Purchasing concrete for a construction project is a reasonably straightforward process, but it also requires careful planning. The material’s quality primarily depends on the concrete supplier, so you must be thorough during the selection process. Below are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure you find the right one.

How to Choose a Concrete Supplier

1. Ask for Referrals

If you have friends in the construction industry, ask them for recommendations first. They likely have or know of a reliable concrete supplier that can deliver on your project requirements. However, it doesn’t hurt to have more options on the table, so do a quick search of other companies online.

2. Perform Due Diligence

Once you have a list of potential concrete suppliers, it’s time to narrow it down. Start by checking customer reviews and feedback posted online. However, take everything with a grain of salt. It’s best to go with a company that has a good reputation, a track record of reliability, and years of experience under its belt.

Also, don’t forget to consider their fleet size, as having more trucks of different sizes allows them to deliver concrete as you need it. In construction, delays have costly consequences, so you’ll need a supplier that’s up to the task.

3. Get Multiple Quotes

Before approaching a concrete supplier, you should already have an idea of how much material the project requires. Online calculators can help you estimate the amount, but some suppliers will also send someone to confirm the requirements.

When asking for a quote, be sure to mention other details, including the location of the project and accessibility, as the overall cost tends to change depending on factors and challenges in delivering the concrete. Getting several quotes also allows you to compare the prices and inclusions better, but keep in mind that the lowest estimate isn’t necessarily the best choice, even if you’re trying to rein in project costs.

4. Factor in Proximity

If you need ready-mix concrete, experienced suppliers know that a prepared batch is only best for 90 minutes. Beyond that, it may not guarantee optimal results. Find a company located close enough to the project site that can still offer quality materials.

For over 50 years, Builder’s Concrete East in Windham, CT, has been the trusted provider of concrete blocks and ready-mix concrete throughout the state. It’s no wonder that they’re among the region’s top suppliers. Call (860) 456-4111 to schedule concrete delivery today, or view their full list of product offerings online.