Whether you want to put in a new patio or redo an existing one, concrete is important. But you also need to hire the right concrete patio contractor. That way, you can make sure your patio is the best that it can be. (Wondering if you can put new concrete over old concrete? Check out that article to find out!)
Before you hire someone to work on your concrete patio, you need to consider a few things. If you don’t know what to look for, you may hire someone who scams you or simply does a bad job. Read on to learn how to avoid that.
How Much Does It Typically Cost to Build a Concrete Patio?
The cost to build a concrete patio varies from project to project. If you remember how much it cost to build a patio before, you may not get the same price this time. And if you ask your neighbors how much they paid, you will probably hear different numbers.
Many factors go into determining the cost of building a concrete patio. However, the average cost to pour the concrete is about $2,433. Most projects will cost a little more or a little less, though you may pay as little as $500 or as much as $8,600.
Before you start your concrete patio project, consider estimating the cost. That way, you’ll be able to set a budget, and you can find the best concrete patio contractor to hire. Here are a few factors to think about.
Size
Of course, the size of the patio you want to build has a huge impact on the overall cost. You may need to pay $4 to $12 per square foot, depending on other factors. Either way, a bigger patio will take more time and materials to build.
Here are a few average prices for common patio sizes.
- $1,200 to $2,100 for 10 feet by 10 feet
- $2,500 to $5,000 for 12 feet by 14 feet
- $4,300 to $8,600 for 16 feet by 18 feet
You may pay more or less than these averages, even if your patio is one of those sizes. But the size is a good place to start when planning how much the concrete patio will cost. Make sure you select a size that’s big enough for how you want to use it but not so big that it reduces the size of your yard.
(One more thing to consider is how thick does concrete slab need to be for a patio? Find out the answer and more in that article!)
Labor
The next thing to think about when looking for a concrete patio contractor is the labor cost. An average concrete patio contractor may charge $3 to $10 per square foot. So a 10-foot by 10-foot patio may cost you $300 to $1,000 for the labor alone.
A more experienced contractor will charge closer to the $10 mark, while a newer contractor might charge about $3 per square foot. Because of that, the cheapest contractor isn’t always the best. Instead, focus on their experience, and consider if cheaper labor is worth it.
Another thing that can affect the labor cost is if the contractor hires subcontractors. If they do, they may charge more so that they can pay who they hire. You may also find a contractor who charges per hour for the labor.
Timeline
Next, consider the timeline of your patio construction project and the availability of your chosen contractor. If you need to complete the project soon, a contractor may charge a premium if they have to adjust their schedule.
Rush jobs can be great for getting patios done quickly. But they don’t come without costs. After all, the contractor may need to work more one week, or they may need to push another project back to accommodate your patio.
If you want to save money, booking a contractor ahead of time is important. Then, you can get a good deal, and you’ll be able to finish everything when you want.
Location
The last significant factor to consider is where you live. If you live in a city or state with a high cost of living, the average price for a concrete patio contractor is going to be higher. For example, a contractor in Los Angeles may charge much more than someone in Fargo, North Dakota.
Similarly, a contractor who works in a higher-cost suburb may cost more than a contractor who works in the city or in a lower-cost neighborhood. Because of this, try to search for prices and averages where you live.
Then, you can get a better average so that you know what to expect when you hire a local concrete patio contractor. National averages can help, but they don’t tell the whole story when it comes to pricing.
What Happens When I Search for a “Concrete Contractor Near Me” in Google?
When you search for a “concrete contractor near me” in Google, the results you get will depend on where you live. It can also depend on how accurately Google estimates your location. But you can expect a few types of results no matter where you are.
- Links to websites of potential contractors
- Links to directories, such as:
- Thumbtack
- Home Advisor
- Yelp
- BBB
- A map of businesses with addresses
Of course, the specific contractor websites you see where you live aren’t the same as someone in another state. If you want to research local contractors while you’re out of town, consider adding your home city to narrow your search.
5 Things To Look for In A Concrete Patio Contractor
Now that you have an idea of how much a concrete patio contractor might cost and how to find someone, you should consider what to look for. While the first contractor you find might be the right fit, they may not be right for your project.
Before you hire anyone, make sure you do as much research as you can. You won’t be able to guarantee the contractor is the best, but you can minimize your risk. Then, you will feel better about investing in their service.
1. Reputation
The first thing to look for in a concrete contractor is their reputation. Try to find reviews online or ask other homeowners if they’ve hired that person. You don’t want to hire someone who is consistently late or never responds to your calls and messages.
If you can’t learn about someone’s reputation, you have options. Of course, you can ask the contractor for testimonials. But you can also ask about their credentials. A contractor with professional training or who’s a member of a professional organization can be a good option.
You may not be able to find much about a new contractor. But you can do some digging to learn a little bit about their reputation.
2. Experience
Along with someone’s reputation, their experience is crucial. You should review a contractor’s portfolio to see how well they complete projects. Their portfolio can also tell you if they’ve done work similar to how you want your patio to look.
Ask the contractor how long they’ve worked on concrete patios. Consider if they have a process or if they use subcontractors. If they use subcontractors, ask about the experience of those people to make sure you can trust them.
You don’t need to hire the contractor with the most experience. But you do need to hire someone you can trust to get the job done well.
3. Insurance
Pouring concrete can be risky, so you should look for a contractor who has their own insurance. If they don’t, you may be liable for any accidents that occur during the project.
To avoid that risk, ask the contractor for proof of insurance. You should also ask the contractor how their policy will protect you, your family, and your property. And when dealing with subcontractors, you should know if the policy will protect them.
While a contractor with insurance may charge more, it’s worth the investment. You never know what can happen when someone is working at your home.
4. Customer Service
Another sign of a good contractor is someone who offers excellent customer service. Whether the contractor does everything alone or they have an assistant, you need to hire someone who you can reach with questions or concerns.
The person providing customer service should also be kind and empathetic. If you have to fight with someone to get an answer, that won’t be worth it.
Make sure you know how and when you can contact the contractor and get a response. Then, you can prepare yourself for any issues and know that you can resolve them.
5. Price
The last thing to look for when hiring a concrete patio contractor is the overall price. You should consider your budget for labor and materials and ask for an estimate before starting.
If a contractor won’t give an estimate, walk away. They may try to scam you or overcharge for their services. An estimate can protect both parties, and it gives you an idea of how much you’ll pay.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a concrete patio contractor is exciting because you get to redo part of your home. But it can also be a complex and overwhelming process. Be sure you consider the average price of a concrete patio and how you can estimate it. Then, you can hire the best contractor for you. (Already have a concrete patio? Here are some great ideas on how to cover a concrete patio!)
If you are looking for a Concrete Patio Contractor, look no further than All Pro Decks. We have a proven track record of delivering quality results at an affordable price. Contact us to Get A Free Estimate Today!
