A new concrete driveway is a big investment—and if it’s done wrong, you’ll feel it for years. Cracking, scaling, drainage problems, and uneven settling often come from one thing: hiring the wrong contractor. If you’re comparing bids in Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Palm Valley, or nearby areas, here’s a practical checklist to help you choose wisely (and avoid expensive do-overs).
1) Verify Licensing & Insurance (Don’t Skip This)
Start with the basics. A reputable concrete contractor should be licensed where required and fully insured. Ask for proof of insurance and confirm it’s current. This protects you if something goes wrong on the jobsite, and it’s often a clear divider between professionals and “cash-price” outfits.
2) Look for Driveway-Specific Experience
Concrete is not one-size-fits-all. Driveways must handle heavy loads, water runoff, and freeze/thaw cycles. Ask how long they’ve been installing concrete driveways, what thickness they recommend, and how they reinforce the slab (rebar, wire mesh, or fiber—depending on the job). A seasoned contractor should explain their approach clearly, without getting defensive.
3) Ask About the Process (Base Prep Is Everything)
Most driveway failures start below the concrete. A strong driveway depends on proper grading, compaction, and a stable base. Ask what they do to prepare the subgrade, how they handle soft spots, and how they plan to manage drainage. If the answer is vague—or they act like prep “doesn’t matter”—that’s a red flag.
4) Check Reviews, Photos, and Local Reputation
Online reviews can be helpful, but read them for specifics. Look for patterns: communication, punctuality, cleanliness, and how the contractor handled hiccups. Also request photos of recent driveway projects. Bonus points if they’ve worked in neighborhoods like yours and can speak to local soil and drainage conditions.
5) Get Clear Warranty Terms (In Writing)
A trustworthy contractor stands behind their work. Ask what the warranty covers and what it doesn’t, and get it in writing. Be cautious of contractors who promise “lifetime” warranties with no details, or who refuse to put anything on paper. Real warranties have clear terms and realistic expectations.
6) Watch for These Concrete Contractor Red Flags
- Pressure tactics: “Today only” pricing or rushing you to sign.
- No written estimate: You want scope, materials, timeline, and payment terms documented.
- Suspiciously low bids: Often means corners cut on prep, reinforcement, or curing.
- Cash-only demands: Especially if paired with no contract or paperwork.
- Dodging questions: Pros explain; amateurs deflect.
Why Jacksonville Homeowners Trust Ernest Concrete
Ernest Concrete has served Jacksonville and surrounding communities since 1990. We install and replace concrete driveways with careful base preparation, professional workmanship, and clear communication from start to finish. We’re licensed and insured, offer veteran and senior discounts, and we back our work with warranty coverage (terms vary by job—just ask and we’ll walk you through it).
If you’re planning a driveway project, reach out for a straightforward estimate and honest guidance—no pressure, just solid work done right.