A bad concrete job can crack, settle, or fail within a few years—costing you tens of thousands in repairs. Vetting your concrete contractor properly upfront saves money, headaches, and structural problems down the road. Here's what you need to ask before signing a contract.
Verify Licensing and Insurance
Don't assume your contractor carries the right credentials. Ask to see their active state or local contractor license and request their license number so you can verify it independently with your state's licensing board.
Proof of liability insurance (minimum $1M) and workers' compensation is non-negotiable. If someone is injured on your property or their work damages your home, you're liable without it. Ask for a certificate of insurance with your project listed as an additional insured.
How Long Have They Been in Business?
Experience matters in concrete work. A contractor who's been pouring concrete for 10+ years has seen seasonal frost heave, soil settlement, and climate challenges in your region. Ask specifically how many projects they've completed in your area and request references from jobs completed at least 2–3 years ago—old enough to see if the concrete has held up.
New contractors aren't automatically bad, but they carry more risk. If you hire someone with less than 5 years in business, require a longer warranty and ask a senior concrete professional to inspect the work.
What's Included in the Written Estimate?
A real estimate breaks down labor, materials, site prep, and disposal costs. It should specify:
- Concrete grade and air entrainment (critical in freezing climates)
- Thickness and reinforcement (rebar or wire mesh specifications)
- Finishing type (broom finish, smooth trowel, stamped, etc.)
- Site prep work (excavation depth, base material, grading)
- Curing time and weather contingencies
- Timeline and payment schedule
If the estimate is vague ("concrete work—$5,000"), walk away. Request at least two detailed written estimates so you can compare apples to apples.
What's the Payment Schedule?
Legitimate contractors don't ask for 100% upfront. A typical schedule looks like:
- 25–30% deposit to secure the job and purchase materials
- 50–60% when the concrete is poured and finished
- Final 10–15% after 7 days of curing and inspection
Never pay in full before work starts. If a contractor insists on it, that's a red flag for potential abandonment or poor work.
How Will They Handle Site Conditions?
Ask how they'll address drainage, existing soil quality, and frost depth (relevant in northern climates). A good contractor will explain whether they're adding a gravel base, how deep they're excavating, and what happens if they hit unexpected conditions like clay or poor drainage.
Get clarification on what's not included: removing old concrete, dealing with utility lines, or fixing underlying soil problems. These add costs but are critical to a lasting pour.
What's the Warranty?
Reputable concrete contractors typically warrant their work for 1–2 years against defects in labor. Concrete itself often comes with a 10-year manufacturer warranty against certain defects, but labor defects are the contractor's responsibility.
Ask: What cracks or failures are covered? What's excluded (settling due to poor site prep before their work, for example)? Get the warranty in writing.
Can They Show Recent Work?
Request photos or addresses of 3–5 projects completed in the last 12–18 months. If possible, visit one yourself. Look for:
- Even color and finish
- No significant cracking
- Clean edges and proper slopes (for drainage on driveways)
- Professional appearance
This tells you if their current work quality matches what you're hiring them for.
References and Online Reviews
Call at least two references and ask: "Would you hire them again?" and "Did the work hold up?"
Check Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. One or two bad reviews among dozens of good ones is normal; a pattern of poor communication, late timelines, or cracking concrete is not.
Tools like Mercoly let you compare and find trusted concrete contractors in your area alongside verified reviews and detailed credentials in one place, making the vetting process faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does concrete work typically cost? A: Simple concrete pads run $8–15 per square foot; driveways cost $10–18 per square foot depending on finish type and site conditions. Get multiple estimates—pricing varies widely by region and contractor.
Q: How long until I can use the concrete after it's poured? A: Light foot traffic is usually safe after 3–7 days; vehicles or heavy loads require 28 days full curing in typical conditions. Hot or cold weather extends this timeline.
Q: What if the concrete cracks shortly after being poured? A: Small hairline cracks (under 1/8 inch) are normal. Wider cracks, settling, or spalling within the warranty period should be the contractor's responsibility to repair or replace.
Get clear answers to these questions before you hire—it's the difference between a 30-year driveway and a 5-year headache.