15 Questions to Ask a Concrete Contractor Before Hiring
These questions separate professional contractors from those who'll deliver headaches. Ask every candidate the same questions and compare answers. Good contractors answer confidently with specifics. Concerning contractors give vague responses, dodge questions, or pressure you to decide quickly.
15 Questions to Ask a Concrete Contractor Before Hiring
These questions separate professional contractors from those who'll deliver headaches. Ask every candidate the same questions and compare answers. Good contractors answer confidently with specifics. Concerning contractors give vague responses, dodge questions, or pressure you to decide quickly.
Print this list or save it to your phone for reference during contractor meetings.
Licensing and Insurance
1. Are you licensed and insured?
Good answer: "Yes. My license number is [number], valid through [date]. I carry general liability and workers' comp. I can provide certificates."
Concerning answer: "I've been doing this for years, don't need a license." / "Insurance is expensive, but I'm careful."
Why it matters: An unlicensed, uninsured contractor leaves you exposed to liability and with no recourse if things go wrong.
2. Can I have a copy of your insurance certificate?
Good answer: "Absolutely. I'll email it today" (and they do).
Concerning answer: "My insurance is current, you don't need to see it." / "I'll get that to you" (and they don't).
Why it matters: Verify coverage is current and adequate. Call the insurance company if you want to confirm.
Experience and References
3. How long have you been in business?
Good answer: "We've been operating for [X] years under this name. I've personally been in concrete work for [Y] years."
Concerning answer: "I just started my own company, but I worked for my uncle sometimes." / Vague about timeline.
Why it matters: Experience matters in concrete—timing, weather, and technique take years to master. Under 2 years is higher risk.
4. Can I see examples of similar projects?
Good answer: "Sure, here are photos of recent driveways/patios. I can also give you addresses to drive by."
Concerning answer: "I don't have photos." / "My work speaks for itself." / Unable to show anything.
Why it matters: Seeing actual work tells you about quality, finish, and whether they've done your project type before.
5. Can I have 3 references from recent projects?
Good answer: "Yes, here are names and numbers from the last few months." (And they follow through.)
Concerning answer: "I'm too busy for that." / "My customers don't want calls." / Provides outdated references only.
Why it matters: Recent references give you real feedback about current performance.
Project Specifics
6. What's included in your estimate?
Good answer: Detailed breakdown—demolition, base prep, forms, reinforcement, concrete specs, finish type, cleanup, permits.
Concerning answer: "Everything you need." / Vague or verbal-only quote.
Why it matters: Vague estimates lead to surprise charges. Get specifics in writing.
7. What concrete mix and PSI will you use?
Good answer: "For a driveway, I use 4,000 PSI concrete with air entrainment for freeze-thaw resistance."
Concerning answer: "Regular concrete." / "Whatever the truck brings." / Doesn't know what PSI means.
Why it matters: Concrete specs affect strength and durability. 3,500-4,000 PSI is standard for residential.
8. What thickness do you recommend?
Good answer: "For a driveway, 5-6 inches. For a patio, 4 inches is standard. Here's why..."
Concerning answer: "Whatever you want." / Recommends less than industry standards.
Why it matters: Proper thickness is critical. Anyone recommending 3" for a driveway doesn't know what they're doing.
9. How do you prepare the base?
Good answer: "We excavate to proper depth, compact the soil, install 4-6 inches of compacted gravel, then forms."
Concerning answer: "We just pour on the existing grade." / Dismisses base preparation.
Why it matters: Poor base preparation is the #1 cause of settling and cracking. This is where cheap contractors cut corners.
10. Will you use rebar or wire mesh?
Good answer: "For your project, I recommend [specific reinforcement] at [spacing]. Here's why it's appropriate."
Concerning answer: "You don't need that." / "It's extra." / Dismisses reinforcement entirely.
Why it matters: Reinforcement prevents cracks from spreading. Most driveways and large slabs need it.
Timeline and Process
11. What's your timeline for this project?
Good answer: "We can start in [X weeks]. The work takes [Y days] plus [Z days] before you can use it."
Concerning answer: "We can start tomorrow!" (May indicate desperation.) / No clear timeline.
Why it matters: Good contractors are busy. Immediate availability might mean a lack of work—or that they'll rush your job.
12. What if it rains during the project?
Good answer: "We monitor weather closely. If rain threatens, we reschedule. Fresh concrete and rain don't mix."
Concerning answer: "We'll work through it." / "A little rain is fine."
Why it matters: Rain on fresh concrete causes surface damage. A professional won't risk your project.
Business and Payment
13. Who pulls the permits?
Good answer: "We handle all permits and inspections as part of the project."
Concerning answer: "You need a permit?" / "You should pull it to save money." / Suggests skipping permits.
Why it matters: Contractors should handle permits for work they perform. Suggesting you skip permits is a major red flag.
See permit requirements for details.
14. What's your payment schedule?
Good answer: "10-30% deposit to schedule, balance upon completion when you're satisfied."
Concerning answer: "50% upfront, 50% when we pour." / Demands large deposit. / Cash only.
Why it matters: Never pay more than 30% upfront. Final payment should be after you're satisfied.
15. Do you offer a warranty?
Good answer: "We warranty our workmanship for [1-5 years]. Here's what it covers and what it doesn't."
Concerning answer: "Concrete is concrete, I can't control what happens." / No warranty offered.
Why it matters: Reputable contractors stand behind their work. No warranty means no accountability.
Bonus: What's NOT Included?
Always ask what's excluded from the quote:
- Demolition of existing concrete?
- Hauling away old material?
- Moving obstacles (sheds, plants)?
- Permits and inspection fees?
- Sealing after cure?
- Decorative finishes?
Exclusions are where surprise costs hide.
Quick Reference Scorecard
| Question Topic | Red Flag Response |
|---|---|
| License/insurance | Doesn't have or won't provide proof |
| Experience | Vague, very new, can't show work |
| Specs (PSI, thickness) | Doesn't know or recommends below standard |
| Base preparation | Dismisses or plans to skip |
| Permits | Suggests skipping or won't handle |
| Payment | Wants 50%+ upfront or cash only |
| Warranty | None offered |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important question to ask a contractor?
"Are you licensed and insured?" eliminates unqualified candidates immediately. After that, base preparation is crucial—ask "How do you prepare the base?" Poor base prep is where most corners are cut, leading to settling and cracking within a few years.
How do I know if a contractor's quote is fair?
Compare 3-5 quotes for the same scope of work. Use our concrete cost calculator for baseline pricing. Check typical concrete costs. If one quote is significantly lower, find out what's missing—likely base prep, reinforcement, or proper thickness.
Should I get everything in writing?
Absolutely. Verbal agreements are worthless in disputes. Every detail—scope, materials, timeline, payment, warranty—should be in a written contract. If it's not in writing, it doesn't exist.
Key Takeaways
- Ask all 15 questions to every contractor you're considering
- Compare answers—good contractors give specifics, not vague responses
- Watch for red flags: No license, large upfront payment, skipping permits
- Get written quotes with detailed scope, not verbal estimates
- Trust your gut—uncomfortable feeling usually means real problems
For the full hiring process, see how to hire a concrete contractor. For project planning, visit our complete concrete guide.