How to Choose a Concrete Contractor in Austin (10 Questions to Ask)
Not every Austin concrete contractor is equal. Use this 10-question checklist to find a pro who pours slabs that will not crack in 2 years.
Austin's concrete market is crowded — here is how to spot a pro
The Texas building boom has flooded Austin with self-proclaimed "concrete guys." Use this checklist before you sign anything.
The 10 questions
1. Are you licensed and insured in Texas? Ask for the certificate of insurance — naming you as additional insured for the project. 2. How thick will my slab be? 4" code-min, but 5" reinforced is the smart Austin answer. 3. Will you use rebar or mesh? Rebar (#3 or #4 on chairs) is correct. Mesh laid on dirt is a red flag. 4. What is your base prep process? Excavation depth, compaction, and base material matter more than the concrete itself in Austin clay. 5. How will you handle control joints? Saw-cut within 6 – 12 hrs, every 8 – 10 ft, 1/4 depth. 6. What PSI mix? 3,000 PSI minimum, 3,500 standard, 4,000 for driveways and pool decks. 7. Will you provide a written warranty? 1 year minimum on cracking beyond hairline. TSB warrants 2 years. 8. Can I see 3 local projects? Drive-bys are non-negotiable. Photos are not. 9. Who pulls the permit? A contractor unwilling to pull permits is a contractor planning to disappear. 10. What is your payment schedule? Never pay more than 30% upfront. Never pay cash. Stage payments to milestones.
Red flags
- Door-to-door solicitation
- Cash-only / unusually low bid
- No physical office address
- Cannot produce insurance certificate same-day
- Refuses written contract
- Pressure to sign today
Why Texan Strong Builds
- Licensed & insured in Texas
- Self-perform every concrete & landscape trade
- Two-year warranty on all flatwork
- 100% local Austin team, no subcontractor mystery
- Free written estimates
- 5-star Google reviews
Get a real quote
Call (512) 781-8851 or use the contact form. We'll tell you what your project actually costs — and what it should not.