If you’re looking for a new driveway, sidewalk or patio, it makes sense to hire a contractor who specializes in concrete work rather than a general contractor. A general contractor will likely subcontract the concrete work to a concrete specialist anyway, so why not hire one directly and save some money?

But before you hire the first contractor who comes along, here are 12 things you should know about hiring a concrete company.

When considering hiring a concrete contractor, you need to make sure they are responsible, qualified and have the capacity to get the job done right. There are some obvious questions you can ask that will give you an idea if they are professional. However, there are some not so obvious questions as well. Below is a list of 12 things to know before hiring a concrete contractor.

1. Check References – Ask for references and follow up on them. Do not settle until you have called or visited several references or have seen actual examples of their work in person.

2. Get it in Writing – Make sure the contract is in writing and that the work is well defined in the contract. The contract should include: pricing, payment terms, start date, estimated completion date, and warranty information. If any changes are made to the contract, they need to be initialed by both parties and added to the original document.

3. Licensing – Verify if the contractor is licensed and insured. Contact your state’s licensing board to verify if they are licensed and ask for copies of their insurance certificates. Keep in mind that only certain types of contractors require licensing such as plumbers and electricians but it is a good idea to hire a licensed contractor regardless of whether it is required or not

Today, most of the concrete work is contracted out to professional concrete contractors. But when it comes to finding a reliable, trustworthy and experienced contractor, many people seem to be at a loss.

If you find yourself in such a situation, then you can make use of this article that lists 12 questions that you should ask before hiring a concrete contractor. By asking these questions, you’ll be able to determine whether the contractor has what it takes to do your concrete job or not.

1. What is the contractor’s reputation?

2. Does the company carry insurance?

3. What type of work does the company perform?

4. Does the company use subcontractors, or do they hire employees?

5. How many years has the concrete contractor been in business?

6. Has the concrete contractor been bonded by a reputable bonding agency?

7. Does the concrete contractor have a website with references and pictures of completed projects?

8. Do they have references or testimonials from past customers?

9. Did they provide you with a written contract and estimate?

10. Are they a member of any professional associations?

11. Do they use a decorative concrete color system? (if needed)

12. What is their warranty policy on materials and labor?

Sealing your concrete slab is the best way to protect it from the elements and ensure its longevity. If you’re looking for a concrete sealer, there are several types of sealers that can be used to protect your concrete surfaces. Below are three main types of sealers and how they work.

1. Penetrating Sealers

2. Topical Sealers

3. Film-Forming Sealers

Concrete sealer is necessary for protecting concrete surfaces against water penetration and staining. Check out this video to see how to apply concrete sealer like a pro on interior and exterior surfaces.

Your concrete contractor should be able to help you choose a good slab design for your particular climate, soil and intended use. But here are some general guidelines:

If you’re pouring a slab on sandy soil, make it at least 4 inches thick. If the soil has a lot of clay or is very wet, make the slab 5 or 6 inches thick to minimize cracking.

If you’re building a garage, make the floor at least 4 inches thick. A 4-inch-thick garage floor will support most passenger cars. For light trucks or SUVs, make it 5 inches thick.

If you’re pouring a driveway over soft, compressible ground like clay or loam, make it at least 4 inches thick.

If you’re pouring an outdoor patio, make it at least 4 inches thick. If the surface will get heavy use from vehicles or machinery, go thicker (5 or 6 inches). If the patio will be in a high-traffic area, pour it 6 to 8 inches thick and reinforce it with wire mesh.

Be sure that all sides of your slab are supported by undisturbed soil or compacted fill material that won’t settle after the concrete is poured. If any sides of