Hiring the right concrete repair contractor can mean the difference between a durable, long-lasting repair and a premature failure that costs far more to redo. In Metro Vancouver’s competitive market, it pays to know what separates experienced, qualified contractors from those who will underdeliver. Here is what to evaluate when reviewing proposals for your project.
Verify Licensing and Insurance
In British Columbia, all general contractors must hold a valid BC Contractor License. For strata and commercial work, the contractor should also carry commercial general liability insurance (minimum $2 million) and WorkSafeBC coverage for all workers on site. Request certificates of insurance — not just verbal assurances — and confirm that coverage is current before work begins. Unlicensed or uninsured contractors may offer lower prices, but any incident on your property becomes a significant liability exposure for the strata or building owner.
Assess Relevant Experience
Concrete repair is a specialized trade. A contractor who primarily does residential flatwork may not have the expertise for parkade membrane systems, post-tension cable repair, or structural crack injection. Ask specifically about the type of repair you need: How many similar projects have they completed in the past three years? Can they provide references from strata corporations, property management companies, or commercial building owners? Are they familiar with the specific membrane systems or repair products required for your project? Miyagi Construction’s parkade resurfacing experience includes dozens of completed projects across Metro Vancouver.
Evaluate the Scope of Work Document
A professional contractor provides a detailed written scope of work — not just a price. The document should specify: the products to be used (with manufacturer names and product numbers), the preparation methods (e.g., shot blast to ICRI CSP 3–4), the number of coats and dry film thickness for coating systems, details at transitions, drains, and curbs, and the sequence of work. Vague scopes like “supply and install waterproofing membrane” with no product or preparation specification make it impossible to compare proposals fairly or hold a contractor accountable for quality. Ask for references and check their past work on projects similar to yours.
Understand Warranty Terms
Warranties in concrete repair have two components: the contractor’s workmanship warranty and the product manufacturer’s material warranty. A reputable contractor should provide a minimum 2-year workmanship warranty, and premium membrane systems carry manufacturer warranties of 5–10 years when installed by certified applicators. Read warranty documents carefully — exclusions for inadequate maintenance, incompatible products applied over the warranty system, or substrate conditions outside specified parameters are common and can void coverage.
FAQ
Should I always choose the lowest bid?
No. Concrete repair is one of the worst categories in construction to select based on price alone. Inadequate surface preparation, inferior products, and poor detailing are the leading causes of premature failure — and they often cannot be seen until the repair fails. Evaluate proposals based on scope detail, product specification, references, and warranty terms alongside price.
What questions should I ask contractor references?
Ask: Did the contractor arrive on time and complete the project on schedule? Did the final cost match the quote? Were there unexpected scope changes and how were they handled? Has the repair held up since completion? Would you hire this contractor again? A contractor unwilling to provide references from similar projects is a red flag.
Are there industry standards I should ask about?
Yes. ICRI (International Concrete Repair Institute) publishes widely adopted guidelines for surface preparation, material selection, and repair procedures. CSA A23.1 and A23.2 govern concrete practice in Canada. Asking a contractor whether they follow ICRI and CSA guidelines is a good indicator of their technical sophistication.
How do I get started with Miyagi Construction?
Contact Miyagi Construction at 604-721-5555 or info@miyagiconstruction.com to schedule a free on-site assessment. We provide detailed written proposals with full product specifications and have completed concrete repair and waterproofing projects for strata corporations, property managers, and commercial owners across Metro Vancouver, including Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, Coquitlam, and the North Shore.
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