What questions should I ask a concrete contractor in New Brunswick before hiring?

Before hiring any concrete contractor in New Brunswick, ask these specific questions — the answers will quickly separate experienced, professional contractors from those who may cut corners on the specifications and practices that determine whether your concrete lasts decades or fails prematurely in NB conditions.

Technical questions that reveal real expertise:

"What mix specification will you use, and will it be air-entrained?" The correct answer for any exterior concrete in NB (driveways, patios, sidewalks, steps, porches) is air-entrained concrete, 25 to 32 MPa. A contractor who does not know what air entrainment is, or who says it is not necessary, is either inexperienced with NB conditions or planning to use an inferior product. Air entrainment is not optional in New Brunswick — it is what separates concrete that lasts 25 to 40 years from concrete that spalls and scales within 5 to 7 years.

"What thickness will you pour?" For driveways: 5 to 6 inches minimum. Patios: 4 to 5 inches. Sidewalks: 4 inches. If the number is lower than these minimums, ask why.

"What reinforcement will you use and how will it be supported?" Wire mesh or rebar are both appropriate depending on the application — but they must be supported at mid-slab height on chairs, not laid on the ground. A contractor who places mesh on the ground and says "we pull it up during the pour" is telling you the mesh will end up at the bottom of the slab where it provides minimal reinforcement.

"How will you cure the concrete after the pour?" Correct answers: curing compound applied after finishing, plastic sheeting kept wet for 7 days, or wet burlap. "It'll be fine" or "we don't do anything special" is the wrong answer — proper curing is critical to achieving design strength.

"Where will the control joints be cut, and when?" Control joints prevent random cracking by creating planned weak points. They should be cut within 4 to 12 hours of pouring (or tooled during the pour), spaced every 8 to 12 feet for a 4-inch slab, to a depth of 1/4 the slab thickness.

Business and legal questions:

• Are you insured with general liability coverage? For how much?
• Are you and your crew covered under WorkSafeNB?
• Will you provide a written contract specifying scope, materials, and payment schedule?
• What warranty do you offer on your workmanship?
• What is the payment schedule — be very cautious of contractors demanding 50% or more upfront.
• Can you provide three local references from projects completed in the last two years?

Practical project questions:

• What is the start date and estimated completion?
• Will you handle the removal and disposal of my existing concrete (if applicable)?
• Are permits required for my project and who is responsible for obtaining them?
• What happens if it rains on pour day — what is your contingency?

A contractor who answers these questions confidently, specifically, and consistently is demonstrating the professionalism you want managing a permanent installation on your property. New Brunswick Concrete can help you find contractors in your area through the New Brunswick Construction Network.