You are probably thinking about getting some concrete work done at your place here in Lehi. Maybe you want a new patio for those summer BBQs. Maybe you need a driveway that does not look like a jigsaw puzzle. It could even be a solid foundation for that new shed you have been dreaming about. Whatever the project is, you want it done right. You also do not want to get ripped off. I understand this. As someone who has been pouring concrete in this valley for many years with Majestic Concrete Solutions, I have seen all kinds of work. I have seen the good work, the bad work, and the really ugly work. So, let us talk straight about how to hire a concrete contractor you can actually trust.
First Things First: Verify They Are Legit
Before you even get into the details of your project, you need to make sure the person you are talking to is a real, licensed contractor. This is not just about avoiding scams. It is about protecting yourself if something goes wrong. In Utah, concrete contractors need to be licensed through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). Specifically, you should look for an S260 Asphalt & Concrete Contractor license if they are doing concrete work.
- Check the DOPL website: Go to dopl.utah.gov. Use their "Verify a License" tool. You can search by name, by business, or by license number. Make sure the license is active. It should not be expired or suspended.
- Confirm the classification: Just because someone has a license does not mean it is for concrete. Double-check that their license classification matches the work you need done. The S260 license covers things like driveways, as well as sidewalks, as well as patios, as well as foundations.
- Local business license: Beyond the state license, Lehi City requires all businesses operating here to have a local business license. You can usually check this on the Lehi City website. You can also call their business licensing department.
If they cannot provide a license number, or if you cannot find them, that is a huge red flag. You should walk away. A handyman can do small jobs under $3,000, which includes materials as well as labor, without a license. They can do up to $7,000 with an exemption. But for anything substantial, you need a licensed professional.
Questions to Ask Every Concrete Contractor
Once you have verified their legitimacy, it is time to dig into their experience as well as their approach. Do not be shy. You are hiring them for an important investment in your home.
- "Can I see your proof of insurance?" They should have general liability insurance. In addition, if they have employees, they should have workers' compensation insurance. As of April 20, 2026, Utah requires licensed contractors to carry general liability insurance. This insurance needs minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence as well as $2,000,000 aggregate. You should get a Certificate of Insurance (COI). You should also call the provider to verify it is current. This protects you if someone gets hurt. It also protects you if property is damaged.
- "Can you provide references from recent projects similar to mine?" Ask for at least three references. Make sure they are from the last 18 months. Do not just get names. You should call them. Ask about the project's original budget compared to the final cost. Ask about timeline accuracy. Ask about communication. Ask if they would hire the concrete contractor again.
- "Do you have a portfolio of your work?" A good concrete contractor will be proud to show off their projects. Look for consistency in quality as well as finishes. If possible, drive by a recently completed job to see it in person.
- "How do you handle the specific soil conditions here in Lehi?" We have varied soil around here. It goes from the sandy soil near the lake to the more clay-heavy areas further east. A good concrete contractor knows how to prepare the subgrade properly for our conditions. This might mean extra compaction. It might also mean specific drainage solutions.
- "What kind of concrete mix do you use, and what is the PSI?" Different projects need different strengths. A driveway, for example, needs a higher PSI (pounds per square inch) mix than a garden path.
- "What is your plan for control joints and curing?" These are important for preventing cracks. Proper control joints guide where cracks form. Good curing practices make sure the concrete reaches its full strength.
What to Look For in a Concrete Quote
A quote is not just a number. It is a detailed plan. If it is just a single price on a napkin, that is a problem. A solid quote should include these items:
- Detailed scope of work: What exactly are they doing? Preparation, as well as forming, as well as pouring, as well as finishing, as well as cleanup. Every step should be clear.
- Material specifications: This includes the type of concrete, as well as the PSI, as well as rebar or mesh, as well as sealers.
- Timeline: This means the start date as well as the estimated completion date.
- Payment schedule: How much do you pay upfront? How much do you pay at milestones? A reputable concrete contractor will not ask for a huge upfront deposit. This would be 50% or more. Be careful of anyone demanding cash-only payments. Also be careful of untraceable payment methods.
- Warranty information: What do they guarantee? How long do they guarantee it for?
- Permits: Who is responsible for pulling any necessary permits from Lehi City? For structural concrete, permits are definitely required.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Some things should make you stop immediately:
- Unsolicited offers: Someone knocking on your door saying they have