Why concrete questions matter
Concrete is permanent. A driveway that heaves, cracks, or spalls cannot be patched convincingly. The only fix is removal and replacement. And the variables that determine whether concrete fails or lasts - base preparation, water-cement ratio, PSI spec, curing, joint placement - are all invisible in the finished product.
These questions identify contractors who take those variables seriously.
The 12 questions
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Your Concrete Contractor Conversation Checklist
"What PSI concrete mix will you use, and why?"
Why it matters: PSI is the compressive strength of the concrete mix. For residential driveways: 4,000 PSI minimum.
Notes:
"How deep is the base preparation, and what material do you use?"
Why it matters: Concrete placed on unstable or inadequately compacted base will settle and crack. For a driveway: minimum 4-6 inches of compacted gravel base.
Notes:
"How thick will the concrete be?"
Why it matters: Driveway concrete: minimum 4 inches. In freeze-thaw climates or with heavy vehicle use: 5-6 inches.
Notes:
"Will you use rebar or wire mesh, and how will it be positioned?"
Why it matters: Reinforcement (rebar or welded wire mesh) is not optional for driveways. It controls crack width if cracking occurs and keeps slabs from shifting apart.
Notes:
"Where will you place control joints, and how deep?"
Why it matters: Control joints are intentional weaknesses that channel cracking to predictable locations. For driveways: every 10 feet in each direction.
Notes:
"What is the curing plan?"
Why it matters: Concrete gains strength through hydration, not through drying. It needs moisture for the first 7 days minimum to reach design strength.
Notes:
"Is air entrainment specified for freeze-thaw climates?"
Why it matters: In climates with repeated freeze-thaw cycles, concrete must have microscopic air bubbles (air entrainment) mixed in. These bubbles absorb the expansion pressure when water in the concrete freezes.
Notes:
"Will the forms be properly supported and leveled before the pour?"
Why it matters: Wood or metal forms define the final shape of the slab. Improperly staked or leveled forms result in wavy edges, incorrect thickness, and improper drainage slope.
Notes:
"What is the finishing process?"
Why it matters: A broom finish is standard for driveways and provides slip resistance. Smooth trowel finish is common for garage floors.
Notes:
"Will you seal the concrete after curing?"
Why it matters: Penetrating concrete sealer applied after the concrete fully cures (typically 28 days) protects against staining, deicing salt damage, and moisture infiltration. Not all contractors include this.
Notes:
"Are you licensed and insured, and do you pull the permit?"
Why it matters: Driveways and significant flatwork typically require permits, particularly for new construction or if connecting to public right-of-way..
Notes:
"What is the payment schedule?"
Why it matters: Concrete is a same-day pour. Materials are often paid for in advance.
Notes:
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Before you hire
PSI, base depth, control joint spacing, and curing plan should all be in writing before any work starts. These variables cannot be verified after the pour. If the contractor resists putting mix specifications in writing, that tells you something about their confidence in the work.
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