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How to Properly Vet a ConcreteContractor: Questions Every HomeownerShould Ask
- Syed Meesum Hasan Zaidi
- Oct 12
- 4 min read
Hiring a concrete contractor isn’t just about who gives the lowest price—it’s about protecting your investment and avoiding costly mistakes. At Greater Valley Concrete, we’ve seen homeowners deal with the aftermath of bad hires: cracks, drainage issues, and unfinished projects.
This guide shows you how to properly vet a concrete contractor in California, what to look for, and the realistic expectations every homeowner should have.
✅ Step 1: Verify License Number & CSLB Status
A professional contractor must have an active license with the California State License Board (CSLB).
How to check: Visit the CSLB website and enter the contractor’s license number.
What you’ll find:
● If their license is active or inactive
● Any citations or violations
● How long they’ve been licensed
🚩 Red Flag: If a contractor hesitates to provide their license number, walk away.
✅ Step 2: Ask About Bonding & Insurance
A legitimate contractor should always be:
● Bonded → Protects you if the contractor fails to finish the work.
● Insured → Covers accidents or damages during the project.
Always request proof of insurance before signing. Without it, liability could fall on you.
✅ Step 3: Understand California Down Payment Rules
California law protects homeowners by limiting deposits:
● Contractors cannot ask for more than 10% of the project price or $1,000—whichever is less.
Examples:
● Driveway project: $15,000 → maximum legal deposit = $1,000
● Patio project: $5,000 → maximum legal deposit = $500
🚩 Red Flag: Any contractor asking for half down is breaking the law.
✅ Step 4: Demand a Detailed, Written Contract
Verbal promises aren’t enough. A professional contract should include:
● Scope of work (driveway, patio, foundation, etc.)
● Concrete specs (thickness, rebar, mix type)
● Timeline & payment schedule
● Warranty terms
📌 Use e-signature platforms like DocuSign or Adobe Sign so both parties are legally bound.
🚩 Red Flags in Contracts:
● Missing materials list
● No clear timeline
● Large upfront payments
● No license number
✅ Step 5: Be a Prepared Homeowner
Ask smart questions before hiring:
● What is your license number?
● Are you bonded and insured?
● What slab thickness and rebar spacing do you recommend?
● How do you handle drainage around the slab?
● What exactly is included in the quote (materials, cleanup, permits)?
Being prepared keeps the project professional and avoids surprises.
✅ Step 6: Set Realistic Expectations
Concrete is durable, but not flawless:
● Hairline cracks are common from natural shrinkage.
● Color variations may occur due to weather and curing.
● Drainage slopes are necessary to prevent pooling.
👉 A good contractor explains these upfront. A bad one promises “perfection.”
What Quality Concrete Work Looks Like
● Proper Subgrade Compaction → prevents settling and cracks.
● Base Thickness Standards:
○ Sidewalks → 2–4" gravel + 4" slab
○ Patios → 4" gravel + 4–6" slab
○ Driveways → 4–8" gravel + 4–6" slab (depending on vehicles)
● Rebar Placement: Must be elevated, spaced 12–18" on center.
● Concrete Mix: 6-sack mix with correct water ratio.
● Curing: Retarders, curing agents, or water curing for durability.
🚧 Real Failures We’ve Seen:
● Driveway poured too thin → cracked within a year
● Patio poured on dirt → settled unevenly
● Sidewalk without a base → lifted and broke from frost
● Rebar on soil → slab lost strength
✅ Step 7: Permits, Codes & HOA Rules
A professional contractor handles all permits—not the homeowner.
● Permits: Licensed contractors must pull them under their license.
● Local codes: Thickness, reinforcement, and drainage rules vary by city.
● HOAs: Some restrict how much hardscape you can add.
🚩 Red Flag: If a contractor tells you to “skip permits,” they’re cutting corners.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How thick should a concrete driveway be?
A: At least 4", or 5–6" for heavier vehicles like trucks or RVs.
Q: What’s the legal maximum deposit in California?
A: 10% of the project price or $1,000—whichever is less.
Q: Should homeowners pull permits?
A: No. Contractors must handle permits under their license number.
Q: Is it normal for concrete to crack?
A: Hairline cracks are common, but major cracks can be avoided with proper prep, rebar, and curing.
Q: Do HOAs regulate concrete work?
A: Yes, many HOAs limit hardscape coverage, drainage, or even design. Always check before starting.
📍 Areas We Serve
At Greater Valley Concrete, we proudly serve homeowners and businesses across the Central Valley and Northern California, including:
● Stockton
● Lathrop
● Modesto
● Manteca
● Turlock
● Lodi
● Elk Grove
● Galt
● Sacramento
● Valley Springs
● Folsom
● Roseville
● Merced
● Oakdale
● Livermore
● Dublin
● ...and surrounding areas
No matter where you are, our team brings expert craftsmanship, transparency, and dependable results to every project.
✅ Final Thoughts: Hire Smart, Not Cheap
Choosing the right concrete contractor isn’t about the lowest bid—it’s about protecting your home for decades.
● Verify licenses
● Confirm bonding & insurance
● Respect California deposit laws
● Get everything in writing
● Check rebar, slab thickness & prep
● Ensure permits are pulled properly
At Greater Valley Concrete, we pride ourselves on transparency, craftsmanship, and helping homeowners make informed decisions.
📞 Call Us Today: 209-420-9065
🌐 Visit Our Website: GreaterValleyConcrete.com
📧 Email Us: greatervalley1@gmail.com
👉 Free consultations available — let’s build something strong together.
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Learn how to hire the right concrete contractor in California. Check licenses, insurance, deposits, contracts & permits before starting your project.