Investing in new concrete work for your Gold Coast property, whether it’s a stunning new exposed aggregate driveway, a functional concrete path, or a stylish patio, is a significant decision. The quality of the final product and its longevity depend almost entirely on the skill and professionalism of the concreting contractor you choose. In 2025, with a competitive market, it\'s more important than ever to do your due diligence before signing any contract.
Asking the right questions upfront not only helps you vet potential contractors but also sets clear expectations for the project. It ensures you understand the process, the materials, and the costs involved, protecting you from common pitfalls like hidden fees, subpar workmanship, and project delays. This comprehensive guide outlines the essential questions every Gold Coast resident should ask a concreting company before committing.
Foundational Questions: Licensing, Insurance, and Experience
Before you even discuss the colour or finish of your concrete, you need to establish the contractor's credentials and legitimacy. These foundational questions are non-negotiable and will quickly help you separate the professionals from the pretenders.
Is your concreting company fully licensed and insured?
This is the most critical question. In Queensland, any concreting work valued over $3,300 (including labour and materials) legally requires the contractor to hold a valid license from the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). Ask for their QBCC license number and verify it on the QBCC website. A valid license proves they have the necessary qualifications and financial stability to operate.
Equally important is insurance. A reputable concreting service should carry comprehensive insurance to protect you, your property, and their workers. Ask for proof of:
- Public Liability Insurance: This covers property damage or personal injury to a third party that might occur during the project. A minimum coverage of $10 million is standard in 2025. WorkCover Queensland Insurance: This is mandatory for any company employing workers in Queensland and covers employees if they are injured on the job. Without it, you could potentially be held liable for injuries that occur on your property.
Hiring an unlicensed or uninsured contractor might seem cheaper initially, but it exposes you to immense financial and legal risks.
How long have you been providing concreting services on the Gold Coast?
Local experience is invaluable. The Gold Coast has a unique subtropical climate with high humidity, intense sun, and periods of heavy rain. An experienced local concreting contractor understands how these conditions affect the concreting process, from the initial pour to the critical curing phase. They will know how to manage a pour during a humid summer day to prevent surface cracking and will be familiar with the specific soil types found across the region, from the sandy coastal strips to the clay-based soils of the hinterland. This knowledge directly impacts the durability and finish of your concrete driveway or patio.
Can you provide a portfolio and references from recent Gold Coast projects?
A picture is worth a thousand words, and a portfolio of completed work is a contractor’s visual resume. Ask to see photos of projects similar to yours. If you want an exposed aggregate driveway, look at their previous work in that specific finish. Pay attention to the consistency of the aggregate exposure, the straightness of the edges, and the overall quality of the finish. Furthermore, ask for contact details of a few recent clients. Speaking directly to a past customer provides unfiltered insight into their experience with the concreting company, their communication, timeliness, and how they handled any issues that arose.
The Nitty-Gritty: Project Details and Materials
Once you've confirmed the contractor is legitimate, it's time to dive into the specifics of your project. The details discussed here will form the basis of your contract and determine the quality of the final result.
What is the detailed scope of work included in your quote?
A professional quote is more than just a final price. It should be a detailed document outlining every step of the process. Avoid any contractor who provides a vague, one-line quote. Your quote should clearly itemise:
Site Preparation: This includes excavation depth, removal of old surfaces or soil, and the type and thickness of the sub-base material (like compacted road base). Formwork: The construction of the temporary mould that will hold the wet concrete in shape. Reinforcement: The type and grade of steel mesh (rebar) to be used. Steel reinforcement is crucial for the structural integrity of a concrete driveway. Concrete Supply: The specified strength of the concrete (measured in megapascals or MPA) and the quantity. Placement and Finishing: The method of pouring and the specific finish you’ve chosen (e.g., broom finish, trowel finish, exposed aggregate). Control Joints: The placement of planned joints to control natural cracking as the concrete shrinks. Curing and Sealing: The methods they will use for curing and the type of sealant to be applied, especially for decorative finishes. Site Clean-up: Confirmation that all debris, leftover materials, and formwork will be removed upon completion.A detailed quote ensures there are no misunderstandings and protects you from unexpected costs later on.
What type and strength of concrete do you recommend?
Not all concrete is created equal. The strength, measured in MPA, determines its durability and load-bearing capacity. A professional concreting contractor will recommend the appropriate strength for your specific application. For a simple concrete path, 20-25 MPA is generally sufficient. However, for a standard residential concrete driveway on the Gold Coast that will support cars and SUVs, a minimum of 25 MPA is recommended, with 32 MPA being a more robust and durable option that better withstands wear and tear.
How do you handle site preparation and reinforcement?
The best concrete in the world will fail if the ground beneath it isn't prepared correctly. Ask the contractor to explain their process for preparing the sub-base. It should involve excavating to a uniform depth and laying and compacting a solid base of road base or https://sethdcdl756.fotosdefrases.com/concrete-driveway-costs-on-the-gold-coast-what-to-know crushed rock. This stable foundation prevents the slab from sinking or cracking over time.
Reinforcement is equally vital. Ask about the steel mesh they plan to use. For a driveway, SL72 or SL82 mesh is standard (the "SL" refers to square mesh, and the number refers to the wire diameter and spacing). Proper placement of the mesh within the slab—not just lying on the ground—is critical for it to provide the necessary tensile strength.
Logistics, Timeline, and Payment
Understanding the practical aspects of the job will ensure a smooth process from start to finish. These questions focus on scheduling, communication, and financial arrangements.
What is the estimated timeline for the project?
A reliable contractor should be able to provide a realistic schedule, including a start date and an estimated completion date. Be sure to ask about factors that could cause delays, such as weather. Gold Coast's notorious summer storms can halt a project, and a professional will have contingency plans and communicate any weather-related delays clearly. The timeline should also account for the crucial curing period—ask how long you need to wait before you can walk on the surface and, more importantly, drive on your new concrete driveway.
Who will be on-site managing the project day-to-day?
Find out who your main point of contact will be. Will it be the owner of the concreting company who quoted the job, or a dedicated site foreman? Having a single, consistent point of contact ensures clear communication and accountability. It’s important to know who to call if you have questions or concerns during the construction phase.
What are your payment terms and schedule?
Be wary of any contractor who demands a large cash deposit upfront. QBCC has strict regulations on deposits. As of 2025, for projects between $3,300 and $20,000, the maximum deposit is 10%. For projects over $20,000, it’s 5%. A typical payment schedule involves the initial deposit, one or more progress payments at key milestones (e.g., after the pour), and a final payment only upon satisfactory completion of the work. Never pay the full amount until you are 100% satisfied with the finished job.
Aftercare and Guarantees
The job isn't over once the concrete is poured. A professional's commitment extends to ensuring the long-term performance of their work.
What warranties do you offer on your workmanship?
A reputable contractor will stand behind their work. Ask for details about their workmanship warranty. This is separate from any warranty on the concrete material itself, which comes from the supplier. A workmanship guarantee should cover issues like significant structural cracking (beyond minor hairline cracks), spalling (surface flaking), or drainage problems. Get the warranty details in writing as part of your contract.
What are the aftercare instructions for my new concrete?
Proper care, especially in the first month, is vital for the strength and appearance of your new concrete. Your contractor should provide clear instructions on the curing process. They should also give you advice on long-term maintenance, such as how and when to clean the surface. For an exposed aggregate driveway or other decorative finishes, sealing is essential to protect it from the harsh Gold Coast sun and stains. Ask when the initial seal will be applied and how often it should be re-sealed in the future (typically every 2-3 years).
By arming yourself with these questions, you can confidently navigate the process of hiring a concreting contractor on the Gold Coast. Taking the time to find a qualified, experienced, and professional concreting service is the best investment you can make in the future of your property.
Gold Coast Concreting Experts
Shop 4/22 Bailey Cres, Southport QLD 4215, Australia
ph. (07) 5230 8851