Alright, so you need some concrete work done around your place in Spokane. Maybe it's a new driveway, a patio, or fixing up that cracked sidewalk. Finding a good concrete contractor can feel like a shot in the dark, especially with all the folks out there. But it doesn't have to be. I've been doing this for a while, and I've seen the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. Here's how you can make sure you're getting a good one.
Questions to Ask Every Concrete Contractor
When you're talking to potential contractors, don't be shy. You're about to spend a good chunk of change, so you've got every right to ask some tough questions. Here are the ones I'd hit 'em with:
- How long have you been in business, specifically doing concrete work? Experience matters, plain and simple. A guy who's been pouring concrete for 20 years is probably going to do a better job than someone who just started last week.
- Can you provide references from recent, similar projects? Don't just take their word for it. Call those people. Ask if the job finished on time, if the crew was professional, and if they'd hire them again.
- What's your process for site preparation? This is huge. Good concrete starts with good prep. Are they compacting the subgrade? Using a proper base? If they gloss over this, that's a red flag. Especially with our clay soils around Spokane, proper compaction and drainage are critical to prevent future cracking and settling, you know?
- What kind of concrete mix do you use? What's the PSI? For driveways or anything that'll see heavy use, you want at least 4000 PSI concrete. Ask about air entrainment too; it helps a lot with our freeze-thaw cycles.
- What's your plan for rebar or wire mesh? You need reinforcement. Period. Make sure they're putting it in and that they know how to properly place it.
- How do you handle expansion and control joints? These aren't just for looks; they're essential for managing concrete's natural tendency to crack. They need a plan for where and how deep these will be.
- What's the timeline for this project? Get a realistic start and finish date. Understand what might cause delays.
- What kind of warranty do you offer on your work? A reputable contractor will stand behind their work. Get it in writing.
What to Look For in a Quote
Don't just pick the cheapest quote. That's a rookie mistake that'll cost you more in the long run. A good quote should be detailed and clear. Here's what you're looking for:
- Line-item breakdown: It shouldn't just be one big number. You want to see separate costs for things like excavation, subgrade prep, concrete materials, reinforcement, labor, finishing, and cleanup.
- Material specifications: The quote should specify the concrete PSI, the type of reinforcement (e.g., #4 rebar on 24-inch centers, 6x6 WWM), and any admixtures.
- Scope of work: This needs to clearly define what's included and what's not. Dimensions, thickness, finish (e.g., broom finish, stamped), and any special instructions.
- Payment schedule: A reasonable schedule might be a deposit (usually 10-25%), progress payments, and a final payment upon satisfactory completion. Be wary of anyone asking for 50% or more upfront.
- Permits: Who is responsible for pulling any necessary permits? In Spokane County, you often need permits for driveways or larger slabs. Make sure it's clear who's handling that.
- Insurance and licensing information: This should be listed right on the quote or easily provided.
Red Flags You Can't Ignore
You'll run into all sorts of characters. Some are good, some are bad. Here are some serious red flags that should make you walk away:
- Cash-only deals: This screams