5 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Concrete Contractor

Hiring the wrong concrete contractor can cost you thousands of dollars and months of frustration. Here are the five most common mistakes we see homeowners and builders make in East Texas — and how to avoid each one.

Mistake #1: Hiring the Cheapest Bid Without Comparing Scope

Three quotes: $4,500, $5,200, and $3,100. The $3,100 bid wins, right? Not so fast. Does it include permits? Cleanup? Rebar? The cheapest bid is almost always the one that's missing line items. When you compare apples to apples — same scope, same materials, same cleanup standards — the gap between quotes narrows dramatically.

Mistake #2: Not Getting a Written Quote

A verbal quote means nothing. "About $5,000" can become $7,200 without any written agreement to protect you. Always insist on a written, itemized quote that states exactly what's included. If a contractor won't put it in writing, they're leaving the door open for extras.

Mistake #3: Not Asking About Insurance

If a worker gets injured on your property and the contractor doesn't carry proper insurance, you could be liable. Always ask for a certificate of insurance and verify it's current. This is non-negotiable.

Mistake #4: Ignoring the Communication Test

How quickly did the contractor respond to your initial call? How easy was it to schedule the estimate? If communication is poor before the job starts, it will be worse during the job — especially when weather delays hit and you need updates.

Mistake #5: Not Checking References

Everybody has a website. Everybody says they do great work. The difference is in the references. Call at least two recent customers and ask: Was the final price what was quoted? Did they show up on time? Did they clean up? Would you hire them again?