Hiring a concrete contractor isn’t like picking up groceries at the store. You’re investing in your property. We’re talking thousands of dollars and work that’ll either last decades or cause headaches within months.
Here’s where most homeowners mess up: they hire based on price alone or they go with whoever shows up first. Maybe they skip the questions entirely because they don’t want to seem difficult. Bad move!
The difference between a great contractor and a nightmare comes down to asking the right questions before you sign anything. Questions about licensing. Insurance. Experience. Materials. Warranties. This protects you when something goes wrong.
These questions separate the real pros from the rest.
Question #1: Are You Licensed, Insured and Bonded?
This is the foundation question.
A licensed concrete contractor must meet your local building code requirements. This proves they understand the technical and legal requirements for concrete work in your area. No license? That’s your first red flag waving frantically.
Insurance matters even more. An insured concrete contractor carries liability insurance that protects your property if something goes wrong. They also carry workers’ compensation insurance. Why does that matter to you? In the event an uninsured worker accidentally injures himself on your site, you may have to bear the costs.
The bonded concrete contractor has obtained a guarantee of your monetary safety in the event they do not complete the job or violate the contract. It is the type of insurance that guarantees they will meet their obligations. Not every contractor holds a bond, but it is a kind of extra security that you should definitely inquire about.
Question #2: How Much Experience Do You Have With Projects Like Mine?
Not all concrete work is the same. A contractor who’s great at commercial foundations might not be the best choice for your decorative stamped patio.
Of course, experience matters, but here, relevant experience matters more. You want a residential concrete contractor who’s done actual work on homes similar to yours. Someone who gets the residential side of things: narrow access points, existing landscaping that can’t be destroyed, dealing with homeowners who (rightfully) have opinions about their property.
Planning a new driveway? Ask them straight: how many concrete driveway jobs have you finished? A concrete driveway contractor worth hiring will show you driveway examples, not just random concrete work. Same deal for patios: a concrete patio contractor who focuses on outdoor spaces brings completely different skills than someone who mostly pours foundations.
Specialization tells you they understand the nuances. Stamped concrete requires different skills than plain slabs. Foundation work demands different knowledge from decorative surfaces. You wouldn’t hire a dentist to perform heart surgery. The same principle applies here.
Question #3: Can You Provide References and Portfolio Photos?
Talk is cheap. Concrete contractor reviews prove what talk promises.
The best concrete contractor doesn’t just tell you they do great work; they show you. They’ll have a portfolio of completed projects. Before-and-after photos. Projects similar to what you’re planning. The absence of photos immediately raises suspicion.
However, photos are only a partial representation of the truth. Anyone can present you with pictures of someone else’s creation. That’s where references and reviews come in. Ask for contact information for three to five recent customers. Not from five years ago, but recently. Within the last six to twelve months.
When you call those references from local concrete companies, make sure to ask specific questions. Did the project finish on time? On budget? How did the contractor handle problems? Would they hire this contractor again? You’d be surprised what people tell you when you actually call.
Question #4: What Type of Concrete and Materials Will You Use?
Not all concrete is equal. The longevity of your project is specified by the materials you use.
Each type has different strengths measured in PSI (pounds per square inch). Various strengths are required for a driveway and a patio. Your concrete materials should match the application. Most driveways need at least 4000 PSI. Go lower and you’re basically asking for cracks to show up.
Reinforcing is the key to concrete’s strong character. Reinforced concrete with rebar or wire mesh can take a lot of weight and pressure! Also, it minimizes the occurrence of cracks. Some contractors skip reinforcement to pocket extra profit. Huge mistake on their part and yours if you let them. Inquire about the method of reinforcement they are using and the reason why they have selected that method. The combination of quality concrete mix, along with adequate reinforcement, results in a project that is capable of surviving the harsh winters.
Question #5: What Is the Total Project Cost and Payment Schedule?
Money conversations are awkward. Have them anyway.
Never accept a verbal quote. Ever. You need a written, concrete project estimate that breaks down concrete contractor costs. Labor. Materials. Equipment. Site prep. Removal of old concrete, if applicable. Make sure this is all in written form.
A detailed estimate shows you have a professional in charge who has thought through the entire project. A vague “it’ll cost around X” estimate or with “total amount.” That’s trouble waiting to happen.
Watch for hidden costs. Some contractors quote low, then nickel-and-dime you with “unexpected” additions. Concrete pricing should be clear upfront. If they discover issues during the project, a legitimate contractor discusses additional costs before proceeding.
Question #6: What Is the Project Timeline and Schedule?
Time is money. Delayed projects cost you both.
Get specific dates. When will they start? When do they expect to finish? Where’s the exact concrete project timeline, starting from laying the foundation to cleaning up the site? An experienced builder ought to provide you with a practical timetable, not merely “We will do it if we can.”
Concrete works are influenced by the weather. Projects can be pushed back because of hot, cold or rainy weather and that’s quite common. The important thing is how the contractor keeps in touch regarding delays.
Understanding how long concrete takes to cure is important, too. Concrete continues curing for weeks after installation. Mostly, concrete is allowed to set for 24 to 48 hours to come and go with minimal foot traffic, while its complete curing takes nearly 28 days. It would be good for your contractor to define the curing time and the normal usage of the surface.
Question #7: Who Will Be Working on My Property?
Your contractor might not be the person actually doing the work. Find out who is.
Some contractors keep their own concrete contractor crew, trained employees they supervise directly. Others bring in subcontracted concrete work, different crews for different jobs. Neither way is wrong, but you should know which setup you’re getting.
In-house crews? More consistent. Direct oversight. Subcontractors bring specialized skills sometimes. What really matters is supervision. Who checks on the crew every day? Who makes sure quality stays high? Your main contact never shows up at the site? Problem.
Ask about crew experience. Are these veterans who’ve poured concrete for years or brand-new workers learning on your property? Look, everyone starts somewhere. New workers aren’t automatically bad. But you want experienced supervision watching them at a minimum.
Question #8: What Permits and Inspections Are Required?
Permits aren’t optional. They’re legal requirements.
Most concrete projects need permits from your local building department. Driveways. Patios. Foundation work. Usually, all need permits. Here’s where homeowners get lost: who actually gets those permits?
Some contractors handle concrete permits as part of what you’re paying for. They fill out applications, cover the fees upfront (you reimburse them) and schedule inspections. Other contractors expect you to deal with permits yourself. Figure out which situation applies before work starts.
Residential concrete regulations change depending on where you live. Property line setbacks. Drainage requirements. Thickness specs. Reinforcement rules. Your contractor should know these regulations inside and out. Licensed locally? They definitely know.
Question #9: What Warranty or Guarantee Do You Offer?
Every contractor promises good work. Not every contractor stands behind it.
A concrete warranty should cover both materials and workmanship. Material warranties typically come from manufacturers of concrete, sealers and coatings. These might be one to five years or more. A concrete workmanship guarantee covers the contractor’s labor and installation quality.
What exactly is covered? Cracking? Settling? Discoloration? Surface spalling? Get specifics. Also, understand what’s not covered. Normal wear and tear, damage from misuse or problems caused by factors beyond the contractor’s control usually aren’t covered.
How long does the warranty last? One year? Five years? Lifetime? A reasonable workmanship warranty for concrete is typically one to three years.
Question #10: How Do You Handle Issues, Repairs or Disputes?
Even good contractors hit snags. How they handle problems reveals their character.
Communication matters most. How will the contractor keep you updated? Daily check-ins? Weekly updates? What happens if you have concerns during the project? Is there a project manager you can contact or are you stuck leaving voicemails?
Change orders happen. You might decide to expand the project. They might encounter unexpected underground utilities. Could be any reason. The point is, changes need documentation in writing before anyone proceeds. Ask how they handle change orders and how they adjust pricing.
Mistakes happen, too. The crew messes something up, what then? Real professional contractors own their mistakes. They fix them fast. Contractors who argue, make excuses or try to charge you extra to fix their own errors? That’s a concrete repair responsibility nightmare you don’t want.
Your concrete contractor agreement should spell out dispute resolution. Most contracts explain how disagreements get handled. Mediation first? Arbitration? Court? Know this before signing so you’re not taken aback if things go awry.
Bonus Section: Red Flags to Watch Out for When Hiring a Concrete Contractor
Some warning signs are so obvious that they practically shout, “bad concrete contractor.” Pay heed to them.
Extremely low bids are alluring but hazardous. If one quote is strikingly lower than the others, there must be a valid reason. They are skimping on perks such as materials, insurance, labor quality or all three. The concrete contractor scams often begin with unbelievable pricing.
There is no scenario in which a written contract must not exist. A professional contractor would invariably lay down a thorough contract covering all aspects of scope, timeline, payment, materials, warranties and dispute resolution. A handshake or verbal agreement simply implies that the other party has no responsibility towards you.
Using pressure tactics shows either a lack of integrity or a need for some sort of secret agreement. The contractors who tell you to sign right away say the “sale” ends today or try to get you to decide before you are ready. Professional contractors will let you think long enough to choose, compare bids and make wise decisions.
Go with your gut. If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t.
Make a Confident Decision When Hiring a Concrete Contractor
These questions are your protection from making costly mistakes. They distinguish professional contractors from amateurs, scammers and those who cut corners.
Of course, it does take time to ask these questions. Some contractors may even find them bothersome. No problem. The right contractor appreciates informed customers who ask relevant questions. Those are the customers who recognize the worth of quality work and won’t quarrel with every decision.
Hiring a concrete contractor should not be underestimated. Do your homework. Get everything down on paper. Check references. Verify credentials. Compare multiple bids. And never, ever choose based solely on price.
