What Questions to Ask a Concrete Contractor
Top Notch Concrete · Seguin, TX · 5 min read
Most homeowners don't know what to ask when getting concrete quotes — and contractors know it. The right questions separate the professionals from the shortcuts. Here are the 10 questions you should ask every contractor before you hire, and what a good answer actually sounds like.
1. Are you licensed and insured?
Ask for a certificate of insurance showing general liability AND workers' compensation. A legit contractor sends it over without hesitation. If they can't provide it, stop the conversation there.
2. What PSI concrete mix will you use?
Driveways and patios should be a minimum 3,000 PSI. Foundations typically call for 3,500–4,000 PSI. A contractor who doesn't know off the top of their head is a red flag.
3. How thick will the concrete be?
Residential driveways: 4–5". Slabs for buildings or heavy vehicles: 5–6". Anyone quoting 3" on a driveway is setting you up for failure.
4. Will you use rebar, wire mesh, or both?
Rebar is stronger than wire mesh for driveways and slabs. Some jobs call for both. A vague "we use reinforcement" without specifics means they're winging it.
5. How do you handle expansion and control joints?
Joints are cut or formed to control where cracks occur. Without them, concrete cracks wherever it wants. Ask how many joints and where — they should have a clear answer.
6. Who actually does the work — your own crew or subs?
Many contractors sell the job, then sub it to a cheaper crew they barely know. There's nothing wrong with experienced subs, but you want to know who's showing up and that the GC takes accountability for their work.
7. How long will the project take, and what's the cure time?
Concrete needs 28 days to reach full strength, but you can typically walk on it in 24–48 hours and drive on it in 5–7 days. If they say you can drive on it tomorrow, that's a problem.
8. What does the warranty cover?
No one can warranty against ground movement or tree roots. But a contractor should stand behind workmanship defects for at least 1 year. Get this in writing.
9. Can I see a recent local project?
References from 2–3 years ago don't tell you if they're still in business or still doing quality work. Ask for a job from the last 6 months you can visit or call.
10. What's your payment schedule?
Standard is a deposit at signing (10–25%), possible mid-project draw on larger jobs, and final payment on completion. Never pay in full before the work is done.
Data Insight
Which Questions Matter Most?
Importance score based on impact on project quality and homeowner protection (0–100).
Higher score = more critical to ask before hiring
Evaluation Framework
How to Score a Contractor
Use these six dimensions to evaluate any contractor's answers holistically.
A strong contractor scores high across all six dimensions
The One Question That Tells You Everything
If you only ask one question, make it this: "Can I see proof of insurance and a reference from a job in the last 6 months?" A contractor who can provide both without hesitation has their business in order. A contractor who stalls, deflects, or makes excuses — trust your gut and move on.
Take Notes During the Conversation
You're getting 2–4 bids on a job that will be in your yard for 20+ years. Write down the answers. Compare them side by side. The cheapest bid often looks a lot less appealing when you realize they're pouring 3" of 2,500 PSI with no rebar.
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