How to Hire a Concrete Contractor (Step-by-Step)

Hiring the right concrete contractor makes the difference between a project you're proud of and years of regret. Get at least 3-5 quotes, verify licenses and insurance, insist on a written contract, and never pay more than 30% upfront. Rush this process, and you risk hiring someone who'll disappear mid-project or deliver poor work.

Before you start searching, decide whether to DIY or hire based on project complexity and your skills.

Step 1: Find Candidates (Get 3-5 Names)

Where to Look

Source	Pros	Cons
Personal referrals	Most reliable; real experience	Limited pool
Nextdoor/local groups	Neighbors' real feedback	Quality varies
Google/Yelp	Large selection; reviews	Reviews can be gamed
Angi/HomeAdvisor	Pre-screened (somewhat)	Contractors pay to be listed
Supplier referrals	Know who does quality work	May have relationships

Best approach: Start with personal referrals, then supplement with online searches for more options.

First Contact

Call or email with:

• Brief project description
• Approximate dimensions
• Your timeline
• Request for a quote/estimate

Red flag: Can't reach them or takes a week to respond.

Step 2: Verify Credentials

Before inviting anyone to bid, verify they're legitimate:

Contractor's License

What to Check	How to Check
License number is valid	State contractor board website
License is current (not expired)	Same website
License type covers concrete work	License categories
No disciplinary actions	Board complaint records

Note: Not all states require concrete contractor licenses. Know your state's requirements.

Insurance

Coverage	Why You Need It
General liability	Covers property damage
Workers' compensation	Covers worker injuries on your property

How to verify: Ask for certificate of insurance. Call the insurance company to confirm it's active.

Why this matters: If an uninsured worker is injured on your property, YOU could be liable.

Business Legitimacy

• Physical address: Not just a PO Box
• Years in business: Under 2 years is higher risk
• Business registration: Verify with your state

Step 3: Get Quotes (3-5 Minimum)

What a Good Quote Includes

Item	Why It Matters
Detailed scope of work	Know exactly what's included
Dimensions and thickness	Verify they match your expectations
Concrete specs (PSI, type)	Quality indicator
Base preparation details	Often skimped on
Reinforcement details	Rebar or mesh specs
Site preparation	Who handles demo, clearing?
Permits and inspections	Who handles and pays?
Timeline	Start and completion dates
Payment schedule	When payments are due
Warranty	What's covered, for how long

Comparing Quotes

Quotes should be comparable in scope. If one is significantly cheaper, find out why:

• Less concrete thickness?
• Skipping gravel base?
• No reinforcement?
• Leaving you to handle permits?

The lowest bid isn't always best. Understand what you're getting.

Price Expectations

Use our concrete cost calculator to estimate fair pricing. Typical ranges:

Project	Typical Range
Driveway (600 sqft)	$4,800-9,000
Patio (200 sqft)	$1,600-4,000
Sidewalk (100 sqft)	$800-1,500

Step 4: Check References

Ask for 3-5 recent references (similar project type).

Questions to ask references:

• How was the quality of work?
• Did they stay on schedule?
• Any surprises with the final bill?
• How did they handle problems?
• Would you hire them again?

Go see the work if possible. Drive by completed projects.

Online Reviews

• Check Google, Yelp, BBB, Angi
• Look for patterns, not just ratings
• Read negative reviews carefully—how did they respond?
• Be skeptical of all 5-star reviews (may be fake)

Step 5: Contract Essentials

Never start work without a written contract. Verbal agreements are worthless when disputes arise.

Must-Have Contract Items

Item	Details
Full scope of work	Everything they'll do
Materials specified	Concrete PSI, thickness, reinforcement
Total price	Fixed price preferred
Payment schedule	Tied to milestones
Start and completion dates	With buffer for weather
Permit responsibility	Who pulls and pays
Cleanup and disposal	Who handles
Warranty terms	Length and coverage
Change order process	How changes are priced
Cancellation terms	Both parties
Insurance certificates	Attached or referenced

Red Flags in Contracts

• Vague scope ("concrete work as discussed")
• No warranty mentioned
• Large upfront payment required
• Missing permits section
• No timeline

Step 6: Payment Structure

Standard Payment Schedule

Milestone	Typical Amount
Contract signing	10-30% deposit
Materials delivered	0-25% (optional)
Work completed	Balance (40-60%)

Payment Red Flags

• 50%+ upfront: Major red flag. Too much leverage for contractor to disappear.
• Cash only: No paper trail. Possible tax evasion.
• Asking for final payment before completion: Never pay until satisfied.

Protect yourself: Consider paying with credit card for recourse options.

Red Flags to Avoid

Major Red Flags (Walk Away)

• No license or won't provide number
• No insurance or won't provide certificate
• Demands cash payment only
• Wants 50%+ upfront
• Won't provide written contract
• Won't pull permits ("to save you money")
• Pressure to decide immediately
• No physical business address
• Can't provide references

Yellow Flags (Proceed with Caution)

• Very new business (<2 years)
• Price significantly lower than others
• Communication delays
• Vague answers to specific questions
• Subcontracts everything

If Something Goes Wrong

During the Project

1. Document everything: Photos, dates, conversations
2. Communicate in writing: Email creates a record
3. Reference the contract: Point to specific terms
4. Escalate gradually: Conversation → written demand → legal

After Completion

1. Don't make final payment until issues are resolved
2. Document defects with photos and descriptions
3. Request correction in writing with deadline
4. File complaint with contractor board if unresolved
5. Consider mediation before litigation
6. Small claims court for smaller amounts

Resources

• State contractor licensing board (complaints)
• Better Business Bureau (complaints)
• Local consumer protection office
• State attorney general (contractor fraud)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a good concrete contractor?

Start with personal referrals from neighbors, friends, or family. Supplement with online searches (Google, Yelp, Angi). Get 3-5 quotes, verify licenses and insurance, check references, and trust your gut. A good contractor communicates clearly, shows up on time, and answers questions directly.

How much should I pay upfront for concrete work?

Typically 10-30% as a deposit when signing the contract. Never pay more than 30% upfront—this protects you if the contractor disappears or doesn't perform. The balance should be due upon satisfactory completion. Avoid contractors demanding 50%+ upfront.

Should a concrete contractor be licensed?

Yes, in states that require licenses for concrete work (most do). A license indicates they've met minimum standards and carry proper insurance. An unlicensed contractor leaves you exposed: no recourse through the licensing board, and their work may not meet code.

What if my contractor does poor work?

Document everything with photos. Withhold final payment until issues are resolved. Request corrections in writing with a deadline. If they won't fix problems, file a complaint with the state contractor licensing board, Better Business Bureau, or consider small claims court for smaller amounts.

Key Takeaways

• Get 3-5 quotes to understand fair pricing and scope
• Verify license and insurance before anyone starts work
• Written contract is mandatory—verbal agreements are worthless
• Never pay more than 30% upfront—balance on completion
• Trust your gut—red flags usually mean real problems
• Check references and see actual completed work if possible

For interview questions, see questions to ask concrete contractors. For permit information, see do you need a permit. For project planning, visit our complete concrete guide.