t actively listening to the feedback they receive. We have over 100 5-star reviews as proof of our commitment to quality.
4. Free Estimates and Great Financing
Getting an estimate shouldn’t cost you a dime. If a contractor asks you to pay an assessment fee or a visit fee before even setting foot on your property, look elsewhere. Our approach has always been to come to you and charge nothing for the estimate. We strive to provide accurate estimates, too, so you don’t have to worry about surprise bills later on in the process.
How you pay for your concrete patio is up to you, but we hope to make it a little easier. We can provide competitive financing to help you get the best rate possible on a home improvement loan. However, if you prefer to work with your local bank or credit union, we’re happy to do so as well. If a contractor pushes you hard into their financing scheme, beware.
5. Punctuality
Outdoor jobs can be a challenge since inclement weather can stop progress unexpectedly for days on end. That’s why it’s so important to get as much done as possible when the sun’s shining. Our estimates not only factor in cost but also the expected time to complete the work. After thoroughly reviewing the requirements for a given job, we assemble a dedicated team that will see the work through to the end.
Once working hours are agreed upon, our crew arrives on time and gets to work. If a rainy day delays our efforts, we’ll do our best to make up for lost time and keep your patio project on schedule.
6. Quality Work
Above all, you want your patio to last. That means using high-quality materials throughout the process. This is one of the hardest things to discern when shopping for a concrete patio builder. You should ask what materials are being used and request a list so that you can verify for yourself if those materials are actually being used on the job site.
We treat our residential customers the same as our commercial clients, which means we use commercial-grade materials for all of our projects. Commercial-grade concrete and other construction materials are rated to last longer and resist corrosion. You’ll be able to enjoy your concrete patio with the confidence that it’ll last.
7. A One-Stop Shop in Tulsa, OK
While a gorgeous concrete patio by itself can be a great addition to your backyard, you might want some other features installed. Perhaps you’re looking for a pergola to provide some shade during those hot summer months. Maybe you want a fire pit built into your concrete patio. The possibilities are endless.
Choose a contractor that can help you complete your vision. We do all kinds of patio work in addition to laying concrete.
Additional Services
If you need a new driveway or walkways on your property, we can handle those too. Steps up to your patio or another access on your home are also an option. Nearly every job involves some degree of concrete flatwork, so bringing in a concrete expert to handle your project is always a good idea. When we pay your property a visit, we might even be able to help you come up with better ideas for how to use your space.
We also build retaining walls, which can be essential for Tulsa, OK residents who live in flood-prone areas. Anyone who was here for the 2019 floods knows how devastating they can be. Prevention is much better than rebuilding completely, so consider adding retaining walls if your property is at risk.
We even do home renovations such as additions, roofing, and windows. Whatever your dreams are, we’re here to help you make them a reality.
Get a Free In-person Estimate
Are you ready to take the first step towards a better home? If you have an idea for a home improvement and need an expert opinion, call Summit Concrete & Construction for a free in-person estimate. We’ll go over the requirements, estimate costs and the time it’ll take, and we can even go over financing options for you if you haven’t yet started investigating. We know you’ll be happy with our work like so many others.
