9 Questions You’ll Regret NOT Asking Your Concrete Contractor

Taking on a new home improvement project can be fun, but also a little scary, especially a concrete project. After all, concrete isn’t just set in stone – it is stone! While we’re sure you’ve already got tons of questions swirling around in that brain of yours, you’re probably still wondering if you’re asking the right questions. So, we’ve put together a list of questions we know you’ll regret NOT asking your concrete contractor…

Are you a licensed concrete contractor?insured? bonded?

 This one is kind of a given. If you’re prioritizing the safety and financial security of your property, then you’ll want to make sure that your concrete contractor has covered their bases. Even the best concrete contractors run into problems from time to time, and the last thing you want to do is get stuck footing the bill for any unanticipated damages. Additionally, a lack of licensure, insurance, and/or surety bond is often the first “red flag” when hiring any residential contractor. Concrete contractors without these things are more likely to charge lower prices, but may be careless, reluctant, and/or unresponsive when problems arise.

Do you offer a concrete warranty or guarantee?

 Probably another obvious one, but some customers just don’t ask! Concrete is an investment. One that, if you’re not careful, could go belly-up and leave you with a useless hunk of rock and ash where a slab should have been. That’s why we recommend homeowners always choose a concrete contractor with a minimum one-year structural warranty on all concrete flatwork.

Is there anything I need to do to prepare for a concrete estimate appointment?

This question is a test of your concrete contractor’s experience and character! While the contractor may not require you to do much in preparation for your concrete estimate appointment, there are a few things you should do to ensure that your concrete project goes as smootible.

 First, you’ll want to request the location of any underground utilities buried on your property. You can call 811, or visit their website to Request a Locate. With these markings, you will have a much clearer view of the opportunities and obstacles for installing concrete around your home.

Now that you know where concrete can’t go, you can start thinking of the functionality and design for your concrete. We recommend taking a few moments to list out all of the things you might do with/on your concrete slab – for simplicity we will call this list the “intended purpose” for your slab. Your concrete contractor will need to know the intended purpose for your concrete so that they can recommend the proper mix, and/or reinforcement materials. In some cases (like concrete foundations for home additions or metal building slabs), your contractor may need to request that you provide professionally engineered plans.

Next, you should explore some ideas for the shape, color, and finish of your concrete project. You’ll want to confer with your local contractors before making any final decisions though, because the exact variety of custom design options differs between locations, suppliers, and other factors. However, it’s a good idea to find a direction for your concrete design before your concrete estimate appointment. Just remember, custom finishing options often incur “custom” costs that increase significantly (try double or more!) from the cost of traditional finishes. This is because custom concrete finishing has a larger margin for error, and requires significantly more skill, time, and material to achieve the desired outcomes.

How do you plan and/or adapt for inclement weather as a concrete contractor?

Concrete construction, and the structural integrity of your concrete, is at the whim of the weather. You’ll want to make sure that you know how your concrete contractor plans to monitor and prepare for extreme/adverse weather conditions. We recommend listening closely to their answer, comparing their response with answers from other local contractors, and researching best practices for your geographical region and/or climate.

At a minimum, your concrete contractor should not hesitate to reschedule the construction of your concrete project if the weather conditions are unfavorable to pouring and finishing concrete.

Do you perform any hauling, irrigation, backfilling, and/or landscaping services?

Services will vary among concrete contractors and may depend on the knowledge and resources at their disposal. However, it is important to clarify and consider the availability of these options. Homeowners who fail to clarify their contractor’s ability to perform these services are frustrated and surprised when they are left with holes, piles of dirt, or other unsightly remnants of concrete construction that are not typically included in “clean-up”. In many cases, a concrete contractor may provide a selection of hauling, backfill, and/or landscaping services for an additional charge and/or upon request only.

We strongly recommend that homeowners make note of the inclusion/exclusion of these services when comparing concrete contractors, and seek out contractors to supplement these services in advance, if necessary.

When can I officially start using my new concrete?

This question is SUPER important for any homeowner to consider when getting a concrete project done around the home, as you may need to make arrangements to protect your concrete for several days after it is completed.

It is usually safe to WALK on concrete without leaving footprints behind within about 24-48 hours.

It is usually safe to DRIVE a standard residential vehicle on concrete within about 7 days.

It is usually safe to DRIVE HEAVY trucks and machinery over concrete after 28 days – once fully cured.

Timing may vary depending on region and/or climate. We recommend consulting with concrete contractors in your local area for more precise recommendations.

How do I maintain my concrete?

Another test! The best way to maintain concrete is to prevent damage by constructing the slab using appropriate specifications and techniques – and applying sealant. It is recommended to have concrete structures professionally cleaned every year and resealed every 1-2 years depending on the concrete’s wear-and-tear.

Do you offer concrete maintenance services?

A rare, yet convenient, service add-on that is worth asking about! Adulting is hard, and you’ve got more important stuff to think about than your concrete maintenance… but it’s still important if you want to protect your investment. Even if your contractor won’t lump in a subscription with your concrete project, you may be able to get a good recommendation for an exterior home cleaning service. Worst case scenario – you can always look one up!

Do you offer an extended, or cosmetic concrete warranty?

While these warranties are extremely rare and often have specific limitations, they are a must-have for those who are adamant about the appearance of their concrete. Cracking is a characteristic of concrete, and not all cracks are structural. So, if you know that those little chips and splits are going to bug you no matter if they’re “structural” or not, then you may want to consider looking for a concrete contractor that offers something in the scope of a cosmetic warranty.