Today’s construction industry heavily relies on the use of shotcrete for a range of applications; from swimming pools, basement walls, retaining walls, slope stabilisation, water tanks, and even skate parks. Shotcrete enjoys a range of benefits over traditional cast-in-place concrete in that it can be applied at a faster rate, it’s more efficient, and it’s more cost-effective. In addition to this, shotcrete is the preferred method of concrete application due to its ease of application, significant reduction in framework requirements, and lower maintenance needs.

 

Despite this, the process of spraying concrete pneumatically through a hose at high velocity naturally has its challenges and employing an experienced shotcrete provider is essential to the success of your project. Due to the demand of shotcrete in today’s construction, there are many shotcrete providers available and selecting the right contractor for your project isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. If you’re about to embark on a project that utilises shotcrete, here are some points to consider when choosing a shotcrete company for your project.

 

Research

As with any project, undertaking adequate research is vital to ensure you are familiar with the scope of your project and can communicate efficiently with all necessary contractors. Sufficient research will also provide you with information needed to interpret quotes, contracts, and to differentiate between quality of services. Once completed, you’ll be in a far better position to choose a shotcrete contractor that can meet your individual demands at a price that matches the service requirements.

 

Don’t be price sensitive

Choosing a shotcrete contractor solely based on price is a common mistake. While you always want to get value for money, it’s important to keep in mind that lower prices generally equate to a lower quality product. Whenever shopping for quotes, always ask the contractor to include all services and items to ensure you can effectively compare between different companies. If you find one to be more expensive than others, don’t hesitate to ask why. Choosing a more expensive contractor that can meet your requirements in a timely and efficient manner is always preferable to a cheaper company that has hidden services and makes costly mistakes.

 

Ask for referrals

You should always select a shotcrete provider that has experience in the type of project you wish to complete. Shotcrete companies will generally specialise in specific areas, so it’s advisable to ask for referrals from previous projects they’ve completed to ensure they have the experience to complete the job efficiently and economically. Alongside this, if a particular shotcrete company is hesitant to provide you with any referrals, it’s a clear sign that you’ll find a better service elsewhere.

 

Ask the right questions when interviewing

Once you’ve filtered your list to a couple of candidates, always request to meet them in person so you can discuss your project requirements. In doing this, you’ll be able to build a rapport and assess their communication skills which is a key factor in selecting which company will best service your needs. Some vital questions which should be asked to all potential candidates include:

 

  • How much experience do you have in similar projects?
  • When did your company begin offering shotcrete services?
  • Who will be working on my project?
  • Do you have workers compensation and liability insurance?
  • Will you be managing the communications with government regulations?

 

While you’ll obviously have more questions than this, the answers to the abovementioned questions will provide you with an accurate indication of thecommunication style, professionalism, and level of experience you’ll be receiving.

 

Get contracts in writing

One of the largest oversights you can make is not getting your contract in writing once you’ve selected a particular shotcrete company. You should meet with your project manager and create a contract that includes all of the following points:

 

  • Proof of liability insurance and workers compensation payments
  • The materials and products to be used on the project
  • A requirement that the company obtain lien releases from all subcontractors and suppliers (which protects you in the case the company goes bankrupt)
  • Payment schedule
  • Start date and completion date

 

Ensuring you have a contract in writing will protect you and allow your project to run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

 

If you’re looking for a good place to start in your quest for a suitable shotcrete contractor, look no further than Evolution Shotcrete on the Gold Coast. With many years of experience in a wide-range of projects, Evolution Shotcrete can meet your individual requirements irrespective of the size of the project. For more information, phone our friendly team on 07 5561 8885.