10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Concrete Contractor in FL

Hiring the right concrete contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your home improvement project. In Florida, where the concrete industry has its share of unlicensed operators and fly-by-night companies, knowing the right questions to ask can save you thousands of dollars and significant headaches.

Question 1: Are You Licensed to Work in Florida?

This is non-negotiable. Florida requires concrete contractors to be licensed through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). There are multiple license types that may apply:

• Certified General Contractor (CGC): Can pull permits statewide
• Certified Specialty Contractor (various categories including masonry and concrete)
• Registered Contractor: Licensed to work in specific jurisdictions only

Ask for the license number and verify it on the DBPR website (myfloridalicense.com). Takes less than two minutes and could save you enormous problems.

Red flag: Any hesitation, vague answers, or inability to provide a license number on the spot.

Question 2: Are You Insured? Can I See Proof?

A legitimate concrete contractor carries:

1. General Liability Insurance — covers damage to your property
2. Workers’ Compensation Insurance — covers crew injuries on your property

Ask to be named as an additional insured on the liability policy for the duration of your project. Ask to see certificates of insurance dated currently — expired certificates are meaningless.

Why this matters: If an uninsured worker is injured on your property, you could be personally liable. If uninsured work damages your foundation, irrigation, or neighboring property, you may have no recourse.

Question 3: Will You Pull the Required Permits?

In Broward County and all Florida municipalities, concrete work (driveways, patios, foundations) requires permits. A legitimate contractor will:

• Pull permits before starting work
• Schedule required inspections
• Obtain a certificate of completion

Red flag: Any contractor who suggests skipping permits “to save money and time” should be immediately disqualified. Unpermitted concrete work:

• Can require forced removal at your expense
• Creates problems when you sell (must disclose unpermitted work)
• May void your homeowner’s insurance for related claims

Question 4: Can You Provide References from Similar Projects?

Ask for references from recent projects (within the past 2 years) similar to yours in:

• Project type (driveway vs. patio vs. commercial)
• Size
• Geographic area (South Florida conditions matter)

Actually call the references. Ask specific questions:

• Was the project completed on schedule?
• Did the final cost match the estimate?
• Were there any problems, and how were they handled?
• Would you hire them again?

For decorative work like stamped concrete, ask specifically for decorative concrete references and ask to see photos of completed work.

Question 5: What Is Your Mix Design and How Do You Spec It for Florida?

This question separates professionals from amateurs. A knowledgeable contractor should be able to discuss:

• PSI (compressive strength): 3,500–4,000 PSI minimum for Florida residential; 4,000–5,000+ for commercial
• Water-cement ratio: Lower is stronger; standard Florida driveways should use w/c < 0.45
• Admixtures: Retarders for Florida’s summer heat, fiber reinforcement
• Aggregate: Local availability and appropriate gradation

If the contractor looks blank or says “we just use regular concrete,” that’s concerning for any project where you care about long-term performance.

Question 6: What Does Your Base Preparation Include?

The base is the foundation of your foundation. Ask specifically:

• How deep will you excavate?
• What base material will you use and how thick?
• How will you compact the subgrade and base?
• What do you do if you encounter poor soil conditions?

South Florida’s sandy soils require proper compaction to prevent settlement. A contractor who plans to skip or minimize base preparation is setting up your project for future problems. Learn more about proper installation in our concrete driveway installation guide.

Question 7: What Is Your Crack Control Strategy?

All concrete cracks — the question is whether cracks are controlled (where you want them, at joints) or random (everywhere). Ask:

• How many control/expansion joints will be included, and where?
• Are they cut or tooled, and when?
• What fiber or steel reinforcement is included?
• How do you protect against plastic shrinkage cracking in Florida’s heat?

A contractor with no clear answer on crack control is not a professional.

Question 8: What Are the Complete Project Costs in Writing?

You need a detailed, written proposal that includes:

• All materials (concrete, rebar, forms, base material)
• All labor
• Equipment costs
• Permit fees
• Demolition and hauling (if applicable)
• Sealing (if included)
• Payment schedule
• Warranty terms

Red flag: Verbal quotes only, or a contractor who doesn’t want to put things in writing. Get everything in writing, always.

Be wary of bids that are dramatically lower than the others — this usually means corners will be cut. See our cost guide for concrete driveways for realistic price ranges.

Question 9: What Is Your Warranty and How Do You Handle Problems?

Professional contractors stand behind their work. Ask:

• Is there a warranty on materials and workmanship?
• How long is the warranty period?
• What does the warranty cover (and what doesn’t it)?
• How are warranty claims handled?
• Do you have an established local presence, or are you a traveling crew?

Red flag: No warranty offered, short 30-day warranty, or inability to explain what’s covered.

Question 10: What Is the Realistic Timeline for My Project?

Understand the full timeline from today:

• Permit acquisition time (1–3 weeks typically)
• Material lead times (if any)
• Scheduling availability
• Installation duration
• Curing and restricted-use period
• Sealing timeline (minimum 28 days after pour for new concrete)

Contractors who promise unusually fast timelines may be cutting corners on permits, base preparation, or curing time.

Bonus: Red Flags to Watch For Throughout the Process

Beyond the questions, watch for these warning signs at any stage:

• Requesting full payment upfront
• Showing up without the expected crew size
• Pressuring you to add work not in the contract
• Using materials different from what was specified
• Skipping inspections
• Being unavailable or unresponsive after you’ve paid

Making Your Final Decision

After gathering information from multiple contractors (minimum three quotes), compare on these dimensions:

1. License and insurance — verified, not just claimed
2. References — actually checked
3. Proposal completeness — detailed and in writing
4. Price — not automatically the lowest; consider what’s included
5. Communication quality — a contractor who answers your questions clearly and promptly will likely be easier to work with

Wilton Manors Concrete encourages all potential customers to ask these questions of us and of every contractor they consider. Confident professionals welcome scrutiny — it’s how you distinguish quality work from shortcuts. We serve Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale Lakes, Dania Beach, and throughout Broward County.