Hiring a Concrete Contractor in the Quad Cities: 10 Questions to Ask
Choosing the right concrete contractor in the Quad Cities can make or break your project—whether it’s a new driveway, a stamped concrete patio, or a sidewalk replacement. With freeze–thaw cycles, de-icing salts, and Midwest weather swings, local installation know-how matters. Use these smart questions to separate pros from pretenders and protect your investment.
1) How many projects like mine have you completed locally?
Experience with Davenport, Bettendorf, Rock Island, Moline, and surrounding neighborhoods signals familiarity with soils, drainage, and curing in our climate. Ask for recent, local references and before–after photos.
2) Are you licensed and fully insured?
Verify liability and workers’ comp. This protects you if there’s an on-site mishap and shows they operate professionally.
3) What exactly is included in the estimate?
Request an itemized bid covering excavation, base depth and compaction, reinforcement (rebar or wire mesh), mix design (PSI, air entrainment), control joints, curing method, sealing, cleanup, and hauling. Vague quotes often skip critical steps.
4) What mix design and reinforcement do you recommend?
For driveways, look for 4,000+ PSI with air entrainment and proper reinforcement. For patios and decorative work, ask about fiber-reinforced options and joint layout to reduce cracking.
5) How do you handle weather delays and curing?
Quality contractors have contingency plans: hot-weather placement, cold-weather blankets, wind control, and proper curing (membrane curing compound or wet cure). Cutting corners here leads to scaling or premature cracking.
6) What is your base prep process?
A durable slab starts with the base. Expect compacted granular base at appropriate depth, corrected drainage, and edge support. If they gloss over base prep, keep shopping.
7) Who will be on-site and who supervises?
Know if the estimator is also your foreman, how many crew members are expected, and who makes real-time decisions about joints, finishes, and slope.
8) What finish options and samples can I review?
From broom finish (driveways/walks) to stamped concrete and decorative overlays, ask to see sample boards, flake charts, color hardeners, and release colors. Clarify sealing sheen and slip resistance.
9) What warranty do you provide?
Get it in writing. A solid contractor backs workmanship and materials and explains what’s covered (e.g., spalling, delamination) and what’s excluded (e.g., structural movement from poor soils beyond scope).
10) What’s the project timeline—from mobilization to sealant?
Ask for a realistic schedule, including joint cutting window, cure time before vehicle traffic, and sealing date. Over-promising is a red flag.
Quick Red Flags
- Cash-only or pressure to “decide today.”
- No local references or photos.
- Skips base compaction or joint planning.
- Won’t specify mix design or reinforcement.
Ready to Build It Right?
For more than 40 years, Kelly Designs in Concrete has installed durable, great-looking driveways, patios, sidewalks, and decorative concrete across the Quad Cities. We provide clear, itemized estimates, sturdy base prep, properly designed mixes, and warranties you can count on.
Request your free estimate and get a no-nonsense plan for your project.
Kelly Designs in Concrete
5122 West Kimberly Rd, Davenport, IA 52806
(563) 388-9529
