Q & A

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

How do you find a good concrete contractor?

Concrete contractors pave driveways, build foundations for homes, install retaining walls, create hardscaping for front and back yards, build concrete steps, and so much more. When searching for a driveway contractor, read reviews from previous customers and ask for referrals. Ask the contractor for photos of examples of their work that’s similar to what you want. Confirm they will get the proper permits so your driveway is up to code. Hiring a driveway contractor to install concrete can average $5-$6 per square foot, or more, depending on where you live, the slope and grade of the driveway site, and regional labor costs. For a new asphalt driveway, the cost could average from $3-5 per square foot. A standard concrete driveway of 500 square feet averaging $5-$6 per square foot would cost $2,500-$3,000 — so it pays to research someone who will do quality work. Excavation and grading work can increase your cost per square foot significantly. Ask whether the contractor provides a materials and labor warranty for their work. Some cracking of the concrete may occur as it settles, but you should talk with your contractor about any structural or aesthetic concerns you have. When hiring a concrete contractor, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.

How much does it cost to redo a concrete driveway?

Replacing or renovating a damaged or time-worn asphalt or concrete driveway can boost your curb appeal and add to your home value. If your concrete driveway is nearing 20 years or more, it may be wise to invest in an entirely new driveway, instead of redoing your current one. Asphalt driveways average 15-20 years of life, so if you start needing major repairs around the 15 year mark, weigh the pros and cons of repairing or replacing it. Request bids from two to three driveway contractors to determine pricing and project scope, and check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack. Here are some examples of average costs:

The national average cost to hire a concrete specialist is $2,750, but that price can vary greatly depending on the work needed to repair and resurface your concrete driveway, the square footage of the project, current costs of concrete, and regional labor rates.
Driveway contractors average $2-$3 per square foot to smooth and resurface your asphalt driveway.
Resurfacing concrete driveways averages $3-$10 per square foot. Pricing can depend on repairs needed, project size and geographic location.
Nationally, the average cost for resurfacing a 500-square-foot driveway ranges from $2,000 to $5,000.
Sealant for a concrete drive can cost $20-$80 per gallon.
Sealant for an asphalt drive averages 25 cents per square foot.

What do paving contractors do?

Paving contractors can be hired to install a concrete or asphalt driveway at your home, office or property. They can also repave an asphalt or concrete driveway that has been damaged by time, weather or heavy loads. When you are looking for a driveway contractor, request quotes from at least three professionals who are in good standing and have great customer reviews. They should do a site visit and write you a bid, detailing the work involved, materials needed, approximate length of the project and estimated cost.

The site for your new driveway will determine costs and the work required for your contractor. First, the ground must be excavated to lay a clear path. This means removing any trees, bushes and stumps. Next, the driveway contractor will grade the area, making a level surface for the concrete or asphalt. To ensure proper drainage, driveway contractors should install a sub-base of compacted gravel (or similar) 4 inches-8 inches deep, depending on your soil type. Then the concrete or asphalt may be poured and smoothed over the top. Your driveway contractor should recommend an appropriate sealant for your climate and advise you on curing time. When hiring a paving contractor, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.

Lisa M.

Verified review

Zeev was contacted to do a couple of projects in our home (plumbing, tub door, and install new stove). He was prompt everyday and did additional small jobs as well. He did an excellent job. My husband and I was completed satisfied with the quality of work Zeev did for us. We highly recommend his services.

Steve S.

I saw the 4SONS Concrete crew (Henry Fuapau) pouring a driveway at my neighbors home. I watched them prepare the site and do the pour. I was impressed with the prep work and the final finished driveway. I was so impressed that I hired them to pour abut 1000 square feet of concrete for me (driveway repair, RV parking pad and a patio in our back yard). The slope for water run off is perfect and has no low spots. After completing the job they cleaned up the job site very well. I would use them in the future and have referred them to another neighbor.

Susan S.

We needed a concrete floor for our greenhouse. Harvey and his crew used the plans provided to give us just what we wanted. The greenhouse has not yet arrived but he has offered to help with any unforeseen adjustments that might be needed. Also tidy and on time.

Julie S.

Lucian did an excellent job buffing and recoating the floors in our house. He was quick and had fair prices. We are very happy with our floors and would absolutely hire him again.

Kaydee W.

Jose and his team are great. We hired him to drywall our entire bathroom, and an interior bedroom wall including some areas of concrete backer board. He also textured and taped everything, as we weren't ready to try this overselves. Not only was his quick to respond, he was available within a week and completed the job in two days. Would absolutely hire Jose again when we plan on doing our next bathroom. Jose was reasonably priced and gave us a competitive bid. Thank you Jose.

Carol E.

Viktor is a man of his word and does what he say's he's going to do. We verbally agreed on price and start date for our 624 square foot space which took two full days of work. We already purchased MDF laminate from another supplier who ran out on installing it. Viktor matched the correct stain color for molding and worked with the difficult areas of brick, stone and concrete stairwell to fit and adhere the flooring. His worker Gorgan did a beautiful job installing the flooring and worked on the weekend. Viktor and his team are dedicated to doing good work and pleasing the customer.

Elizabeth H.

Lil Joe’s concrete impressed me with his positive and and quick response. When I called him after he responded on Thumbtack, he personally answered the call. All others I called did not answer or return calls. Joe did a great job at a great price. He works hard, did a good job and threw river rock stones as a solution to foundation unsightly vent gaps which were the look we wanted on patio (see pic). We chose stamped concrete for patio and front walk. It is lovely. He also redid the driveway. Redos can be difficult. I highly recommend Lil Joe’s Concrete.

Larry R.

Remove carpet, ceramic tile and replace with wood. Looks great, the owner and his helper did a fantastic job. Would have gotten 5 stars if it had completed on schedule.... had one day after carpet demo that we had just a concrete floor

David H.

Spencer poured a new aggregate concrete driveway on the side of our house and a new, connected stamped concrete patio in the back. Very efficient and professional. Laid back, relaxed, hard working style. Will call them again!

Gregg W.

Travis responded very promptly after we called him to provide a quote for a new concrete pool deck and planter. The project was completed and turned out well. Crew showed up when promised and were professional. He came in to a tough situation after a previous contractor had failed to complete the job as promised. We would recommend him highly .

Gail B.

This man listens. You ask questions...you get good, honest answers. Don can do the jobs how you want them done. If you'd like to know any additional ways to accomplish your jobs, he has the knowledge, details, solutions to support that, also. Don's prices are great, fair, reasonable. 1) He put a post w/base in to support my bowed in the middle "semi-sagging" cross beam of the patio roof. 2) Don stabilized my attic fan to stop its vibrating noise & possible motor damage. He put a screen over it on the inside of the attic for safety to prevent little fingers from getting in. 3) He poured concrete. 4) Don moved furniture. He's got the tape measure & the level ready. Hey...and guess what? I hired Don to come back tomorrow to work on my other projects! I'm glad he could put me in on his schedule.

Vanessa B.

I had a concrete overlay put on the old concrete floor in my basement. Seni and his crew were great. On time, clean and fast! Good communication and fair price. Really happy with their work. Great company that I would definitely use again.

Gary R.

Vitaliy closed in a porch area for us and finished in a remarkable 2 weeks as planned. He was professional, courteous, paid attention to detail and was very helpful with suggestions. He did everything from concrete work, raised floor, framing, installed windows and doors, to the finished product. We're very happy with a quality project.

Tara O.

Robert did some demolition work on our concrete patio and laminate floors. It was not easy work and he was always on time and his original bids didn't change. He also made a new cedar front staircase for us which looks great! Highly recommended!

Joe M.

Jose and Forest Landscape installed a large retaining wall and a concrete patio for us. It turned out exactly how we wanted it to. They completed the job on time and with a high quality of workmanship. I would highly recommend Jose and Forest Landscape for any yard project you might need.

Mike B.

Corey is an expert at turning your desires into reality, whether it is a project involving concrete, paving, or even if a patio cover needs removed and a new one installed. He meticulously installed wallboard and shelves in our garage. We really can't think of a project we would not trust him to complete; he is our go-to guy!

Martha E.

Upwards Custom designed and fabricated decorative concrete countertops for our kitchen. The finished counters are a unique and creative center to our living space. We are, without question, very pleased with the end result. And plan to use Upwards Custom for future improvements to our home. As such, we highly recommend Upwards Custom.

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Services: * Roto tilling * Weeding * Raking * lawn Mowing * Edging * Pruning * Trimming * Pressure washing * Aerating * Dethatching * Sod removal and installation * Bark dusting * Rock * Cottage/manor stone installation * Junk removal * Gutter cleaning * Trips to the Goodwill or any other organization you choose * Monthly maintenance or just a one-time clean-up If you don't see it above, just ask; we can probably help! Many of the things customers love about me is my promptness, professionalism, and great prices. In fact, most of my work is spread through word of mouth.

Portland, OR20 Concrete Driveway And Floor Installer near you

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