Hiring the right concrete contractor is one of the most important decisions in a home improvement project. The right questions make the difference between a contractor who delivers and one who disappears after cashing the check.
1. Can You Provide a Written, Itemized Estimate?
A written estimate protects you both. Verbal agreements disappear; written ones don't.
2. What Thickness and PSI Concrete Will You Use?
The answer should be specific. "Standard" or "whatever's needed" are not acceptable answers. For a residential driveway, 4-inch minimum thickness and high-strength concrete mix are baseline specifications.
3. What Does Base Preparation Include?
Ask whether they'll remove soft material, add gravel base, and compact it. If they're planning to pour on whatever's there, that's a red flag.
4. Do You Carry Liability Insurance? Can I See the Certificate?
Not optional. Get the certificate, not just a verbal yes.
5. Who Will Be On-Site During the Work?
Is it the owner? A foreman? An unsupervised crew? At Wagner Concrete, the owner is on every job.
6. Do You Offer a Written Warranty?
Most don't. We do. Know what you're getting into before work starts.
7. How Will You Handle Unexpected Conditions?
What if the base material is worse than expected? What if the site has drainage issues? The answer tells you about their communication style and honesty.
8. What Is Your Timeline From Start to Driveable?
The answer should include both active work days and curing time before vehicle use.
9. How Do You Handle Weather Delays?
This reveals whether they prioritize quality or just getting the job done.
10. Can You Provide Local References?
A contractor with years of local work should have no trouble providing references. Call them. Ask Wagner Concrete Co. any of these at (479) 551-1642.
