Hiring an Epoxy Contractor You Can Trust
Bad epoxy installation is obvious—it peels, bubbles, looks blotchy, or fails within a year. Good installation lasts 15+ years. Here’s how to tell the difference before you hire.
Red Flags: Avoid These Contractors
- No Warranty: Good contractors guarantee their work. If they don’t, walk away.
- Vague Pricing: “We’ll look at it and give you a number.” Get a written, fixed estimate.
- No Surface Prep Discussion: Proper epoxy requires concrete prep. If they don’t mention it, they’re cutting corners.
- No References: Want to see their last 10 jobs? They should say yes.
- Unclear About Concrete Assessment: They should examine for cracks, moisture, previous coatings.
- Too Cheap: If they’re 50% cheaper than competitors, something’s wrong. Epoxy is epoxy—pricing shouldn’t vary wildly.
- Cash Only: Red flag. Use contractors who invoice.
Green Flags: Signs of a Professional
- Concrete Assessment: They examine the floor and discuss its condition with you.
- Detailed Quote: Specifies materials, prep work, timeline, warranty, and price.
- References & Photos: They provide contact info for past clients and before/after photos.
- Warranty in Writing: 5-10 year warranties are standard. Get it on paper.
- Clear Timeline: They explain how long prep, application, and curing takes.
- Professional Crew: Uniformed, insured, organized site management.
- Insurance & License: Ask to see proof of liability insurance and contractor license.
Questions to Ask Every Epoxy Contractor
- “How will you prepare the concrete?” Look for: diamond grinding, cleaning, crack assessment.
- “What epoxy system are you using?” Brand, type (2-coat, 3-coat, etc.), UV resistance, specs.
- “How long will installation take?” Typical: 1–2 days for application, 3–7 days to cure before use.
- “What warranty do you offer?” 5–10 years is standard. Anything less is questionable.
- “What happens if it peels or bubbles?” Will they fix it free within the warranty period?
- “Are you licensed and insured?” Ask for proof. Non-negotiable.
- “Can you provide references from the last year?” At least 3–5 recent projects.
- “Do you use professional-grade epoxy or DIY-grade?” Professional epoxy lasts longer and performs better.
Concrete Condition Assessment
Good contractors assess your concrete:
- Moisture test: High moisture in concrete can cause epoxy to fail. They should check.
- Crack inspection: Large cracks need repair before epoxy. Small cracks can be filled.
- Stain assessment: Oil, rust, or chemicals may affect adhesion.
- Previous coatings: Old paint or sealers need removal.
If a contractor doesn’t assess the concrete, they’re skipping a critical step.
Local vs. Big-Box: Why Peoria Contractors Matter
Local Peoria epoxy contractors offer:
- Personal accountability (they live and work here)
- Understanding of Peoria’s humidity and climate
- Flexibility and custom service
- Ongoing support and recoating options
Chain companies do drive-by quotes and move on. Local contractors stick around.
The Professional Installation Timeline
- Consultation: You call, describe your floor, discuss goals
- Site Visit: We assess concrete, discuss colors/finishes, provide detailed quote
- Scheduling: You choose a date. We prepare a timeline.
- Prep Day 1: Move items, grind/clean concrete, assess moisture
- Application Days 2–3: First coat, flakes (if desired), final coat
- Curing Days 4–7: You stay off the floor; full cure takes up to 7 days
- Walkthrough: We inspect together, you approve, we’re done
Red Flags in Installation
During installation, watch for:
- Contractor skipping surface prep (huge mistake)
- Applying epoxy in humid or rainy conditions (causes bubbling)
- Rushing curing time before allowing foot traffic
- Sloppy application (drips, uneven coating, missed spots)
Ready to Hire?
We’re a licensed, insured, local Peoria epoxy contractor with 10+ years experience and proven results. We provide detailed assessments, professional-grade materials, written warranties, and real customer references.
Call now for a free quote: 309-487-2138
Ready to get started? Call us today!