
A building’s structural soundness depends on its foundation, and piling helps in forming this foundation. It involves vertical columns of steel, concrete, wood or a combination, which are driven deep into the ground. Piling serves the purpose of transferring the load of a structure from weaker strata to less compressible strata. It makes constructing high rise buildings on weaker strata possible by providing a stronger deep foundation.
When so much literally relies on piling, you can’t take the chance by hiring an inexperienced piling company. Here are some common mistakes people make when involving a piling company.
Different supplier and installer
So you sourced the supplies from one company and hired another to do the job. But the installer can’t develop an effective piling solution because of incorrect supplies. Now what? You’re likely to incur double the cost on supplies.
Instead, it would be much better to hire a company that can take care of both aspects.
Choosing the wrong type
Choosing the type of pile is not like choosing a wall paint colour. Unless you are an expert, reach out to a professional to choose the right type of pile for your project. Unsuitable piling can put the structural integrity of your building at risk.
Waiting till the last second
Getting a piling contractor involved shouldn’t be an afterthought. If you wait till the last second, it can put the entire construction process on hold. Therefore, start searching for a reputable company promptly. Don’t make the mistake of settling for a mediocre company as a last-minute resort.
Failing to acknowledge legal issues
Never hire a contractor with pending legal issues that can jeopardise your entire project.
Are you finding the process of choosing a piling company confusing? Check out our top tips for hiring a suitable piling company.
Ask for referrals
Reach out to your peers and other industry experts for referrals. It would be ideal to ask someone who has worked on a similar project as yours.
When you get a recommendation, ask the company for client references. Get in touch with these clients to learn about their experience of working with this company. In addition to this, you should also look into customer ratings and reviews.
Have an in-person meeting
Piling requirements might not be easy to convey over the phone or email. If you’ve found a good company, arrange an in-person meeting with them. This will allow you to get a better idea of their capabilities and effectively clear any doubts that you might have.
Shop around
As piling plays a crucial role in the construction of a structure, your goal should be to hire the best of the best. Don’t settle for the first company someone recommends. Go online and research thoroughly to find a reliable piling company. Compare price quotes and services of different companies before finalising one.
History and experience
A new company might be offering a lucrative deal, but choosing an experienced company is always the safer choice. An established company usually has the latest technology and abundance of resources at its disposal.
With over 25 years of experience, Geobond is a knowledgeable piling company offering high-quality services.
Check license & certifications
A reputable piling company should have proper license and certifications required by the law. In addition to this, it should also have sufficient insurance coverage.
Skilled workforce
The contractors of a company should be fully trained and competent. You don’t want a bunch of newbies on your project.
Enquire about guarantee
Ask the company whether they guarantee their services and for how many years.
We hope you found these tips helpful in finding a piling contractor for your project. We wish you the best of luck!
My father’s boss told him to find and hire piling contractors for the construction of a building. Since I knew nothing about hiring one, I’d like to help him so I researched for the qualifications of a contractor. I shall then look if they have proper license and certifications required by the law.