How to hire a concrete contractor: a homeowner's guide

Concrete is one of the most permanent materials in residential construction. A driveway, patio, or foundation that is poured and finished correctly lasts decades. One that is done poorly cracks, settles, and looks bad within months, and fixing it is expensive.

Choosing the right contractor is the single most important decision you will make on any concrete project. This guide covers what to look for, what to avoid, and how to evaluate quotes so you hire with confidence.

Why choosing the right contractor matters

Concrete mistakes are permanent. Unlike painting, flooring, or landscaping, you cannot easily redo a concrete job that goes wrong. Once concrete sets, your options are limited to patching, overlaying, or complete demolition and replacement.

Common problems caused by poor concrete work include:

• Premature cracking from inadequate thickness, missing reinforcement, or improper control joint spacing
• Settling and sinking from poor subbase preparation
• Drainage problems from incorrect grading (water flowing toward the house instead of away)
• Surface defects like scaling, spalling, and discoloration from improper finishing or curing
• Structural failure from wrong concrete mix, insufficient reinforcement, or skipped inspections

Every one of these problems is preventable by an experienced, qualified contractor. The cost difference between a good contractor and a cheap one is a fraction of what you will spend to fix bad work.

Qualifications to look for

Not all contractors are equal. Here is what separates a qualified professional from someone who will cause you headaches.

Licensing

Licensing requirements vary by state. Some states require specialty licenses for concrete work, while others require a general contractor license above a certain project dollar amount. A few states have minimal licensing requirements but still require business registration.

Verify your contractor’s license status through your state licensing board. Check that the license is current, covers the type of work you need, and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions. Our contractor license lookup tool can help you find the right state resource.

Insurance

At minimum, your concrete contractor should carry:

• General liability insurance ($500,000 to $1,000,000 minimum). This covers damage to your property caused by the contractor’s work.
• Workers’ compensation insurance. This covers the contractor’s employees if they are injured on your property. Without it, you could be liable.

Ask for certificates of insurance and verify they are current. Call the insurance company if you want to confirm coverage. A legitimate contractor will have no problem providing proof of insurance.

Experience

Concrete work is a skill that improves with years of practice. Look for contractors who have been in business for at least 3 to 5 years and have completed projects similar to yours.

A contractor who specializes in driveways and flatwork may not be the best choice for foundation repair, and vice versa. Ask about their experience with your specific project type.

Reputation

Check online reviews on multiple platforms (Google, BBB, Yelp). Look for patterns rather than individual reviews. Every contractor gets an occasional negative review. A pattern of complaints about the same issue (cracking, poor communication, unfinished work) is a warning sign.

Ask the contractor for 3 to 5 references from recent projects. Call the references and ask:

• Were you satisfied with the quality of work?
• Did the project stay on budget and on schedule?
• How did the contractor handle any problems that came up?
• Would you hire them again?

Red flags to watch for

Any of these should make you pause before signing a contract.

No written estimate. A professional contractor provides a detailed written estimate, not a verbal quote or a number scribbled on the back of a business card.

Demands full payment upfront. A deposit of 10% to 30% is reasonable. Anything more than 50% before work begins is a red flag. Never pay in full until the job is complete and inspected.

Cash only. Contractors who insist on cash payments may be avoiding taxes and are harder to hold accountable if something goes wrong.

No license or insurance documentation. If a contractor cannot or will not provide proof of licensing and insurance, move on.

High-pressure sales tactics. “This price is only good today” or “We have an opening tomorrow” are pressure tactics designed to prevent you from getting competing quotes.

Significantly lower bid. If one bid is 30% or more below the others, ask yourself what they are leaving out. Common shortcuts include thinner concrete, no reinforcement, minimal subbase preparation, and uninsured labor.

No contract. All terms, scope, pricing, timeline, and warranty should be in a written contract that both parties sign before work begins.

Questions to ask before hiring

Walk through these questions with every contractor you are considering.

About their business

• How long have you been doing concrete work?
• Are you licensed and insured? Can I see the certificates?
• Will you be the one on site, or will you have a crew here?
• How many projects like mine do you complete per year?

About your project

• What concrete mix and PSI rating do you recommend for this project?
• How thick will the concrete be?
• What type of reinforcement will you use (wire mesh, rebar, fiber)?
• How will you prepare the subbase?
• How will you handle drainage and grading?
• Do I need a permit, and will you handle that?

About the timeline

• When can you start?
• How long will the project take?
• What happens if weather delays the pour?
• When can I walk on it? Park on it?

About cost and payment

• Can I get a detailed written estimate?
• What is the payment schedule?
• Are there any circumstances that could change the price after we agree?
• What does your warranty cover, and for how long?

Getting and comparing quotes

The quoting process is your best opportunity to evaluate contractors side by side.

How to prepare for a quote

Before the contractor visits, have the following ready:

• A clear description of what you want (driveway, patio, sidewalk, etc.)
• Approximate dimensions or area
• Finish preference (standard, stamped, colored, exposed aggregate)
• Whether existing concrete needs removal
• Any drainage concerns or site access limitations

What to expect during a site visit

A thorough contractor will spend 30 to 60 minutes at your property. They should:

• Measure the project area
• Assess the existing surface condition (if replacing)
• Evaluate soil conditions and drainage
• Discuss subbase requirements
• Review access for concrete truck delivery
• Ask about your timeline and budget

Be wary of contractors who quote over the phone without seeing the site. Concrete pricing depends heavily on site-specific conditions that cannot be evaluated remotely.

How to compare quotes

Create a simple spreadsheet with each quote broken into line items:

This makes it easy to see where quotes differ and ask specific questions about the differences.

Understanding a concrete estimate

A professional estimate should break down into these components.

Materials

Concrete is typically priced by the cubic yard. A cubic yard covers roughly 80 square feet at 4 inches thick. The PSI rating (typically 3,000 to 4,000 for residential work) indicates the concrete’s compressive strength. Higher PSI costs more but may be required for driveways and heavy-load applications.

Reinforcement (wire mesh, rebar, or fiber) is usually listed separately or included in the per-square-foot price.

Labor

Labor is the largest portion of most concrete projects, accounting for 40% to 60% of the total. Decorative finishes like stamping and exposed aggregate require more skilled labor and therefore cost more. The number and experience of the crew members directly affects the quality of the finished surface.

Site preparation

Grading, subbase installation, and compaction are sometimes listed as separate line items. This work is critical to the longevity of the finished concrete. If a quote does not mention site prep, ask what is included.

Finishing

The type of finish (broom, stamped, colored, exposed aggregate) significantly affects cost. Decorative work requires more time, skill, and materials. The estimate should specify exactly what finish you are getting.

Permits and inspections

If a permit is required, the fee should appear in the estimate. Your contractor should handle the application and scheduling of inspections.

Timeline expectations

Understanding the typical timeline helps you plan around the project.

Weather can affect timing. Concrete should not be poured in temperatures below 40 degrees or above 90 degrees without special precautions. Rain delays are common. A good contractor builds weather contingency into their schedule and communicates proactively when delays occur.

Book your project 4 to 8 weeks in advance during peak season (spring through early fall). Off-season scheduling may offer shorter lead times and potentially better pricing.

Licensing requirements by state

Licensing rules vary significantly across states. Here is a quick reference for the states we serve.

In states without statewide licensing, your primary protections are insurance verification, reference checks, and written contracts. Do not skip these steps.

Concrete contractor checklist

Use this checklist when evaluating concrete contractors. Print it out or save it to reference during the quoting process.

• Verified license or registration through the state licensing board
• Confirmed general liability insurance is current
• Confirmed workers’ compensation coverage
• Checked online reviews on at least two platforms
• Called at least two references from recent projects
• Received a detailed written estimate with line items
• Estimate includes concrete thickness, PSI, and reinforcement method
• Estimate includes subbase preparation details
• Payment schedule is reasonable (10-30% deposit, balance on completion)
• Written warranty is included in the contract
• Contractor will pull required permits
• Timeline and weather contingency plan are discussed

Ready to get started?

Getting quotes from qualified contractors is the first step toward a successful concrete project. Compare pricing, check credentials, and choose the contractor who gives you the most confidence in the result.

For cost estimates on specific projects, see our concrete driveway cost guide, patio installation guide, or foundation repair guide. Visit our concrete services hub for a complete overview.

If you are exploring financing for your project, our home improvement financing guide covers available options. And for help verifying contractor credentials, use our contractor license lookup or our guide on getting contractor quotes.