Why Hiring the Right Concrete Contractor Matters

You’ve probably seen it before. A concrete patio that slopes the wrong way. A driveway already cracking after one winter. Or worse—some poor neighbor still waiting for their contractor to return their calls. Concrete work is one of those things that looks easy from a distance, but when it’s done wrong, it’s a long-lasting headache.

We’ve worked on plenty of properties around Chittenden County fixing mistakes that should never have happened in the first place. And every time, the homeowner says the same thing: “I just wish I’d known what to look for before I hired someone.”

That’s why we put this guide together. Whether you’re pouring a foundation, setting a new walkway, or getting a fresh driveway, knowing how to choose the right contractor can save you money, time, and stress. Let’s walk through it.

Who This Guide Is For

This is for the homeowner who doesn’t want to gamble with their money. Maybe you’ve been burned before, or maybe this is your first big concrete project. You don’t want fluff, and you don’t want upsells. You just want someone who shows up, does what they say, and leaves you with solid, clean results.

You might not know the difference between rebar and mesh, but you do know what it feels like to worry if someone’s going to mess up your property. We get it. We’ve worked with homeowners all over Grand Isle, Franklin, and Chittenden Counties who felt the same way. You deserve better than guesswork.

What Makes a “Good” Concrete Contractor (And What Doesn’t)

Here’s what we’ve learned over the years: the best concrete contractors aren’t just good with a float and a trowel. They also show up on time, listen, and care about your property like it’s their own.

A great contractor will:

• Explain their process in plain language
  

• Give you a clear quote (not a vague ballpark)
  

• Talk through drainage, slope, and finish options
  

• Prepare the base properly (this is huge)
  

• Clean up when they’re done

If they show up with vague answers, skip over prep work, or shrug when you ask about Vermont winters—they’re not the one.

Warning Signs of a Bad Concrete Contractor

We’ve seen the red flags so many times, we could spot them from a mile away. Here’s what you want to avoid:

• They want full payment upfront. That’s a no.
  

• They say “trust me” but offer no details. Red flag.
  

• They can’t explain how they’ll deal with frost heave. In Vermont? That’s a dealbreaker.
  

• Their reviews are vague or suspiciously perfect. Keep reading and you’ll see what to look for.

Bad concrete work is expensive to rip out and redo. Save yourself the heartache and walk away if something doesn’t feel right.

Concrete Quotes: What’s Included and What’s (Suspiciously) Missing

A good quote should spell out everything: materials, prep work, reinforcement, finish, timeline, and cleanup. If it’s too short or too vague, ask questions. You’re not being picky—you’re being smart.

Questions to ask about the quote:

• What kind of base prep is included?
  

• Are rebar or wire mesh included?
  

• Is sealing included, or extra?
  

• What happens if it rains during the job?
  

• Who handles cleanup?

If they dance around any of these, you’ve got your answer.

Concrete Contractor Reviews Near Chittenden County: How to Read Between the Lines

Most folks skim the star ratings. But it’s the words in the reviews that tell the real story.

Here’s what to look for:

• Consistent praise about communication and cleanliness is a green flag.
  

• One-star reviews about poor drainage, cracks, or ghosting are serious.
  

• “Showed up late” and “didn’t return calls” shouldn’t be ignored.
  

We always tell folks to read a few five-stars, a few three-stars, and a few one-stars. It paints a fuller picture than just the number.

Concrete Contractor vs. General Contractor: Who Should You Hire?

It depends on your project. If you’re doing a full renovation and concrete is one part of it, a general contractor might make sense. But if concrete is the focus—a driveway, patio, foundation slab, etc.—hire a specialist.

A dedicated concrete crew knows the quirks of Vermont soils. They’ve poured enough pads in Chittenden County to know what works (and what doesn’t). General contractors may subcontract the concrete part anyway, which means you’re paying extra for someone else to manage the people you could’ve hired directly.

The Complete Excavation & Septic Approach

We’re not a concrete-only company. We’re a site prep and septic contractor who’s worked with dozens of concrete crews over the years—some great, some not so much. We’ve seen what happens when corners are cut, and we’ve helped homeowners pick up the pieces.

Here’s what we look for when helping our clients get concrete work done:

• Is the ground prepped and compacted right?
  

• Is the crew accounting for drainage?
  

• Are they using quality mix and reinforcement?
  

• Is the slope going to send water where it should—not back to your basement?
  

We’re not here to bash other companies. But we are here to help folks in Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle counties avoid bad work and get solid results that last through Vermont winters.

Final Checklist: What to Ask Before You Hire

Want a shortcut? Save or screenshot this list:

✅ Can you show me photos of similar jobs you’ve done?
✅ How do you handle drainage and slope?
✅ What kind of base prep is included?
✅ Do you use rebar, mesh, or both?
✅ Is sealing included?
✅ What happens if there’s rain or delays?
✅ Can I see your insurance certificate?
✅ Do you have a local reference I can call?

If they hesitate or get defensive about any of these, walk away.

Need Help? Let’s Talk.

If you’re planning a project and need site prep, concrete coordination, or just someone who’ll give it to you straight, we’re happy to chat. At Complete Excavation & Septic, we’ve worked all across this region. We’re not the biggest outfit out there, but we care a lot about getting things done right—and that means helping you hire the right people too.

Give us a call or shoot us a message. We’ll help you lay the groundwork—literally.