Hiring the wrong concrete contractor in Oregon can result in cracked driveways, failed patios, permit violations, and costly repairs. The Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) licenses concrete contractors and provides consumer protection, but the best protection is asking the right questions before you sign anything. Whether you're getting quotes for a new driveway in Portland, a stamped patio in Salem, or a foundation in Eugene, these 15 questions will help you evaluate contractors, compare bids, and make a confident hiring decision.
1. Are You Licensed with the Oregon CCB?
Every concrete contractor working in Oregon must hold a valid Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license. The CCB license number should be displayed on all business cards, estimates, contracts, and vehicles. You can verify any Oregon CCB license at ccb.oregon.gov — check that the license is active, covers the type of work being performed (residential, commercial, or both), and has no disciplinary actions. Never hire an unlicensed concrete contractor in Oregon — you lose all CCB consumer protection rights if you do.
2. Do You Carry General Liability and Workers' Compensation Insurance?
Ask for certificates of insurance showing general liability coverage (minimum $500,000 per occurrence for residential work) and workers' compensation coverage for all employees. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor doesn't have workers' comp, you could be liable. General liability insurance protects you if the contractor damages your property. Request that your name be listed as an additional insured on the liability policy for the duration of the project.
3. Will You Pull the Required Permits?
Most concrete projects in Oregon require permits — driveways with new curb cuts, retaining walls over 4 feet, foundations, and sidewalk work near public right-of-way all typically require permits. A reputable contractor will pull permits in their name and coordinate required inspections. Be wary of contractors who suggest skipping permits to save money — unpermitted work can create problems when selling your home and may need to be removed or rebuilt at your expense.
4. What is Your Experience with This Type of Project?
Concrete work is highly specialized — a contractor who excels at driveways may not have experience with stamped concrete or foundation work. Ask specifically about their experience with your project type, how many similar projects they've completed in Oregon, and whether they can provide references from recent comparable projects. Ask to see photos of completed work. For decorative concrete (stamped, exposed aggregate, stained), experience and skill level vary enormously between contractors.
5. What Does Your Written Estimate Include?
A complete concrete estimate should specify: slab dimensions and thickness, concrete mix design (PSI strength, air entrainment for freeze-thaw areas), subbase preparation method and depth, reinforcement type (rebar, wire mesh, fiber), finishing method, joint layout and saw-cut schedule, sealer type and application, cleanup and disposal, permit fees, payment schedule, and project timeline. Vague estimates that only list a total price are a red flag — you have no way to compare them to other bids or verify what you're getting.
6. What Concrete Mix Will You Use?
The concrete mix design significantly affects durability and longevity. For Oregon's climate, exterior concrete should be minimum 4,000 PSI with air entrainment (5–7% air content) for freeze-thaw resistance. In Bend and other high-elevation areas, air entrainment is especially important. Ask about the water-cement ratio — a lower ratio (0.45 or less) produces stronger, more durable concrete. Fly ash or slag cement additions can improve workability and long-term strength. A knowledgeable contractor should be able to discuss mix design without hesitation.
7. How Will You Prepare the Subbase?
The subbase is the foundation of your concrete slab — poor subbase preparation is the leading cause of concrete cracking and settlement. Ask how deep the subbase will be excavated, what material will be used (crushed gravel is standard), how it will be compacted, and whether a vapor barrier will be installed under slabs in contact with soil. In Oregon's clay-heavy soils (common in the Willamette Valley), proper subbase preparation is especially critical.
8. What Warranty Do You Offer?
Ask for the contractor's warranty in writing. A standard warranty for residential concrete work in Oregon covers workmanship defects for 1–2 years. Some contractors offer longer warranties on specific aspects of the work. Understand what the warranty covers (workmanship vs. material defects), what voids the warranty (improper maintenance, deicing salt use), and how warranty claims are handled. A contractor who won't provide a written warranty is a significant red flag.
9. What is the Payment Schedule?
Oregon law limits the deposit a contractor can require before work begins. A typical payment schedule for a residential concrete project is 10–30% deposit at contract signing, progress payments tied to project milestones, and a final payment (10–20%) upon completion and your satisfaction. Never pay the full amount upfront — this removes your leverage if problems arise. Be wary of contractors who demand large upfront payments or cash-only arrangements.
10. How Will You Handle Unexpected Issues?
Ask how the contractor handles unexpected site conditions — buried utilities, poor soil, or underground obstructions. A reputable contractor will have a clear process for notifying you of unexpected conditions, providing a change order with revised pricing before proceeding, and documenting any changes to the original scope. Avoid contractors who say they'll 'handle whatever comes up' without a clear process for change order management.