Stockton concrete guide
How to Hire a Concrete Contractor in Stockton: A Checklist
Most concrete problems are decided before anyone mixes a yard of concrete: by who you hire and what the contract says. This checklist is what a careful Stockton homeowner goes through before signing.
Check the license first
In California, any job over $1,000 in combined labor and materials must be done by a contractor licensed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Ask for the license number and look it up at cslb.ca.gov. Confirm it is active, that the classification fits the work (C-8 is the concrete specialty license; a B general license also covers it), and look for any complaints or disciplinary actions.
Ask for proof of insurance
You want to see general liability insurance and workers' compensation. The CSLB lookup shows whether the contractor has workers' comp on file or claims an exemption for having no employees. If a crew shows up and the license holder claimed no employees, ask about it.
Get the scope in writing, in detail
A good bid spells out demolition and haul-off, base material and depth, slab thickness, concrete strength (psi), reinforcement (rebar size and spacing or mesh), control-joint spacing, finish, cleanup, and who pulls any permit. Comparing bids is only fair when the specs match.
Know the down payment rule
For home improvement contracts in California, the down payment is limited to 10 percent of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less. A contractor asking for half up front before any work is a red flag. After that, payments should track the work actually completed.
Red flags
Door-to-door offers of leftover concrete from a nearby job, cash-only pricing, pressure to decide today, no written contract, and a license number that doesn't match the name on the truck. Walk away from any of these.
Before the pour
Agree on the start date, how the crew will access the site, where the concrete truck will park, and how long you need to stay off the new slab. Ask what the warranty covers and get it in writing.
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