Hiring the wrong concrete contractor is more expensive than hiring the right one at a higher price. Here are the five mistakes that consistently cost Mountain View homeowners money.
Choosing the lowest bid without comparing scope
Compare bids line by line: same thickness, same reinforcement, same base prep, same haul-off, same finish. A bid that excludes any of these items is not comparable to one that includes them.
Not getting a written estimate before work starts
A written estimate specifies what is included, what is excluded, the concrete thickness and reinforcement spec, the finish type, the timeline, and what could change the price. Without it, you have no baseline agreement.
Not asking about access and site planning upfront
If a contractor does not ask about gates, trees, shared driveways, neighbor proximity, and HOA restrictions before giving an estimate, the site visit will reveal surprises that increase the price.
Expecting a patch to solve a drainage or base problem
If the concrete is failing because of a drainage issue or a failed sub-base, a cosmetic repair will fail in the same place. A good contractor will tell you this honestly.
Not asking about cure time and post-pour access
The cure timeline should be confirmed before the work starts, not at the end of pour day. Not knowing means you may damage the new surface by using it too early.
See also: Henry Concrete process page, pricing guide, and FAQ.