Hiring a concrete contractor can be tricky business! Therefore, here are some things to think about!

How long have they been in business?
Marra Concrete Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “MARRA”) has been in business for over 30 years specializing in complete service, garage pads, driveways, sidewalks, patios, steps, basement floors, regular, exposed, stamped and stained concrete and overlays, etc.

Does the contractor have a Prepaid Contractor Licence and Security Bond?
This is required by law for contractors who ask for a deposit upfront.
MARRA is licensed as a prepaid contractor, therefore must abide by the rules and regulations set out by the government for your protection.

If MARRA is negligent in performing its services or providing the goods, refuses to make the repairs or refund your money if repairs or job is not completed, you can file a complaint and submit a claim against the MARRA’s Security Bond by calling Service Canada at Consumer Contact Centre toll-free in Alberta 1-877-427-4088. You can also check out the website www.servicealberta.ca.

Does the contractor have WCB coverage and insurance?
MARRA has WCB coverage in the event someone is injured on the jobsite – along with insurance for public liability and property damage.

Does the contractor have a refund policy?
MARRA will refund the full deposit within 15 days, if you cancel the contract within 10 days of signing it. Even if the work is started before the 10 days, you will still be allowed to cancel the contract. However, MARRA has the right to ask that you pay a reasonable amount for the work that was done up to the time you cancelled. MARRA will refund your money before asking you to pay for the services already provided.

MARRA indicates in our contract a Commencement Date and a Completion Date. If the services are not stated within 30 days of the Commencement Date and if a new date is not agreed upon (adverse weather can affect start dates on all projects, which affects the start dates for all clients), you have up to one year to request a refund, and Marra Inc. will refund the deposit paid.

Does the contractor have an on -site supervisor?
MARRA will have on-site an experienced supervisor to oversee the project – who speaks English. Also for added assurance – See info about concrete inspector below.

Does the contractor provide a written warranty?
MARRA provides a one-year written warranty on workmanship.

What if the concrete cracks?
Almost all concrete cracks, that is why control joints are spaced in the concrete with the hopes that if, and or when, the concrete cracks, it will do so in the control joints, which is hopefully not easily seen.

No one will warranty against cracks, Marra Inc. included. However, if concrete breaks that is another issue. A break is considered ¼” or more. Should this occur, MARRA provides a one-year warranty to repair the concrete at no cost.

How can you be assured that the project will be done correctly & professionally?
MARRA is the only company we know of who brings in a concrete inspector to look at the job just prior to the concrete pour, and after the job is totally completed – including site cleanup. If the inspector is not satisfied with what he sees, then the correction is made to his satisfaction prior to the concrete pour, repair or replacement and is made to his satisfaction after the project is completed. In turn, ensuring that the job is done properly – satisfying you.

What sorts of things would the concrete inspector be looking for prior to the pour?
Excessive excavation, gravel tamped properly, sufficient rebar tied properly, forms properly aligned, sloped and secured, general cleanliness of area, adequate protection of buildings, vehicles, plants, etc. from possible concrete backsplash etc. This is to ensure that the site is ready for the concrete.

What sorts of things would the concrete inspector be looking for after completion?
Concrete thickness as agreed in the contract, good quality finishing of concrete where broom-finished, exposed or stamped, color, proper cleanup of site and repairs made to any damaged items caused by MARRA.

What can go wrong and what steps can be taken to prevent it?
Contractor takes a deposit but doesn’t start your job.
You are protected, as MARRA is a licensed prepaid contractor and has bonds in place for your protection as indicated above.

Contractor starts the job but doesn’t finish it.
You are protected, as MARRA is a licensed prepaid contractor and has bonds in place for your protection as indicated above.

Normally, payments are made as follows: 1/3 upon signing of contract, 1/3 after the concrete inspector’s approval prior to the concrete pour and final payment after the job is completed and approved by the concrete inspector.

Contractor does poor job, won’t come back to repair or redo, or not clean up debris, material, not clean up concrete backsplash, or repair damage to your property, etc.

NO CONCERN FOR YOU – Final payment is not made by you until the concrete inspector approves final work, cleanup of jobsite and the repair of any property damage, etc.

If there is a dispute with the contractor, how will it be handled?
Sometimes things can go wrong despite everyone’s best efforts. MARRA will meet on-site to discuss the situation, and if it is a quality issue, have the concrete inspector attend as well. MARRA will make its best efforts to resolve the matter as it is MARRA’s goal to make all clients happy with our provided services. If the matter can not be resolved, MARRA recommends MEDIATION.

Is the contractor a member of the BBB (Better Business Bureau)?
MARRA is not a member of BBB, however the better question to ask is this: are there any complaints, and if so, have they been resolved?

You can check out the BBB website at www.calgary.bbb.org. MARRA has had only one complaint registered with the BBB during the last three years and no complaints registered during the last 12 months. For the record, the one complaint was resolved.