12 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Concrete Contractor

Concrete is unforgiving. Once it's poured, mistakes are expensive to fix. After three decades in the trade, here's the exact list of questions I'd ask before signing a contract for any concrete work.

License and insurance

1. What's your state contractor license number? Then verify it on your state's licensing board website. Takes 30 seconds.
2. Can I see your certificate of liability insurance and workers' comp? If a worker gets hurt on your property and they don't have comp, you're on the hook.
3. Are you bonded? A bond protects you if they walk off the job halfway through.

The work itself

1. What PSI mix are you using, and why? For a driveway in a freeze-thaw climate, you want at least 4,000 PSI with air entrainment. If they don't know what that means, walk away.
2. How thick will the slab be? Driveways: minimum 4 inches, 5 if there'll be heavy vehicles. Patios: 4 inches. Foundations: per engineer's spec.
3. What kind of rebar or mesh are you using? "We don't need any" is the wrong answer for almost every job over 100 sq ft.
4. Where will you put control joints, and how deep? Joints should be cut 1/4 the slab depth, within 24 hours of pour, every 8–12 feet. Missing or shallow joints = cracks.
5. What's your plan for the subgrade? A good pour starts with 4–6 inches of compacted gravel base. Skipping prep is the #1 cause of cracking and settling.

Timeline and money

1. What's the total price in writing, and what's the payment schedule? Never pay more than 30% up front. Never pay the final amount until the work passes your inspection.
2. What happens if the weather delays the pour? Concrete should not be poured below 40°F or above 90°F without special precautions. A real pro will tell you they'll reschedule, not push through.
3. What's your warranty? Look for at least 1 year on workmanship, longer on structural elements.
4. Can I see three local jobs you've done in the last 12 months — and can I drive by them? Look at the joint spacing, the surface finish, and whether the slabs are cracking. Drive by, don't just look at photos.

What the answers tell you

Any real concrete contractor can answer all 12 of these questions without hesitating. If they get defensive, vague, or hostile — that's your answer. Move on.

Ready to find one? Browse verified concrete contractors in your area on our directory.