Whether you're planning a major commercial development, a residential renovation, or a small-scale drilling job, understanding what lies beneath the surface is critical. Concrete scanning, particularly using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), is an essential step to avoid hitting electrical conduits, rebar, post-tension cables, or other embedded objects that could compromise safety and delay your project. But not all scanning providers are created equal. Choosing the right concrete scanning company can be the difference between a smooth, efficient build and a costly, dangerous mistake. Here’s what to look for when hiring a concrete scanning provider—and the right questions to ask to ensure you’re in expert hands.
Why Choosing the Right Provider Matters
Before diving into criteria and questions, it’s important to understand the stakes. The Australian construction and renovation industry operates under strict safety and compliance regulations. Failing to identify what’s inside or beneath concrete surfaces can result in:
- Serious injury or death due to contact with live wires or post-tension cables
- Structural damage that can compromise the integrity of a building
- Project delays and increased costs
- Legal and insurance issues due to negligence
Choosing an experienced, well-equipped scanning provider is your best safeguard against these risks.
What to Look for in a Concrete Scanning Provider
1. Experience in the Industry
Concrete scanning requires a unique blend of technical knowledge and on-site intuition. Look for companies with several years of experience across a range of project types—residential, commercial, and industrial.
An experienced provider will know how to adapt to varying site conditions and provide actionable insights beyond the scan itself.
2. Use of Modern Technology (GPR)
Ground Penetrating Radar is the industry standard for non-destructive scanning. GPR devices emit radar pulses into the concrete and receive signals back to detect anomalies. High-quality equipment provides clearer, more accurate data.
Ask if the provider uses advanced GPR technology and if their systems are calibrated and maintained regularly.
3. Licensing and Insurance
Ensure the provider is fully licensed to operate in your state or territory and carries appropriate public liability and professional indemnity insurance. This protects you and your project if anything goes wrong.
4. Trained and Certified Technicians
Reputable scanning providers invest in training their staff. GPR interpretation is not just about reading radar signals—technicians need to understand construction methods, materials, and how to communicate findings clearly.
Check if the technicians are trained in WHS (Work Health and Safety), GPR data interpretation, and construction site protocols.
5. Responsive and Reliable Service
Timeliness is key in the construction industry. A quality provider should offer flexible scheduling, show up on time, and deliver reports or results promptly so your project isn’t held up unnecessarily.
Also consider how responsive the team is to initial enquiries—if they’re slow to reply before a job, it could be worse once work begins.
6. Clear Reporting and Documentation
A reliable provider will offer more than just verbal confirmations. Look for companies that provide written or digital reports, scan images, marked-up site drawings, or comprehensive summaries of what was found. This documentation can be vital for compliance, insurance, or future works
7. Positive Reviews and Industry Reputation
Search for client reviews, testimonials, or case studies. Established providers should be able to demonstrate their track record and offer references upon request. Positive feedback from builders, engineers, or facility managers is a good indicator of professionalism and results.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
To ensure you’re making the best decision, prepare a shortlist of providers and ask the following questions:
1. How long have you been providing concrete scanning services?
Look for providers with at least a few years of consistent work across various job types.
2. What scanning technology do you use?
Ideally, the answer should be “GPR”—and modern equipment models are a plus.
3. Are your technicians trained and certified?
Confirm that staff have up-to-date certifications and real-world experience on worksites similar to yours.
4. Can you provide examples of past projects or client references?
A reputable company will have no problem sharing testimonials, case studies, or photos of completed work.
5. What’s included in your reporting?
Clarify whether you’ll receive verbal feedback, written reports, diagrams, or image files—especially if your team needs to use that information for approvals or project documentation.
6. Are you insured?
This is non-negotiable. Ask to see current insurance certificates if necessary.
7. How soon can you get to the site, and how quickly can I expect results?
Understand lead times and availability—particularly important for projects running on tight schedules.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Be cautious if you encounter any of the following:
- Vague or evasive answers to basic questions
- Lack of documented work, project examples, or client references
- Equipment that appears outdated, poorly maintained, or unfamiliar
- No evidence of insurance, licences, or compliance with local regulations
- Poor communication, delayed responses, or missed appointments
- No written reports, scan documentation, or site markings provided
- High-pressure sales tactics or unclear, shifting pricing
- Technicians who seem inexperienced or unfamiliar with construction protocols
- Refusal to explain findings or answer technical questions on-site
These red flags may indicate a lack of professionalism, safety awareness, or attention to detail—each of which could pose serious risks to your project. Choosing a reputable, transparent provider ensures peace of mind and helps avoid costly errors or delays.
The South East Scanning Difference
At South East Scanning, we specialise in non-destructive GPR scanning for concrete and subsurface investigations across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. Our technicians are highly trained, WHS-compliant, and equipped with the latest radar technology to deliver fast, accurate, and safe results—every time.
Whether you’re drilling, cutting, coring, or planning, we work closely with builders, electricians, engineers, and project managers to ensure your site is safe and scan-ready. We’re known for our reliability, our attention to detail, and our commitment to helping projects move forward without unnecessary risk or delay.
Need Reliable Concrete Scanning? Let’s Talk.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy, experienced GPR scanning provider in the South East region, South East Scanning is ready to help. Contact us today to book a scan, request a quote, or get expert advice on your upcoming project.
Contact Us here, our team can help you!
Know what’s beneath—before you cut, drill, or build. Trust South East Scanning.
