[dropcap]F[/dropcap]or those who don’t know, let me introduce you to Epoxy floors. An Epoxy floor is constructed by mixing resin and hardener that forms a solid plastic material so strong that it can withstand the wear and tear of the working environment.
Epoxy floors are mostly used for industrial and commercial workspaces in order to provide a smooth but strong surface capable of lasting for many years without major repairs. As we know, industrial and commercial environments are synonymous with heavy equipment, sounds, vibrations and hurried movements. These can cause a lot of damage to the industrial floors.
Warehouses, industrial and commercial buildings without epoxy floors are always in need of floor maintenance. This is often because of the rip, scratch and scrape on their floors. To save yourself from the headache of having to embark on expensive floor maintenance from time to time, install epoxy floors.
There are so many epoxy flooring contractors out there offering epoxy services. When you’ve decided to install an epoxy floor, it is important to hire a reliable flooring professional. Epoxy floors can be a delight to have when properly done, but when shabbily built; you may find yourself redoing the job all over again.
To get it right, here are some tips on hiring the perfect epoxy contractor for your facility.
1. MAKE ENQUIRIES
Look I know you are in a hurry to have your industrial and commercial floors installed with epoxy floors, but you must do your homework. The number of companies offering epoxy flooring services can be overwhelming. So how do you know the right contractor for your facility?
In making enquiries, there are two areas of research. Your first enquiry should be based on determining the type of epoxy flooring that will suit your space. You should bear in mind that epoxy floorings are not the same. Therefore take your time in learning the different types of epoxy floor coatings.
The second research you should carry out is on the contractors themselves. Find out their specialization if any. Also find out how long they’ve been in the business. The more years they have spent in the industry, the more experience they should have. One look at the company’s website should tell you all you need to know about the company. For instance, this Kansas City Epoxy Flooring company has a very informative website. This makes it easy for you get all the information you need before you hire your choice contractor.
2. GO FOR THE MOST EXPERIENCED.
Having done your research, your best bet is to go for the contractor with the most experience in the epoxy flooring industry. Companies with expert engineers are likely to have done wonderful contractual jobs. Such companies are eager to show off their completed projects. In this vein, it is crucial to ask for references as well as previously completed projects. If you can, go to the sites to inspect the quality of the floors yourself.
3. COST
Yes, I understand you are a successful business mogul who will do everything to save cost. Beware of choosing an epoxy-flooring contractor just for their low rates. Facility owners who made low prices their only consideration have eventually regretted that decision.
Renovating your industrial space is not a project you want to embark on often. So don’t be tempted to go for the contractor with the cheapest quotes. The wise thing to do is to look for those whose records show that they have completed quality jobs in the past. Compare their prices and settle for the one with an affordable price.
4. RIGHT EQUIPMENTS
With technological and engineering innovations, the world has evolved and very sophisticated equipment have been designed for various purposes. Like in all areas of human endeavor, the epoxy flooring company with the best set of equipment is likely to complete a flooring project faster than the one which has few tools or outdated equipment. When hiring an epoxy floor contractor, find out if they have all the necessary equipment needed for the job.
If any contractor does not have some of the equipment, be sure that the contractor will have to buy or hire the said equipment. There is a high chance that they will pass the extra fees to you
5. TIME
Remember the age old saying “Time is Money”. This is most especially true in business. No businessman will want to shut down his business for too long while having his industrial floors fixed.
Hence, it is important to look for contractors who can deliver the job on time without compromising on quality. Always ask your prospective contractors how long it will take to complete your epoxy flooring. While time is of the essence, beware of contractors who promise to deliver the job in record time as some of them compromise on quality in doing that.
6. INSURANCE
Most industrial working environments are dangerous to human health. This is more so in an environment where you have the movement of heavy equipment and the mixing of toxic chemicals. The truth is that anything can go wrong.
To minimize your risks, make enquiries from your prospective contractors on their insurance status. If they have an insurance policy, request for a copy and review it. Reputable epoxy contractors will always be insured to cover any liability that may be incurred in the course of their work. This way you can rest assured that unforeseen events would be taken care of.
Chioma Iwunze-Ibiam writes creative non-fiction and prose fiction. Her works have appeared in Romance Meets Life, Flash Fiction Press, MTLS, Saraba Magazine, Sentinel Magazine and others. Her first novel, Finding Love Again, was published by Ankara Press. She owns and manages Creative Writing News.
