Think You Know Concrete? Most Homeowners Don't
Most of us only think about concrete when something cracks. But a few basics can save thousands and help you spot a bad contractor early. This quick quiz covers everyday concrete—what it really is, what happens on a job site, and the warning signs to watch for. No experience needed. Just curiosity. Give it a try!
Most of us only think about concrete when something cracks. But a few basics can save thousands and …
- Which statement about cement is most accurate?
- Which type of home structure most commonly sits on a poured concrete foundation?
- Premixed concrete in a bag usually contains which combination?
- After pouring concrete, what is the main purpose of 'curing'?
- What does the gravel (aggregate) mainly do in a concrete mix?
- Which weather condition is best for pouring a concrete driveway?
- What tool is used to smooth a freshly poured concrete surface?
- What is rebar used for inside a concrete slab?
- How long should new concrete typically be kept moist during curing?
- Which truck pumps liquid concrete through a long boom arm?
- When pouring a foundation and a patio at the same site, which comes first?
- If temperatures drop below freezing overnight after a pour, what's the main risk?
- What are the temporary walls that hold wet concrete in shape called?
- On a concrete job site, which safety item protects your head from falling objects?
- A contractor refuses to sign a written contract. What's the smart move?
- A roofer says the deal ends tomorrow. What's the smartest move?
- A contractor insists on cash only. What should you do?
- A contractor gives only a P.O. Box as an address. What's the red flag?
- A contractor won't give you a written estimate. What should you do?
- One quote is far lower than the others. What's the smart move?
- A contractor asks for full payment before starting. What's safe?
- A contractor promises a 3-day roof replacement. What should you do?
- How can you check if a contractor's license is real?
- What does workers' comp insurance cover?
- What's the best way to check a contractor's references?
- What should you check first on a contractor's BBB page?
- What does a "bonded" contractor offer you?
- Which review pattern looks most suspicious online?
- Who usually pulls the building permit for a job?
- How many written quotes should you get before hiring?
- What should every concrete project quote include in writing?
- Which sign suggests a concrete quote may be too good to be true?
- What is a typical deposit amount for a concrete job?
- How long should a concrete driveway replacement normally take?
- What does a lien waiver protect a homeowner from?
- Which contract clause is most unfair to a homeowner?
- What is a 'change order' in a concrete contract?
- Which extra fee is commonly missed in concrete quotes?
- When should you release the final payment to the contractor?
- Which is the strongest red flag in a concrete contract?
- What is the standard width of a single-car concrete driveway?
- How much should a backyard concrete patio slope away from the house?
- What is the main purpose of a concrete footing?
- When is it better to replace concrete rather than repair it?
- How often should stamped concrete be resealed?
- A homeowner wants a 5-foot concrete retaining wall. What's the FIRST key concern?
- Why do garage slabs usually need a stronger concrete mix than driveways?
- Which type of foundation crack most often signals a serious structural issue?
- How many days should new concrete typically stay moist during curing?
- What most often causes small hairline cracks in a newly poured slab?
- What does rebar add to a slab that wire mesh usually does not?
- A finisher overworks the surface while troweling. What's the likely result?
- Before signing off on a finished pour, what should you inspect FIRST?
- In a fresh concrete slab, what does 'bleeding' describe?
- A contractor bids far below others and wants full payment upfront. Your first step?
- An uninvited crew offers a same-day 'leftover material' deal. What's the red flag?
- Your contract says final payment is due 'upon satisfaction.' What's the hidden risk?
- What's a common PSI strength for a standard residential driveway slab?
- Which tool is used to level fresh concrete right after it is poured?
- After a concrete project is finished, what records should you keep?