Looking for Concrete Contractors near me? We’ll Help You Find the Best

What Does a Concrete Contractor Do?

A concrete contractor is a specialist tradesperson with the skills and equipment to manage all aspects of a concrete project, from initial ground preparation to the final finished surface. Their expertise is crucial for structural integrity and aesthetic quality. A general builder may oversee a project, but a concrete specialist focuses solely on this highly technical material. Their services are surprisingly varied and form the backbone of many home and garden improvement projects.

Typical services offered by a professional concrete contractor include:

• Driveways, Patios, and Paths: Creating durable, weather-resistant surfaces that can withstand vehicle traffic and British weather. This includes everything from a simple slab to more decorative finishes.


• Foundations and Footings: Pouring the critical structural base for new builds, extensions, conservatories, and even garden walls. Accuracy here is non-negotiable.


• Concrete Slabs and Bases: Providing a solid, level base for sheds, log cabins, garages, greenhouses, or hot tubs.


• Internal Concrete Floors: Installing sub-floors or finished floors, including popular and stylish polished concrete surfaces for kitchens and living areas.


• Formwork and Reinforcement: Building the temporary moulds (formwork) that hold the liquid concrete in shape and installing steel reinforcement (rebar) for added tensile strength in structural jobs.


• Concrete Repairs and Resurfacing: Fixing cracks, spalling (flaking), and surface damage on existing concrete to restore its appearance and structural integrity.


• Steps and Ramps: Constructing safe and practical concrete steps or access ramps.

Why You Need a Professional Concrete Specialist

While the temptation for a bit of DIY can be strong, concrete work is a science as much as an art. It’s far more complex than just mixing some cement, sand, and water. Hiring a professional is an investment in getting the job done correctly, safely, and efficiently, saving you from the potential headaches and expense of a project gone wrong.

Here’s why professional expertise is essential:

• The Correct Mix: A professional understands the precise ratios of cement, aggregate, and water required for different applications. A mix for a garden path is different from one needed for a garage floor or a house foundation. The wrong mix can severely compromise the strength and longevity of the concrete.


• Proper Ground Preparation: The final surface is only as good as what’s underneath it. A specialist will ensure the ground is properly excavated, compacted, and a suitable sub-base (like MOT Type 1 aggregate) is laid to provide a stable, well-draining foundation. This is the single most important step in preventing future cracking and subsidence.


• Navigating the Weather: The British climate is unpredictable. An experienced contractor knows how temperature and moisture affect the curing process. Pouring concrete in conditions that are too hot, cold, or wet without the right precautions can ruin the final result.


• Specialist Equipment: Professional contractors have access to industrial-grade equipment, including mechanical mixers for a consistent blend, power floats for a perfectly smooth finish, and concrete cutting tools. This machinery is expensive to hire and requires skill to operate safely.


• Avoiding Costly Mistakes: Common DIY pitfalls include inconsistent finishing, premature cracking due to improper curing, and "spalling", where the surface flakes away. A professional's experience helps to avoid these issues from the outset.


• Health and Safety: Wet concrete is caustic and can cause skin burns. The work also involves heavy materials and powerful machinery. A professional operates within health and safety guidelines, protecting you, your property, and their team.

Understanding the Cost of Concrete Work in the UK

Budgeting is a key part of any home improvement project. The cost of concrete work can vary significantly based on several factors, so it’s wise to treat online figures as a guide. The best way to get an accurate price is to obtain detailed quotes from several contractors based on your specific project. As a general rule, prices are often higher in London and the South East due to increased labour and material costs.

Average Costs for Common Concrete Projects

To give you an idea, here are some estimated price ranges for typical concrete jobs in the UK. These prices usually include labour, materials, and a standard finish, but may not always include extensive ground preparation or waste removal.

• Standard Concrete Driveway: Expect to pay between £80 and £130 per square metre (m²). This often includes excavation of the old driveway, laying a sub-base, and pouring 100-150mm of reinforced concrete.


• Concrete Shed or Garage Base: For a simple, 100mm thick slab, the cost is typically £70 to £110 per square metre. More complex bases requiring deeper foundations will cost more.


• Concrete Patio Base: Similar to a shed base, a simple concrete slab ready for paving on top will cost around £70 to £110 per square metre.


• Polished Concrete Floor (Internal): This is a premium finish. The cost can range from £100 to £180+ per square metre, depending on the complexity of the grinding, the level of gloss, and any colours or aggregates added.

Factors That Influence the Final Price

When a contractor prepares your quote, they will assess a number of variables. Understanding these will help you see where your money is going.

• Size and Thickness: The larger the area and the thicker the concrete, the more materials and labour are required.


• Site Access: If a concrete lorry can’t get close to the site, the concrete may need to be moved by wheelbarrow or a pump. This extra labour will increase the cost.


• Ground Preparation: If the site needs significant levelling, or if old paving, turf, or soil needs to be excavated and removed, this will be a major component of the cost.


• Type of Concrete and Reinforcement: The cost will increase for specialised mixes (e.g., rapid-setting, waterproof) or if steel mesh reinforcement is required for added strength.


• The Finish: A simple tamped or brushed finish is the most cost-effective. A perfectly smooth, power-floated finish or a decorative exposed-aggregate finish requires more time and skill, and therefore costs more.


• Waste Removal: The cost of hiring a skip to dispose of excavated earth and other rubbish needs to be factored in.


• Your Location: As mentioned, labour rates and material delivery charges vary across the country, with major cities generally being more expensive.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring a Concrete Contractor

Finding a reliable tradesperson can feel daunting, but a structured approach makes the process straightforward and helps protect you from "cowboy builders".

Step 1: Define Your Project Clearly

Before you seek quotes, be as clear as possible about what you want. Measure the area (in metres) and think about the purpose of the concrete (e.g., a base for a 2-tonne log cabin needs to be stronger than a path). The more detail you provide, the more accurate your quotes will be.

Step 2: Post Your Job on ServiceTasker

This is the easiest way to reach multiple local specialists. Write a clear description of your job, including the dimensions, what it's for, and your location (postcode). Vetted tradespeople in your area will then be able to review the job and provide you with a competitive quote.

Step 3: Vet Your Shortlisted Tradespeople

Once you have a few quotes, do your due diligence. On ServiceTasker, you can review profiles and past work. Check if they are members of a trade body like the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). A professional will be happy to show you their Public Liability Insurance certificate.

Step 4: Get Detailed, Written Quotes

Never rely on a verbal price. Ask for a detailed written quotation that breaks down the costs: materials, labour, equipment hire, waste disposal, and whether VAT is included. This prevents unexpected costs from being added later on.

Step 5: Agree on a Contract

For any significant project, a written contract is essential for protecting both you and the contractor. It should outline the scope of work, total cost, payment schedule, and timeline. For larger domestic projects, you could consider using a standard form of contract, such as a JCT "Homeowner Contract".

Key Questions to Ask Potential Concrete Contractors

When you speak to a potential contractor, being prepared with the right questions shows you are a serious customer and helps you gauge their professionalism. It’s a good way to separate the experts from the amateurs.

• Are you and your team fully insured? Please could I see a copy of your Public Liability Insurance?


• Can you provide references from recent customers or show me a portfolio of similar work you have completed locally?


• Who will be on-site carrying out the work – will it be you, your employees, or will you be using sub-contractors?


• Is your quote a fixed price or an estimate? Can you confirm exactly what is included and what is not?


• What is your estimated timeline for the project, from start to finish, and when could you start?


• Could you explain the ground preparation you will carry out and the depth and type of sub-base you plan to use?


• What grade and type of concrete mix do you recommend for this specific job, and why is it the best choice?


• How will you manage the site during the project, and how will rubbish and waste be disposed of?


• Do you offer a guarantee or warranty on your workmanship and the materials used?


• What are your payment terms? (e.g., deposit, staged payments, and final payment on completion after any snagging is resolved).

Common Concrete Finishes Explained

The finish you choose affects both the look and function of your concrete surface. A good contractor will explain the options and recommend the best one for your needs.

• Tamped Finish: A basic, functional finish created by pressing a timber or metal beam across the surface of the wet concrete. It leaves a slightly rough, ridged texture that offers good grip. It's cost-effective and ideal for utility areas.


• Brushed Finish: After the concrete is smoothed, a stiff brush is pulled across the surface to create fine lines. This is one of the most common finishes for driveways and paths as it provides excellent slip resistance.


• Power-Floated Finish (or Trowelled Finish): A mechanical power float is used to create a very smooth, dense, and hard-wearing surface. This is the standard for indoor applications like garage floors, workshops, and polished concrete floors before the polishing stage.


• Exposed Aggregate Finish: A decorative and highly durable finish. The top layer of cement paste is washed off before the concrete fully hardens to reveal the colourful stones (aggregate) within the mix. It has a textured, non-slip surface.

Ready to Start Your Concrete Project?

With a clear understanding of the process, the costs, and the questions to ask, you are now in a strong position to hire the right professional for your job. A well-laid concrete surface is a long-term investment in your property, and finding a skilled contractor is the most important step.

Take the hassle out of your search. Post your job on ServiceTasker today. Simply describe your project, and we’ll connect you with trusted, local concrete contractors who are available to provide you with a no-obligation quote. Compare prices, check credentials, and choose the best tradesperson to turn your plans into a solid reality.