Scope and Specifications
Before signing anything, be sure you and the contractor agree on the exact scope. That means dimensions, slab thickness, reinforcement type, finish, and any removal or base preparation.
- What are the exact dimensions of the pour?
- What thickness is being planned, and why?
- What reinforcement will be used?
- What finish is included?
- Is removal of existing concrete included?
Base Preparation
The ground under a slab matters as much as the concrete on top. Ask what base material will be used, whether the ground will be compacted, and how much grading is involved. A contractor who skips this step is quietly borrowing against the project's future.
Drainage
How will water shed off the surface? A patio that pools water or a driveway that channels runoff toward the house is a problem that shows up months later. Confirm slope direction and how the new pour ties into existing drainage.
Timeline and Weather
Concrete work is weather-dependent. Ask how rain and temperature affect scheduling, and what happens if weather delays the pour. Realistic answers are more useful than promises.
What Happens If Something Goes Wrong
No contractor can guarantee crack-free concrete forever. But it's fair to ask what the process looks like if something needs attention after the pour. A clear answer is worth more than a vague one.
Written Estimate
Insist on the scope in writing. That protects both sides. A verbal understanding tends to fade; a written scope does not.
Ready to talk about your project?
Request an Estimate