Questions to Ask a Concrete Contractor Before Hiring

Are You Licensed and Insured?

This should be an immediate, confident yes with proof available on request. If a contractor hesitates or gets vague about insurance specifically, that's worth walking away over — it's your property and their liability if something goes wrong.

Who's Actually Doing the Work?

Ask directly whether the crew that shows up is the contractor's own employees or a subcontractor bid out separately. There's nothing inherently wrong with subcontracting, but you want to know who's accountable for quality before the job starts, not after.

What Does the Written Quote Include?

A trustworthy quote spells out square footage, thickness, reinforcement type, finish, and site prep as separate line items — not a single vague number. If site prep or demolition of an old slab isn't explicitly included, ask whether it's extra.

What Happens If It Cracks or Fails Early?

Ask what their workmanship warranty actually covers, for how long, and what would void it. A contractor who can't answer this clearly probably doesn't have a real warranty process behind their marketing claim.

Can I See Recent Work?

Photos of finished, cured projects — ideally a few months or a winter old, not just fresh out of the forms — tell you more about how a contractor's work actually holds up than a sales pitch does. Ask for a couple of addresses or referrals if you want to see it in person.

What's the Realistic Timeline?

Weather-dependent trades should give you a realistic window, not a guaranteed date they can't actually control. A contractor who's upfront about weather contingencies is usually more reliable than one who overpromises a fixed date.