10 tips to choosing the right concreter to build your driveway

Choosing a contractor of any kind can be tricky. Ensuring you get the right person for the job that fits within your budget is important. If you are planning a new concrete driveway, here are 10 tips to help you choose the right concreter contractor.

1.Do some research

Read up on the topic area to gain a bit of prior knowledge so that when you are seeking quotes, you sound confident and knowledgeable.

2. Shop around

With any building quote, don't settle on the first quote you receive. Shop around and compare the responses and quotes you get to your questions. After speaking to a few contractors, you will gain a better grasp of the criteria you should be looking for.

3. Consider the drying time of a concrete driveway

This is a big one! Many people don't realise that you can’t access your driveway for at 2-4 weeks until it is completely dried out and set. This ensures the longevity and strength of the driveway. Consider this timeframe before the job starts and ensure you don’t need to access it in that time.

4. Be flexible with dates and timeframe

An experienced concrete contractor may be booked out well in advance with a busy schedule. If you can, consider being flexible on a start date and provide alternative timelines before ruling them out altogether.

5. Ask about council permits

There may be a council permit you will need to get before a concrete contractor can start on your driveway. As the potential candidate about this and follow his instructors. This is also a great way to access a contractor’s experience. A contractor that is unaware of any council permits may indicate a lack of experience and service.

6. Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ to extras

Unfortunately, some contractors will try to upsell you with fancy extras such as different finishing touches, stamping stains, or even scoring patterns into your concrete driveway. These extras may be appealing to you though if they aren’t in your budget, don’t be afraid to push back.

7. Always get a written quote 

Never settle for a verbal quote before starting a job. Over-the-phone quotes are fine in the initial instance before starting the driveway, though ensure you have a written quote and a breakdown of what it includes before they begin the driveway.

9. Ask what is included in the quotation

There is no such thing as too much detail in a quote. A written quote should be specific, technical, and include the cost. This will allow both you and the contractor to have clearly defined expectations and stay on task.

10. Ask questions and check processes

A good contractor will be able to answer all your prickly questions. Don’t be afraid to test their knowledge and skills by asking questions such as how they prevent a driveway from cracking. Their response should mention joints for flexing and the amount of water used in their concrete mix. You should also them to explain their processes to you which will help you narrow down your potential contractor list.