Foster Hayward Concrete

Hiring the wrong concrete contractor is an expensive mistake that’s hard to fix. Concrete is permanent — a bad pour doesn’t get better with time. Here’s exactly what to check before you hire anyone for a concrete project in Tennessee.

1. Verify They’re Licensed and Insured

Tennessee requires concrete contractors to hold a state contractor’s license for projects over $25,000. For smaller jobs, licensing requirements vary by municipality. More important: general liability insurance and workers’ comp. If a worker gets hurt on your property and your contractor has no coverage, you’re potentially on the hook.

Don’t just ask — ask to see the certificate of insurance. Any legitimate contractor should be able to email it to you before the job starts.

2. Get Everything in Writing

A verbal agreement is not enough. Your written contract should specify:

• Exact dimensions of the work area
• Concrete thickness (4″ minimum for driveways and patios)
• Reinforcement type (rebar, wire mesh, or fiber)
• Finish type and any color or pattern details
• Whether demo/removal of existing concrete is included
• Start date and estimated completion
• Payment schedule
• What warranty is offered

If a contractor won’t put the specifics in writing, walk away.

3. Check Local References — Not Just Online Reviews

Google reviews are useful but easy to game. Ask the contractor for references from jobs completed in the last 12 months, in your area if possible. Then actually call those references. Ask: Did they show up when promised? Was the final cost close to the quote? Would you hire them again? One real conversation with a previous customer is worth 20 anonymous online reviews.

4. Understand the Quote

A low bid isn’t always a good deal. When you get multiple quotes, make sure you’re comparing the same thing. Ask each contractor to specify: how thick? What mix? What reinforcement? What’s the base preparation? A $5/sq ft quote with 3″ unreinforced concrete on no base prep is a worse deal than a $8/sq ft quote with 4″ rebar-reinforced concrete on 4″ compacted gravel.

5. Ask About Their Crew

Some concrete contractors are essentially middlemen — they take your project, then subcontract the actual pour to whoever’s available. The person who gave you the quote may never set foot on your property again. Ask directly: “Is your own crew doing the work, or do you use subcontractors?” There’s nothing wrong with subs in theory, but you should know who you’re actually hiring.

6. Understand Curing and What Happens After

Concrete takes 28 days to reach full strength. Most contractors will tell you the slab is ready for foot traffic in 24–48 hours and vehicles in 7 days. That’s generally accurate, but ask: do they apply a curing compound? Do they have any recommendations about sealing after the cure? A contractor who gives you zero guidance after the pour is done isn’t thinking about the long game.

7. Watch Out for These Red Flags

• Asks for large upfront payment — a deposit of 10–30% is normal; 50%+ upfront for a residential job is a warning sign
• No physical address or local presence — storm chasers and fly-by-night crews show up after weather events; use someone local
• Can’t provide references — if they’ve been in business any length of time, they should have satisfied customers willing to talk
• Unusually fast timeline promises — quality concrete work takes as long as it takes; weather, curing time, and proper prep can’t be rushed
• Pressure to decide immediately — legitimate contractors don’t give you a 24-hour expiration on a quote

8. Compare at Least Three Bids

For any project over a few thousand dollars, get three bids minimum. This gives you a sense of the fair market rate and helps you spot outliers in either direction. Don’t automatically choose the cheapest — understand why one bid is lower. Sometimes it’s efficiency; sometimes it’s corners being cut.

About Foster Hayward Concrete

We’re a veteran-owned concrete company based in Lebanon, TN. We give written quotes, do the work with our own crew, carry full insurance, and stand behind what we pour. If you’re looking for a concrete contractor in Wilson County, Rutherford County, Davidson County, or the surrounding area, give us a call at (615) 359-4128.

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