Why the right questions matter
A concrete job can look simple on paper, but the result depends on good preparation, the right mix, weather conditions, site access and proper finishing. A driveway, patio, slab or path is a long-term part of your property, so it pays to check a concreter’s experience before you commit.
In New Zealand, the cheapest quote is not always the best value. Prices can vary depending on region, site difficulty, demand through summer, and whether the job needs excavation, reinforcing, boxing, drainage or consent-related work. Asking the right questions helps you avoid hidden costs, delays and poor workmanship.
Use the checklist below to compare concreters fairly and choose someone who is suitable for your project, your budget and your timeframe.
What experience do you have with this type of job?
Start with a simple question: **Have you done this kind of concrete work before?**
Not all concreters specialise in the same jobs. A contractor who mostly pours small paths may not be the best fit for a driveway with vehicle loading, retaining edges, steep access or decorative finishes.
Ask about:
- Driveways, patios, paths, slabs, steps or exposed aggregate - Residential versus commercial work - Jobs similar in size and access to yours - Experience working on sloped sections, clay soils or tight suburban sites - Whether they handle excavation, formwork, reinforcing and finishing in-house or through subcontractors
It’s worth asking for examples of recent projects. Photos are useful, but ideally ask to see completed jobs in person or speak to past clients.
What will you be responsible for, and what will I need to organise?
Some concreters provide a full service; others only handle the pour and finish. Clarify exactly what is included so you are not left arranging extra labour or equipment at the last minute.
Ask who is responsible for:
- Measuring and confirming levels - Excavation and site preparation - Removal of old concrete or spoil - Basecourse supply and compaction - Boxing and formwork - Reinforcement mesh or steel - Supply and placement of the concrete itself - Finishing, cutting joints and clean-up - Sealing, colour matching or decorative treatments
If your project needs council consent, ask whether the concreter can help with the information you need for the consent process. They should not promise consent approval, but they may be able to provide drawings, product details or engineering information.
Are you licensed or certified for any related work?
For standard residential concrete work, there is usually no separate national licence just for being a concreter. However, your project may involve other regulated trades or consent requirements.
Check whether the job includes any of the following:
| Work type | What to check | | --- | --- | | Plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying | These are restricted trades in New Zealand and must be done by appropriately licensed people under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB). | | Electrical work | Electrical work must be carried out by authorised people and certified in line with Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) requirements. | | Building work requiring a consent | Some concrete work, especially larger slabs, retaining-related work or additions connected to a dwelling, may need a building consent from the local council. | | Design or structural work | If the slab is part of a structural build, ask whether an engineer is involved and whether documentation is provided. |
If a concreter is bringing in subcontractors, ask for their licence details too. For any work that touches regulated trades, don’t assume it is covered just because one contractor says they can “handle everything”.
Are you insured?
Insurance matters because concrete work can cause costly damage if something goes wrong. Ask for proof of current insurance, not just a verbal assurance.
At minimum, ask whether they have:
- Public liability insurance - Vehicle and plant insurance for their equipment - Workers’ compensation cover or equivalent protection for staff - Contract works or project-specific cover if your job is larger
Ask what the insurance actually covers. For example, does it cover accidental damage to your house, fencing, neighbouring property or underground services? If the job is on a difficult site, ask what happens if excavation reveals soft ground, buried services or drainage issues.
It is reasonable to ask for a certificate of currency. A professional contractor should not mind providing this.
Can you give me a written quote with all costs listed?
Always get **multiple written quotes** so you can compare apples with apples. A quote should clearly show what you are paying for, not just a single lump sum.
A good quote should include:
- Total price in NZD - GST status - Scope of work and materials included - Concrete strength or mix specification - Thickness of slab or driveway - Reinforcement details - Excavation, site prep and disposal costs - Colouring, exposed aggregate, stamping or sealing if relevant - Allowances for pump hire, access issues or machine hire - Payment terms and deposit amount - Any exclusions or provisional sums
Be careful with vague quotes that say “supply and lay concrete” without specifying thickness, finish or prep work. That can lead to disputes later when you discover the quote only covered the concrete pour, not the base or excavation.
If one quote is much lower than the others, ask why. It may be a genuine deal, but it may also leave out important items.
What is your process from quote to completion?
A clear process is a good sign of an organised contractor. Ask them to walk you through the job from start to finish.
Useful questions include:
- Will you visit the site before quoting? - How do you confirm levels, falls and drainage? - When will excavation and base preparation happen? - How do you protect existing surfaces, fences and gardens? - What weather conditions will cause delays? - How long after the pour can the area be walked on or driven on?
For many residential concrete jobs, timing matters. Summer is busy, and heat or dry wind can affect curing and finishing. Winter can bring rain, cold temperatures and slower curing, especially in some regions. Ask how they adjust their programme for seasonal conditions so your concrete isn’t rushed or poured in poor weather.
What concrete mix, thickness and finish do you recommend?
The right product depends on how the concrete will be used. A driveway needs different performance than a garden path or a shed slab.
Ask about:
- Concrete strength or mix design - Recommended thickness for your use case - Reinforcement and joint spacing - Whether the mix suits your site exposure and drainage conditions - The finish options available, such as broom finish, plain trowel, exposed aggregate or coloured concrete
A good concreter should explain why they recommend a particular specification rather than simply selling the most expensive option. They should also tell you if your expectations are unrealistic for the site or budget.
How will you manage drainage, levels and cracking?
Concrete problems often come from poor preparation rather than the pour itself. Drainage and control joints are especially important in New Zealand homes where heavy rain, clay soils or sloping sites can cause movement and pooling.
Ask:
- What falls will be built into the surface? - Where will water drain to? - How will the edge be supported? - Where will control joints be cut? - What cracking is considered normal versus a defect?
No concrete is completely crack-free, but a professional should be able to reduce the risk and explain what to expect.
What is your timeframe, and how will weather affect the programme?
Ask for a realistic start date and completion timeline. Good concreters often have busy calendars, especially in spring and summer, so don’t be surprised if you need to book ahead.
Clarify:
- Earliest start date - How long the work will take on site - Whether weather delays will change the programme - How much notice you will receive if the date moves - Whether you need to be home for access or approvals
If the concrete is part of a larger renovation, ask how their timing fits with other trades. Concrete often needs other work to be finished first, such as drainage, retaining, plumbing or foundations.
What guarantee or workmanship warranty do you provide?
Ask what happens if there is a problem after the job is complete. A clear warranty is a sign the contractor stands behind their work.
Find out:
- How long the workmanship warranty lasts - What defects are covered - What is excluded, such as normal shrinkage cracks or damage caused by poor site use - How to report a problem and how quickly they respond - Whether the warranty is provided in writing
Be cautious if a contractor promises “lifetime” cover without details. A useful warranty should be specific and realistic.
Can you provide recent references?
References help you check whether the concreter is reliable, tidy and easy to deal with. Ask for recent local referees, not just old or hand-picked examples.
When you contact references, ask:
- Was the quote accurate? - Did the job start and finish on time? - Was the site left tidy? - Were there any issues with cracks, finish or drainage? - Would you hire them again?
If possible, ask whether you can view a completed driveway, patio or slab nearby. Seeing the finished work in person is often more revealing than photos.
What should I look for in the contract?
Before work starts, make sure everything is in writing. A proper contract or job agreement should set out the scope, price, timeframe and responsibilities.
Look for:
- Full business details - Written quote or schedule of works - Start and completion dates - Payment schedule - Variations process if the scope changes - Insurance and warranty details - Who is responsible for consent or inspection requirements - Cleanup and waste removal obligations
Never rely on a text message alone for a job that costs thousands of dollars. If something is important, get it written down.
Red flags when hiring a concreter
Some warning signs are worth taking seriously:
- No written quote - Pressure to pay a large cash deposit upfront - Unwillingness to show insurance or references - Very vague answers about mix, reinforcement or drainage - No site visit before quoting for a complex job - Promises that sound too good to be true, especially on price or timing - Reluctance to discuss consent or subcontracted licensed work
If something feels off, walk away and keep looking. There are plenty of concreters in New Zealand, and it is worth taking the time to find the right one.
A simple checklist to use before you hire
Use these questions in your first call or site visit:
- Have you done similar concrete jobs in New Zealand? - Can you show recent photos or references? - Are you insured, and can you provide proof? - What exactly is included in the quote? - Will you handle excavation, prep, reinforcement and finishing? - Does this job need council consent or other regulated trades? - What mix, thickness and finish do you recommend? - How will you manage drainage, cracking and control joints? - What is the start date and how long will it take? - What warranty do you provide in writing?
Asking these questions up front will help you compare quotes fairly, avoid hidden costs and choose a concreter who is professional, transparent and right for the job.