A bad foundation concrete job can cost you $50,000+ in repairs—and an uninsured, unlicensed contractor makes that bill your problem alone. Before hiring anyone to pour footings or repair your foundation, you need proof they're legitimate and covered. Here's exactly what to check.
State Licensing Requirements
Concrete contractors' licensing rules vary wildly by state. Some states (like California and Florida) require general contractors working on foundations to hold an active state license; others have minimal requirements at the trade level. Start by visiting your state's contractor licensing board website—search "[Your State] Contractor License Board" and look up the contractor's name.
Verify the license is:
- Active (not expired, suspended, or revoked)
- Correct classification (general contractor or concrete specialist, depending on scope)
- Up-to-date on renewals
Write down the license number and expiration date. If they refuse to provide it or it doesn't check out, walk away immediately.
Check the Contractor's Record
Once you've confirmed the license exists, dig into disciplinary history. Most state boards publish complaint records, violations, and corrective actions online. This is public information—use it.
Look for patterns of:
- Foundation-related complaints (cracking, settling, water intrusion)
- Unresolved disputes or judgments against the contractor
- Repeated violations in the same area (improper footing depth, inadequate reinforcement, poor drainage installation)
A single complaint doesn't disqualify someone, but multiple foundation-specific issues or unresolved cases are red flags.
Insurance: The Non-Negotiable Layer
Concrete foundation work requires two types of insurance:
General Liability Insurance ($1–5 million coverage typical for this trade)
- Covers property damage and bodily injury on your site
- Ask for a Certificate of Insurance naming you as an additional insured
- Verify the policy is active and covers foundation/concrete work specifically
Workers' Compensation Insurance
- Required in most states if the contractor has employees
- Protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property
- Ask for proof of current coverage
Contact the insurance company directly using the phone number on the certificate—don't rely on the contractor's copy. Confirm coverage is active and the policy limits are sufficient for a foundation project.
Red Flags in Documentation
Beware of these warning signs:
- Outdated or vague insurance certificates (missing expiration dates, no specific coverage limits listed)
- Cash-only estimates (signals tax avoidance and lack of bonding)
- Refusal to provide license or insurance proof (automatic disqualification)
- Unlicensed "helpers" doing foundation work (liability nightmare if something goes wrong)
- No written contract with scope, depth specifications, reinforcement details, and timeline
Bonding: Extra Protection
Some states and municipalities require performance bonds or payment bonds for foundation work over a certain contract value (often $10,000+). A bond guarantees the contractor completes the job and pays subcontractors—if they don't, the bonding company covers it.
Ask: "Is this project bonded?" and request a copy of the bond. For residential foundation footings, bonding may be optional, but it's a sign of a professional operation.
Verify References & Track Record
Ask for at least three references from foundation projects completed in the last 2–3 years—similar in scope to yours. Call them and ask specifically:
- Did the foundation settle or develop cracks?
- Were footing depth and rebar placement documented?
- How was drainage handled around the perimeter?
- Did the work pass municipal inspection on the first attempt?
Visit one completed site if possible. Foundation problems are long-game issues; you want contractors with proven durability records.
Get It in Writing
Your contract should specify:
- Footing depth and width (in inches, tied to soil report or local code)
- Rebar size, spacing, and placement
- Concrete strength (PSI rating)
- Inspection and approval timeline
- Warranty length (typical: 2–5 years for foundation work)
- Insurance and license numbers
Never start work without a signed agreement. If Mercoly serves your area, you can compare vetted Concrete Foundations & Footings providers all in one place, which streamlines this research step considerably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I hire a contractor whose license is in a different state? A: It depends on your state's rules. Some allow reciprocal licensing or temporary permits; others don't. Check your state board first—you also want someone familiar with your local soil conditions and building codes.
Q: What if a contractor's insurance lapsed between projects? A: Don't hire them. A lapse, even brief, means zero coverage during that period and suggests disorganization on larger operations.
Q: How long should concrete foundation work be under warranty? A: Two to five years is standard; anything less suggests low confidence in the work.
Use these checks before you pour a single footing, and you'll avoid most costly mistakes.