If you own a commercial property next to the sea, you may want to build a dock to prevent erosion. It is best to hire a professional marine contractor to help you construct the dock. However, it is imperative to do due diligence to hire a qualified contractor who can give you value for your money. In this case, it is best to ask the contractor several questions that will help you determine whether they are worth your time and money. Here are several questions to ask a marine contractor.
Related Blog: How To Choose The Right Marine Contractor
What Is Your Area Of Specialization?
While you may want to believe that any contractor can do an exceptional job, you should know that some inland and general contractors lack expertise, unlike marine contractors. This is why you have to be sure that the contractor you hire specializes in marine construction.
Marine contractors have technical knowledge of dealing with different aspects of the project, such as designs, boat lifts, jetties, bulkheads, and environmental factors. Working with a specialized marine contractor will help you get quality results worth a bang for your buck.
Do You Have Trained Professionals?
Some marine companies have many contractors who lack professional training. If you do not do due diligence, you might hire a company that might deliver sub-standard work. This can cost you a lot of time and money in the long run.
Hiring unqualified contractors can also be challenging to use machinery that requires specialized training. It is best to ask if the contractors have the right qualifications to handle marine construction. You want to ensure that you get quality results.
Do You Have Licenses To Operate The Job?
It is imperative to note that not all marine companies offering services have licenses. Working with a non-licensed company can be risky. For a marine company to receive licenses from the state, it must meet various state requirements. This is the best way for the state to allow only qualified companies to offer marine services. Confirm with the contractor whether they have the relevant licenses or not. You may want to stay away from any company that gives excuses for not having licenses.
Do You Have An Insurance Policy For Your Workers?
Handling a dock is risky and can cause injuries or even death. An accident can happen at any time, whether you are working with a licensed marine company or not. If the contractor lacks insurance coverage, you may have to dig deep in your pockets to pay for the damage and injuries incurred.
This isn't the case if you hire a contractor with insurance coverage. If an accident happens and the workers get injured, the insurance company will pay for the damage caused. This can save you a lot of money in the long run. You won't have to worry about paying for medical bills and other associated expenses from your pocket.
Do You Have References And Testimonials?
Most marine contractors have several clients, past and present. But this doesn't mean that every customer is satisfied with the service. A contractor might have offered poor-quality work, and hiring them would be wasting your resources. This is why it is best to ask for references and testimonials from past clients.
Ask for contact details of the customers, speak to them directly, and ask if the contractor is worth the hire. You can also check for reviews and testimonials on the contractor's website or social media pages to see what customers say about their services.
Hire the Right Marine Contractor
The most vital element of a marine project is not price but the quality of service. Are you looking for a professional, experienced, licensed, and qualified marine contractor in Southwest Florida? We can help! Contact us today!
