Concrete Contractors Near Me
A concrete job is hard to undo. Once the truck leaves and the slab sets, you live with the result for decades. A good crew gives you a flat, strong surface that drains well and holds up to weather. A poor crew gives you cracks, puddles, and a flaking surface within a few winters.
Most homeowners start by typing concrete contractors near me into a phone. That search returns a long list, and the names at the top are often there for ad spend, not skill. This guide shows you how to narrow that list, check each business, read an estimate, and manage the job from the first call to the final payment.
All prices in this guide are national averages from published 2026 cost guides. Your local prices can be higher or lower, based on labor rates, soil, climate, and the distance to the nearest ready-mix plant.
What Concrete Contractors Do
A concrete contractor plans, forms, pours, and finishes concrete flatwork and structural concrete. The work looks simple from the street. It is not. The crew has a short window to place and finish the mix before it sets, and mistakes in that window are permanent.
A typical residential job includes these tasks:
- Measuring the site and working out the volume of concrete to order
- Removing old concrete, sod, or soil
- Grading the ground so water runs away from the house
- Placing and compacting a gravel base
- Building forms to hold the wet concrete in shape
- Setting rebar or wire mesh
- Ordering the mix and scheduling the truck
- Pouring, leveling, and finishing the surface
- Cutting or tooling control joints
- Curing the slab, and sealing it if the contract calls for it
Some firms do all of this in house. Others hire out the demolition, the pumping, or the decorative work. Ask who does each part.
| Service | Who Usually Does It |
|---|---|
| Driveways, patios, sidewalks, and other flatwork | Residential flatwork contractor |
| House foundations, footings, and basement walls | Foundation contractor, often working under a general contractor |
| Stamped, stained, and colored concrete | Decorative concrete specialist |
| Crack repair, leveling, and resurfacing | Concrete repair or slab lifting company |
| Breaking up and hauling away old concrete | Demolition crew, or the concrete contractor |
| Mixing and delivering the concrete | Ready-mix supplier |
| Soil or structural design for hard sites | Structural or geotechnical engineer |
Types of Concrete Projects
Not every contractor does every kind of work. Match the firm to the job.
Driveways. Driveways carry vehicle weight, so the base, thickness, and reinforcement matter most here. Angi says a common depth is 4 inches, with 6 inches for heavier vehicles. Inch Calculator recommends 4 inches for cars and 5 inches for larger vehicles.
Patios. HomeGuide lists 4 inches as the standard thickness for a home patio. A patio that holds a hot tub or an outdoor kitchen should be 6 inches thick with added reinforcement.
Slabs. Shed pads, garage floors, and RV pads are plain slabs. The key is a flat, well-compacted base.
Foundations. Foundations are structural work. They need plans, permits, and inspections, and many flatwork crews do not take them on.
Sidewalks and walkways. HomeGuide says most concrete sidewalks are 4 to 6 inches thick. A walk that crosses a public right of way must often meet city rules.
Stamped and decorative concrete. Stamping, staining, and coloring take extra skill and timing. Ask to see finished decorative jobs that are a few years old, not only fresh ones.
Repair. Small cracks, sunken slabs, and worn surfaces can sometimes be fixed without a full replacement. An honest contractor tells you when repair makes sense and when it does not.
Removal. Old concrete has to be broken up, loaded, and hauled away. Reinforced concrete costs more to remove than plain concrete.
How to Search Locally
Use more than one source. A single search for concrete contractors near me shows only part of the local market, and each source below fills in a different part.
Map Searches
Open a map app and search for concrete contractors near me. Look past the paid listings at the top. Check that each business shows a real street address, photos of its own work, and reviews spread over several years. A page with 40 reviews posted in one month deserves a second look.
If you need a driveway, search for concrete driveway contractors near me as well. Firms that pour driveways every week tend to know your city’s rules for aprons, curb cuts, and the public right of way.
Review Sites and Contractor Directories
Home service directories and review sites let you compare ratings side by side. Read the three-star reviews first. They tend to describe real problems in plain terms. Look at how the owner replies to complaints. A calm, specific reply is a good sign.
Referrals From People You Know
Ask neighbors, coworkers, and friends who had concrete poured two or more years ago. Go and look at the work. Concrete that still looks good after a few freeze and thaw cycles tells you more than any online rating.
Supplier Referrals
Call a local ready-mix supplier or a masonry supply yard. Ask which residential crews order from them often and pay their bills on time. Suppliers see who shows up prepared and who does not.
Building Department and License Lookup
Most states and many cities run a free online contractor license search. Use it to confirm that the business is licensed for concrete work where you live, and to see any complaints or disciplinary actions on record. License rules differ from state to state. Some states license concrete work at the state level. Others leave it to the county or city.
| Where to Search | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Map apps | Who works near you, with photos and reviews |
| Review sites and directories | Ratings, complaint patterns, and how owners respond |
| Neighbors and friends | How the work holds up after a few years |
| Ready-mix and masonry suppliers | Which crews are busy, steady, and reliable |
| State or city license lookup | License status and complaint history |
| Local building department | Permit rules for your project |
Aim for a list of five or six names. Then narrow it to three for site visits and written bids.
How to Vet a Concrete Contractor
When you search for concrete contractors near me, you get names. Vetting turns those names into a short list you can trust. Check each item below before you ask for a bid.
License. Get the license number and look it up yourself. Make sure the name on the license matches the name on the estimate.
Insurance. Ask for a certificate of general liability insurance and proof of workers’ compensation coverage. Have the insurer or agent send the certificate to you directly. If a worker gets hurt on your property and the contractor has no coverage, you may end up dealing with the claim.
Bond. Some states and cities require a contractor bond. A bond gives you a way to recover money if the contractor fails to finish the job or breaks licensing rules. Ask if a bond is required where you live and if the contractor has one.
References. Ask for three recent customers and one from at least three years ago. Call them. Ask if the crew showed up on time, if the price changed, and how the concrete looks today.
Portfolio. Look at photos of jobs like yours. Better yet, drive by a few. Check for even color, straight joints, clean edges, and no standing water.
Written bid. A serious concrete company puts its price and scope in writing. A number on the back of a business card is not a bid.
Time in business. A firm with years of local work has a track record you can check. A new firm is not a bad choice by default, but it needs stronger references.
What a Good Estimate Includes
Once your list of concrete contractors near me is down to three names, ask each one for a written estimate. A good estimate lets you compare bids line by line. If two bids differ by a large amount, the detail shows you why. Look for these items:
- Exact dimensions and total square footage
- Slab thickness in inches
- Concrete strength in PSI
- Base material and its depth
- Reinforcement type, such as rebar, wire mesh, or fiber
- Control joint layout
- Finish type, such as broom, smooth, exposed aggregate, or stamped
- Demolition and haul-away of old concrete
- Grading and drainage work
- Permit fees, and who pulls the permit
- Curing method and any sealer
- Start date and expected length of the job
- Payment schedule
- Warranty terms in writing
- Cleanup and repair of any lawn damage
On strength, Inch Calculator describes 4,000 PSI as the standard for weight-bearing structural work. Your local code or climate may call for a different mix. Ask the contractor what PSI the bid includes and why.
How Much Concrete Work Costs in 2026
The figures below come from 2026 cost guides published by HomeGuide, Angi, HomeAdvisor, Lawn Love, and Inch Calculator. They are national averages. Prices in your area can fall outside these ranges.
| Project | Typical Installed Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete slab | $6 to $12 per square foot | HomeGuide |
| Driveway | $6 to $15 per square foot | HomeGuide |
| Driveway | $8 to $20 per square foot, $6,400 average total | Angi |
| Two-car driveway, 24 by 24 feet | $3,500 to $8,600 | HomeGuide |
| Plain patio | $4 to $12 per square foot | HomeGuide |
| Patio, 20 by 20 feet, plain | $1,600 to $4,800 | HomeGuide |
| Sidewalk | $7 to $17 per square foot | HomeGuide |
| Stamped concrete | $8 to $28 per square foot | HomeAdvisor |
| Slab foundation | $6 to $14 per square foot | HomeGuide |
| Concrete removal | $2 to $6 per square foot | Lawn Love |
| Concrete material only | $120 to $210 per cubic yard | Angi |
Thickness changes the price. HomeGuide lists a 4-inch slab at $6 to $8 per square foot installed and a 6-inch slab at $8 to $10 per square foot.
Other line items add up too.
| Extra | Typical Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Labor share of a slab job | $3 to $5 per square foot | HomeGuide |
| Wire mesh | $0.20 to $0.30 per square foot | Inch Calculator |
| Rebar | $2 to $3 per square foot | Inch Calculator |
| Removal of unreinforced concrete | $2 to $4 per square foot | Lawn Love |
| Removal of reinforced concrete | $4 to $6 per square foot | Lawn Love |
| Sealing | $1 to $3 per square foot | HomeGuide |
| Driveway permit | $50 to $200 | HomeGuide |
| Patio permit | $50 to $400 | HomeGuide |
| Sidewalk permit | $50 to $100 | HomeGuide |
Small jobs often cost more per square foot. HomeGuide notes that projects under 200 square feet run slightly higher because of minimum concrete delivery fees.
Treat every number here as a starting point. The only price that counts is a written bid from a local contractor who has walked your site.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
Ask every bidder the same questions. It makes the answers easy to compare.
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Are you licensed for concrete work in this city or state? | You can check the answer yourself |
| Can your insurer send me proof of liability and workers’ compensation coverage? | Protects you if something goes wrong |
| Who will be on site each day, and who is in charge? | Tells you if the work is subcontracted |
| How thick will the slab be, and what PSI mix will you order? | Sets the strength of the job |
| What base and reinforcement will you use? | Poor base work causes most early failures |
| Where will you place control joints? | Joints control where cracks form |
| How will water drain off the finished surface? | Bad slope leads to puddles and ice |
| Who pulls the permit and schedules inspections? | Avoids fines and delays |
| What happens if it rains or freezes on pour day? | Shows planning and experience |
| How will you cure the concrete? | Curing affects final strength |
| What does your warranty cover, and for how long? | Written terms can be enforced |
| What is the payment schedule? | Keeps payments tied to progress |
Red Flags and Good Signs
Not all of the concrete contractors near me, or near you, run a careful business. Most problem contractors show warning signs early. Watch how each one handles the first visit.
| Red Flag | Good Sign |
|---|---|
| Gives a price over the phone without seeing the site | Measures the site and checks slope and soil |
| Will not share a license number | Gives the number and invites you to look it up |
| Has no proof of insurance | Has the insurer send a certificate |
| Demands full payment or a large cash deposit up front | Ties payments to stages of the work |
| Pushes you to sign today for a special price | Gives you time to compare bids |
| Offers leftover concrete from another job | Orders a mix for your project |
| Has a bid far below the others with little detail | Itemizes the bid so you can see the scope |
| Tells you a permit is not worth the trouble | Explains the permit rules and who handles them |
| Has no local address or references | Has local jobs you can go and see |
| Offers only a verbal promise | Puts the scope, price, and warranty in writing |
One low bid is not proof of a scam. But ask what was left out. Thinner concrete, no base, or no reinforcement can cut the price and the life of the slab.
Contracts, Deposits, and Payment Schedule
Do not let work start without a signed contract. The contract should repeat everything in the estimate and add the terms below.
- Full legal name, address, and license number of the contractor
- A detailed scope of work, with dimensions, thickness, PSI, base, and reinforcement
- Total price and what could change it
- Start date and expected finish date
- A payment schedule tied to stages of the work
- A change order process, in writing, for any added work
- Who pulls permits and pays the fees
- Warranty terms
- Cleanup duties
- A lien waiver when you make the final payment
A deposit is normal. It covers materials and holds your place on the schedule. Some states cap the size of a deposit on home improvement work, so check your state’s consumer protection rules. Keep the final payment until the work is complete and you have walked the job with the contractor.
Pay by check or card, not cash. Get a receipt for every payment.
Permits
Permit rules are local. Some cities require a permit for any new driveway or any slab over a set size. Others only require one when the work touches the street, the sidewalk, or the public right of way. Foundations almost always need a permit and inspections.
Call your building department before you sign. Ask three things: do you need a permit, who may pull it, and what inspections apply. A reliable concrete company knows the local process and builds the fee into the bid. HomeGuide puts typical fees at $50 to $200 for a driveway and $50 to $400 for a patio.
If you live in a community with a homeowners association, check its rules on finishes, colors, and driveway width too.
Before any digging, have underground utility lines marked. Calling 811 is free, and it is the standard way to request marking in the US.
Best Season and Weather for a Pour
Temperature controls how concrete cures. Concrete Network says the ideal curing range is 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Below about 50 degrees, curing slows down a lot. Below about 40 degrees, it nearly stops. Heat brings its own trouble, since hot concrete can set too fast and crack.
For most of the country, that makes spring and fall the easiest seasons. Summer and winter pours are possible, but they call for extra steps, such as early morning starts, shade, or insulating blankets. Ask the contractor how the crew handles hot, cold, and wet days. A crew that reschedules for bad weather is protecting your slab.
Book early. Good crews fill their calendars weeks ahead in the busy months.
The Pour Process, Step by Step
Knowing the steps helps you see if the crew is cutting corners.
- Layout and marking. The crew stakes out the shape and checks the slope.
- Demolition and excavation. Old concrete and soil come out to the planned depth.
- Base preparation. Gravel goes down and gets compacted.
- Forms. Boards are set to the final height and shape.
- Reinforcement. Rebar or mesh is placed and held up off the base.
- Inspection. If your permit calls for it, an inspector checks the forms and steel before the pour.
- Pour. The truck arrives, and the crew places the concrete.
- Screed and float. The crew levels the surface and works it smooth.
- Joints and edges. Control joints and rounded edges are tooled or cut.
- Finish. A broom, trowel, or stamp gives the final texture.
- Cure. The slab is kept moist or coated with a curing compound.
- Form removal and cleanup. Forms come off, and the site is graded back.
Curing Timeline
Concrete gains strength over weeks, not hours. The times below come from HomeGuide and Concrete Network.
| Time After the Pour | What You Can Do |
|---|---|
| 24 to 48 hours | Walk on the surface. Forms can come off |
| First 7 days | Keep the slab moist if the contractor uses water curing |
| 7 to 10 days | Drive light vehicles on a driveway |
| 28 to 30 days | Full cure. Heavy vehicles are safe |
Concrete Network notes that 7 days of moist curing makes concrete about 50 percent stronger than concrete that is not cured. Follow the contractor’s written instructions, and keep heavy trucks off a new driveway for the full cure.
Maintenance and Sealing
Concrete needs little care, but it does need some.
- Seal the surface on the schedule your contractor recommends. Lawn Love suggests every 3 to 5 years for a patio.
- Budget $1 to $3 per square foot for professional sealing, based on HomeGuide figures.
- Wash off oil, fertilizer, and leaf stains before they set.
- Use a plastic shovel on snow. Metal blades chip the surface.
- Go easy on deicing salts, most of all in the first winter.
- Keep downspouts and sprinklers from soaking the slab edges.
- Fill small cracks early so water does not get under the slab.
- Keep heavy trucks, such as loaded dumpsters and moving vans, off thin slabs.
Ask the contractor which sealer suits your finish. Decorative and stamped surfaces often need a different product than a plain broom finish.
DIY vs Hiring a Pro
Small jobs are within reach for a handy homeowner. A shed pad, a short walkway, or a few fence post footings can be mixed from bags and finished in an afternoon.
Larger pours are different. A driveway needs several cubic yards of concrete placed and finished before it sets. That takes a trained crew, proper tools, and a plan for the truck. A mistake on a large slab means paying for removal, at $2 to $6 per square foot, and then paying for the pour again.
| Factor | DIY | Hiring a Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Small pads and short walks | Driveways, patios, foundations, decorative work |
| Up-front cost | Lower | Higher. Labor is 40 to 50 percent of a slab job, per HomeGuide |
| Tools | Rent or buy | Included |
| Risk | High on large pours | Lower, with a warranty |
| Permits and inspections | You handle them | Usually handled for you |
| Finish quality | Depends on your skill | Consistent |
If the slab carries vehicles, touches the house, or needs a permit, hire a pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find good concrete contractors near me? Combine a map search with referrals from neighbors and a local ready-mix supplier. Then check each license, ask for proof of insurance, and get three written bids.
How many bids should I get? Three is a good number. It shows you the local price range without wasting weeks.
How much does a concrete driveway cost? HomeGuide puts the national average at $6 to $15 per square foot installed. Angi reports $8 to $20 per square foot. Local prices vary.
How thick should a driveway be? Four inches is common for cars. Plan on 5 to 6 inches for heavier vehicles.
How long before I can drive on new concrete? Wait at least 7 days for light vehicles and about 28 to 30 days for heavy ones.
Do I need a permit? It depends on your city. Driveways, sidewalks near the street, and foundations often need one. Call your building department to confirm.
Should I pick the lowest bid? Not by default. Compare thickness, PSI, base, reinforcement, and warranty first. The cheapest bid often leaves something out.
Is a deposit normal? Yes. A modest deposit is standard. Avoid anyone who wants the full price before work starts.
Do concrete driveway contractors near me also do removal? Many do. Ask if demolition and haul-away are in the bid or priced as an extra.
Will my new concrete crack? Some hairline cracking is normal. Good base work, control joints, and proper curing keep cracks small and in planned places.
Final Thoughts
Typing concrete contractors near me into a search bar takes five seconds. Choosing well takes longer. Hiring for concrete work comes down to a few steady habits. Search widely, then narrow the list with facts you can check. Confirm the license and insurance yourself. Compare written bids on the same scope. Sign a clear contract, and tie payments to progress.
The best concrete company for your job may not be the first one in the search results, or the cheapest. It is the one that measures your site, explains the plan, answers questions without pressure, and puts every promise in writing. Take a week or two to choose well. The slab will be there for a very long time.
Key Takeaways
- A search for concrete contractors near me gives you a starting list, not a final answer, so add referrals, supplier leads, and a license lookup.
- Check the license, liability insurance, workers’ compensation coverage, and any required bond before you ask for a bid.
- Get three written bids that list dimensions, thickness, PSI, base, reinforcement, joints, finish, permits, and warranty.
- National averages in 2026 run about $6 to $12 per square foot for a slab and $6 to $15 for a driveway, and local prices vary.
- When you compare concrete driveway contractors near me, weigh base work and thickness ahead of price.
- Sign a detailed contract, keep the deposit modest, and hold the final payment until you have walked the finished job.
- Plan the pour for mild weather, stay off the slab for 24 to 48 hours, keep vehicles off for at least 7 days, and seal on schedule.
