Hiring the right concreter can make the difference between a slab, driveway or patio that lasts for decades and one that cracks, ponds water or becomes a costly repair job. In New Zealand, where weather, ground conditions and site access can vary a lot, it pays to choose carefully and check more than just the lowest quote.
This guide walks you through how to find, vet and hire a good concreter in NZ, from the first search to signing a proper contract.
Start with the right shortlist
A good result usually starts with a good shortlist. Look for concreters who regularly do the type of work you need, whether that is a driveway, foundation slab, footpath, exposed aggregate patio, kerb and channel, or a small structural pour.
Where to look
• Ask neighbours, friends, family, builders and property managers who they have used recently
• Check local trade directories and business listings
• Look at the concreter’s own website and social pages for recent projects
• Ask a builder, landscaper or drainlayer you already trust for referrals
• Look for businesses working in your region, especially if you are outside the main centres and need someone familiar with local access, ground conditions and weather delays
A strong local reputation matters. In many parts of NZ, a concreter who understands clay soils, hillside sites, coastal conditions or frequent rain is often a safer choice than a cheaper operator from far away.
What to look for first
• Clear examples of similar jobs
• Good workmanship in photos, especially finishing, edges and control joints
• Evidence they handle both preparation and finishing properly
• A straightforward way to contact them and discuss your project
Check experience, qualifications and licensing
Not every concreter needs the same level of formal registration, but you should still check they are legally set up to trade and competent for the work.
Ask about experience with your type of job
Different concreting work needs different skills. A decorative patio is not the same as a driveway that must handle vehicles every day, and a house slab needs different planning again.
Ask questions like:
• How long have you been doing concreting work in New Zealand?
• Have you completed projects like mine in the last 12 months?
• Do you handle excavation, boxing, mesh and finish work yourself, or use subcontractors?
• Who will actually be on site each day?
Check business legitimacy
Before you go any further, make sure the concreter is a real, registered business with a NZBN if applicable and a proper invoice trail. You should be able to get a written quote, tax invoice and contract.
If the job involves related building work, drainage, retaining or structural elements, check whether other trades or consents are needed. A good concreter should be able to tell you when a building consent, council approval or engineer design is likely to be required.
Ask about workmanship standards
Good concreters should be able to explain:
• Mix design and strength suitable for the job
• Reinforcement or mesh requirements
• Base preparation and drainage considerations
• Control joints and crack management
• Curing and aftercare
If they cannot explain these basics clearly, that is a red flag.
Vet references, reviews and past work
References are one of the best ways to separate reliable operators from the rest. Do not just ask for references and move on — actually follow them up.
What to ask referees
• Was the job finished on time or close to it?
• Was the site kept tidy and safe?
• Did the concreter communicate clearly about delays, weather and changes?
• Was the final result as promised?
• Were there any issues with cracking, drainage or finishing?
• Would you hire them again?
If possible, ask for recent jobs in your area so you can see finished work in person. This is especially useful for driveways, exposed aggregate and decorative finishes, where quality is easier to judge up close.
How to assess reviews
Online reviews can be helpful, but read them carefully. Look for patterns, not just star ratings.
• Multiple reviews mentioning poor communication are worth noting
• Consistent praise for punctuality and tidy work is a good sign
• Very short or overly generic reviews may be less useful than detailed ones
• A mix of reviews is normal; perfection is not always realistic, but honesty matters
Get at least three written quotes
Never rely on one quote unless the job is very small. Aim for at least three written quotes so you can compare price, scope and professionalism.
Typical NZ concreting price guides
Indicative prices vary by region, access, finish and site preparation, but these are common ranges for residential work:
• Plain concrete driveway: about $120 to $220 per square metre
• Exposed aggregate driveway or patio: about $180 to $320 per square metre
• Concrete footpaths: about $100 to $180 per square metre
• Small slab or shed base: about $140 to $250 per square metre
• Stairs, retaining details or complex edge work: often priced separately
These are only rough guides. Tight access, demolition, poor ground, extra excavation, reinforcement, pump hire and council requirements can all increase the price.
What a proper quote should include
• Site measure or clear allowance for the area
• Concrete thickness and finish type
• Excavation and base preparation
• Reinforcement, mesh or bar details
• Formwork, pouring, finishing and curing
• Disposal of spoil and rubbish
• Drainage, saw cuts and sealing if included
• GST, payment terms and likely start timeframe
Be wary of vague quotes that simply say “concrete driveway” with one lump sum. The more detail, the easier it is to compare apples with apples.
Watch for hidden extras
Ask whether the following are included or extra:
• Pumping concrete if the truck cannot reach the pour
• Cutting existing concrete or removing old paving
• Council permits or traffic management
• Heat or rain delays
• Sealers, colour additives or decorative finishes
Check insurance, guarantees and contracts
A good concreter should carry appropriate insurance for public liability and be willing to explain what is covered. This matters if there is accidental damage to your property, a neighbour’s property or injury on site.
Insurance to ask about
• Public liability insurance
• Vehicle and plant cover for on-site equipment
• Workers’ compensation or equivalent cover arrangements for staff
• Any subcontractor insurance if other trades are involved
If they hesitate to answer, consider that a warning sign.
Get everything in writing
A proper contract protects both sides. It does not need to be complicated, but it should clearly spell out the job and the expectations.
Make sure the agreement includes:
• Full scope of work
• Materials and finish type
• Start date and estimated completion date
• Payment schedule and deposit amount
• Variations process for changes or extra work
• Who is responsible for consents or approvals
• Warranty or defects process, if offered
Avoid paying a large upfront deposit. For most residential jobs, a small deposit and progress payments linked to milestones is more sensible than paying most of the job cost before work has started.
Before work begins
• Confirm access to the site
• Clear the area of furniture, vehicles and obstacles
• Discuss weather delays and curing time
• Ask how long before you can walk or drive on the concrete
Make the final decision with confidence
The best concreter is not always the cheapest, and the most expensive is not always the best. Choose the one who gives you confidence in their process, communication and professionalism.
A reliable concreter will usually
• Ask detailed questions before quoting
• Explain site prep, reinforcement and curing clearly
• Provide a written quote and contract
• Carry appropriate insurance
• Have recent local references
• Communicate clearly and respectfully
If you are comparing two or three similar quotes, use the decision factors below:
• Quality of previous work
• Clarity of the quote
• Confidence in site preparation and drainage knowledge
• Communication and responsiveness
• Availability and realistic timeframes
A well-done concrete job should be straight, properly prepared, durable and suited to your site conditions. Taking the time to vet your concreter properly is one of the easiest ways to avoid costly problems later.
If you want a concrete job done once and done properly, treat the hiring process like part of the project itself. A few careful checks now can save you years of frustration later.