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How to hire a Concrete Contractor

Concrete contractors pour, finish, and repair driveways, patios, sidewalks, foundations, and decorative concrete. Concrete work is unforgiving; once it is poured, mistakes are permanent and expensive to fix. Hiring an experienced contractor is essential for a durable, attractive result.

$6 to $15

per square foot

10 steps

Full hiring checklist

8 red flags

Warning signs to catch

The hiring checklist.

Work through these before you hire any concrete contractor. Skip a step and it's usually the one that comes back to bite you.

  1. 01

    Verify licensing

    Many states require a concrete or masonry contractor license. Confirm the license is active and appropriate for your project.

  2. 02

    Check insurance

    Ensure the contractor carries general liability and workers' compensation. Concrete work involves heavy equipment and materials.

  3. 03

    Get detailed estimates

    Estimates should include concrete type, thickness, reinforcement (rebar or wire mesh), finish type, and site preparation.

  4. 04

    Ask about subgrade preparation

    Proper compaction and grading of the subgrade is critical. Skipping this step leads to cracking and settling.

  5. 05

    Discuss reinforcement

    Ask about rebar, wire mesh, or fiber reinforcement. The right choice depends on the project type and load requirements.

  6. 06

    Review their portfolio

    Ask for photos of completed driveways, patios, and decorative work. Look for even surfaces, clean edges, and proper joints.

  7. 07

    Ask about control joints

    Control joints are intentional cuts that control where concrete cracks. Proper joint spacing is essential for long-lasting results.

  8. 08

    Discuss finishing options

    Options include broom finish, stamped, exposed aggregate, colored, and polished. Understand the cost and maintenance differences.

  9. 09

    Confirm weather planning

    Concrete should not be poured in extreme heat, cold, or rain. A good contractor will schedule around weather conditions.

  10. 10

    Get a written contract

    The contract should specify concrete PSI, thickness, reinforcement, finish, site prep, timeline, price, and warranty terms.

Red flags to watch for.

Any one of these should give you pause. Two or more, and it's time to walk away.

  • Proposes thin slabs without proper reinforcement
  • Skips subgrade compaction
  • Does not plan for control joints
  • Uses a lower PSI concrete than appropriate for the project
  • Cannot explain the curing process
  • No experience with your specific project type
  • Gives a quote without visiting the site
  • No warranty on workmanship

Questions to ask first.

Ask these before you sign anything. The answers tell you fast who knows the work and who's improvising.

  1. 01What PSI concrete and what thickness do you recommend?
  2. 02How will you prepare the subgrade?
  3. 03What reinforcement will you use?
  4. 04Where will you place control joints?
  5. 05What finish options do you recommend for my project?
  6. 06How long does the concrete need to cure before use?
  7. 07What is your warranty on cracking and workmanship?
  8. 08How do you handle weather delays?

What to verify.

Confirm every one of these in writing before you sign a contract with any concrete contractor.

  • Concrete or masonry contractor license
  • General liability insurance
  • Workers' compensation insurance
  • Portfolio of similar completed projects
  • References from recent work

Average cost

$6 to $15

per square foot

Prices swing with location, project complexity, and the concrete contractor's experience. Always get multiple written estimates and compare them line by line, not just on the bottom number, before you decide.

Find licensed concrete contractors near you.

Browse verified listings with ratings, reviews, and licensing details in the free Vemra directory, then request quotes from the ones you've vetted.

Search concrete contractors

Common questions.

How much does a concrete driveway cost?
A standard concrete driveway costs $6 to $15 per square foot, or $3,000 to $7,500 for a typical two-car driveway. Stamped or decorative concrete runs $12 to $25 per square foot. Factors include slab thickness, reinforcement, finish type, and site preparation needs.
How long does concrete take to cure?
Concrete reaches initial set in 24 to 48 hours, but full curing takes about 28 days. You can typically walk on new concrete after 24-48 hours and drive on a driveway after 7 days. Curing time is affected by temperature, humidity, and concrete mix.
Why does concrete crack?
All concrete cracks eventually. The most common causes are shrinkage during curing, settling of the subgrade, heavy loads, freeze-thaw cycles, and lack of control joints. Proper subgrade preparation, reinforcement, and control joint placement minimize cracking.
Can cracked concrete be repaired?
Minor cracks can be filled with concrete crack filler or epoxy. Larger structural cracks, uneven settling, or crumbling concrete usually require removal and replacement of the affected section. A concrete contractor can assess whether repair or replacement is the better option.

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