5 Critical Questions to Ask Before You Hire Any Concrete Contractor

Matt Wallace
Aug 26
3 min read

If you want to know how to spot the pros, avoid the pitfalls, and know exactly what you're getting into, then this was written for you.

Hiring a concrete contractor can feel like a roll of the dice.

The bids all look similar at first glance. The timelines seem doable. And everyone says they've been "doing this for years."

So how are you supposed to tell who's actually legit?

The truth is, it's not about having the right script. It's about asking the right questions.

Here are the 5 questions to ask a concrete contractor (before you sign anything, spend a dime, or tear out your old driveway.)

1. What's included in the estimate and what's not?

This is the big one.

Most people assume the bid includes everything needed to do the job right... until they realize it doesn't.

A complete estimate should clearly list things like:

Gravel base depth (8" or more for Dane County soil)
Reinforcement type (fiber mesh, rebar, or both)
Sealer type (penetrating vs. acrylic)
Crew info (who's actually doing the work)
Warranty terms (and what they really cover)
Permit responsibilities and who's calling Diggers Hotline
Payment details and cancellation policy

If the contractor can't answer this clearly or brushes you off with "we'll take care of it," that's a red flag.

2. Do you use in-house crews or subcontractors?

It's a fair question, and the answer matters.

Some contractors bring in different subcontractors for prep, pouring, and finishing.

That can work, but it also opens the door to miscommunication, uneven quality, and finger-pointing if something goes wrong.

We use the same trusted in-house crews from start to finish because consistency and accountability are everything when it comes to long-term durability.

Ask this early. If they're vague or avoid the question, you're right to be cautious.

3. What's your warranty and can I see it in writing?

This is where a lot of bids sound good but fall flat on paper.

You'll hear terms like "1-year warranty" thrown around, but without specifics, those words don't mean much.

A reputable contractor will give you:

A written settling warranty
Surface protection coverage
Clear start and end dates

We offer a lifetime warranty against settling and a 2-year surface durability guarantee, and we put both in writing.

You deserve to know what kind of protection you're getting, not just hope for the best.

4. What kind of sealer do you use and how long does it last?

Sealer might seem like a minor detail, but it's one of the most common weak points in cheap bids.

We've seen driveways sealed with basic acrylic products that look great for a few months, and then flake, chip, or wear off completely within a year.

We use a deep-penetrating sealer that lasts up to 7 years. It costs more up front, but saves you from early surface breakdown and costly resealing jobs.

If they won't tell you what they use (or worse, say it's "just sealer"), move on.