Questions to Ask Your Concrete Contractor

Concrete projects are fairly permanent undertakings. You want to make sure you’ve done everything you can to make sure you’re thrilled with the final result.

This post will cover the most important questions to ask concrete contractors, including questions about:

• Previous work and industry experience
• Concrete style options and quality
• The contractor’s installation process and what you should expect

How much experience do you have in the concrete industry? Thriving in the industry for many years is a good sign. It’s evidence that a concrete contractor is a skilled and reliable craftsman. It also suggests great communication and customer service.

Do you have examples of previous work? An experienced concrete contractor should have plenty of photos of previous work. Hopefully, you’ll find a well-organized portfolio on the contractor’s website. For example, in order to make it easy for people to find relevant project examples, we organize our portfolios according to project type, as well as showcasing recent projects in a separate gallery.

Can you provide references? Most contractors have a list of references ready. It’s also worth doing your own research to see if the company has won any awards, or received reviews on Angie’s List.

Do you offer a variety of colors, styles, and finishes? Depending on your project, you might want the simple, clean look of exposed aggregate or the smooth, classy appeal of a sand finish. Or you may want to get creative with colors, stamps, and stencils. It’s important that you love the look of your home. Asking the right questions will help you make sure your contractor can achieve the aesthetic you want.

How customizable are your concrete options? Concrete is extremely flexible — there’s no limit to how creative you can get with colors and patterns. If customization is important to you, make sure your contractor has the tools and experience to help you create the one-of-a-kind piece you’re imagining.

Will my concrete last? Well-installed, properly maintained concrete should last for decades. It’s worth asking your concrete contractor about their finishing and sealing process, which is crucial to the longevity of a concrete installation.

Can you estimate how long my project will take? The duration of a concrete project depends on a variety of factors, such as the size of the space and your style and customization preferences. A good concrete contractor should be able to give you a timeline estimate once he or she has seen your space and has a good understanding of what you want.

When can you start working? It’s not necessarily a bad thing if your contractor can’t start immediately — it may mean that they’re busy because they’re in such high demand. Still, you have your own schedule to consider as well. If the timing of your project could be an issue for you, it’s worth asking this question earlier rather than later.

What do I need to do (if anything) before you can begin working? In some cases, items may need to be moved before concrete can be installed. This could mean moving outdoor furniture off of a patio, for example. For interior concrete floors, it could mean sectioning off the area to keep pets safely away from the work site. With concrete driveways, it could be as simple as moving your car to the curb.

Each concrete installation is unique, so you probably have many additional questions that are specific to your project. At GWC Decorative Concrete, we have more than 75 years of combined experience in our industry and we pride ourselves on delivering incredible results every time.

If you have questions about concrete installation, how we work, or what’s possible for your home, get in touch with us today.