Start with Licensing and Insurance
Wisconsin doesn't require a state-level contractor license for residential concrete work, but many municipalities do. Check with your city or county building department for local requirements.
What every contractor must have:
• General liability insurance ($1 million minimum) • Workers' compensation insurance (if they have employees) • A registered business entity in Wisconsin
Ask for certificates of insurance, not just a verbal confirmation. Call the insurance company to verify the policy is active. If a contractor can't produce these documents, walk away.
How to Compare Bids
Get three written quotes minimum. A proper bid should include:
• Exact square footage and thickness • Concrete mix specification (PSI rating) • Reinforcement method (rebar, wire mesh, fiber) • Subbase preparation details • Control joint plan • Finish type (broom, stamped, exposed aggregate) • Demolition and removal of old concrete (if applicable) • Timeline with start date and estimated completion • Payment schedule (never pay more than 30% upfront) • Warranty terms in writing
If a bid is significantly lower than others, they're cutting corners on materials, prep, or both. The cheapest bid almost never delivers the best result. See our pricing guide for what each line item should cost.
Red Flags to Watch For
Avoid contractors who:
• Demand full payment upfront or cash only • Can't provide references from the past 12 months • Won't put the scope, price, and timeline in writing • Pressure you to sign immediately ("this price is only good today") • Have no online reviews or a suspiciously new business • Skip pulling permits when your municipality requires them • Can't explain their concrete mix, reinforcement, or curing plan • Show up without a crew (a single person pouring concrete is a red flag for anything larger than a small pad)
Questions That Separate Good Contractors from Great Ones
Ask these and pay attention to how they answer:
• "Walk me through how you'll prep the subbase." A great contractor will explain compaction, gravel depth, and moisture barriers without being asked. • "What happens if it rains during or right after the pour?" They should have a plan: covering with plastic, rescheduling, adjusting the mix. • "How do you handle cracks that appear after curing?" Honest answer: control joints minimize cracking, but some hairline cracks are normal. They should explain what their warranty covers. • "Can I see a current job site?" Confident contractors welcome this. Hesitation is a bad sign.
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