Most concrete problems we get called to fix weren’t installation accidents — they were predictable failures from cut corners by an undertrained or undercapitalized contractor. The cost of a do-over is 1.5–2× the original install. Spending a few hours vetting upfront saves thousands later.
Here’s the checklist we’d want a Des Moines homeowner to use — even on contractors we’re competing against.
Before You Get Quotes
1. Define the project clearly. Driveway? Patio? Foundation? What dimensions? What finish? The clearer your scope, the more apples-to-apples your quotes will be.
2. Get 3 quotes. Not 2. Not 5. Three is the sweet spot — enough to spot outliers, not so many you can’t compare carefully.
3. Ask for written quotes. Verbal quotes are not bids — they’re opening positions. Get specs in writing.
What to Verify on Any Contractor
| Item | How to verify |
|---|---|
| State of Iowa contractor registration | Iowa Workforce Development: idwd.iowa.gov |
| General liability insurance ($1M minimum) | Ask for current Certificate of Insurance |
| Workers’ comp on all crew | Required by Iowa law for any contractor with employees |
| Local business license/registration | City hall website (Urbandale, Ankeny, etc., often require) |
| Permit-pulling history | Ask: “When did you last pull a permit in [city]?” |
| References — at least 3 recent in Iowa | Drive by the work, talk to the owner |
| BBB rating + Google reviews | Recent reviews matter most |
| Years in business | 5+ years means they’ve survived an Iowa winter cycle |
What to Look For in a Quote
A solid Des Moines concrete quote should specify:
- Dimensions — square footage, thickness
- Mix design — PSI rating, air entrainment %
- Reinforcement type — wire mesh, fiber, or rebar (and gauge/size)
- Joint plan — saw-cut spacing
- Subgrade prep — aggregate base depth, compaction spec
- Finish — broom, trowel, stamped, etc.
- Demo and haul-off — included or not
- Permits — included, pass-through, or excluded
- Cure protection — curing compound, blankets if cold
- Sealer — included, optional, or excluded
- Warranty — workmanship period (1, 2, 5, or 10 years)
- Payment terms — deposit, progress, final
- Schedule — start date and duration
Quotes that are 1-line “Driveway: $X” are not real bids. They’re guesses that will move once work starts.
Red Flags
🚩 Door-to-door solicitation — legitimate concrete contractors are scheduled weeks out and don’t cold-canvas neighborhoods 🚩 Cash-only or 50%+ deposit — standard deposit is 10–30%; rest paid at milestones 🚩 Unmarked or out-of-state truck — local crews use marked vehicles 🚩 No physical address — fly-by-night red flag 🚩 No COI on request — they don’t carry insurance 🚩 Pressure to sign today — legitimate quotes don’t expire same day 🚩 Significantly low bid — usually means cut corners on mix, prep, or labor 🚩 No references or won’t share — they don’t have happy customers 🚩 Vague mix specs — “concrete is concrete” is wrong; Iowa needs specific mix 🚩 No control joint plan — random cracking guaranteed 🚩 Pour during freezing weather without protection plan — disaster 🚩 Refuses to pull permits or says they’re not needed — they probably aren’t licensed
Questions to Ask Every Contractor
- “What’s the air-entrainment % in your mix?” (Answer should be 5–7%)
- “How will you space the control joints?” (Should know slab thickness × 2.5)
- “Are you pulling the permit or am I?” (They should pull it)
- “What’s your warranty period?” (1+ year on workmanship)
- “When did you last pour during freezing weather, and what was your plan?” (Should mention insulated blankets, accelerators)
- “Can I drive by 3 recent jobs?” (Yes, with addresses)
- “Who’s your ready-mix supplier?” (Local names: Ready Mix Concrete, Manatts, Croell)
- “Do you sub out work?” (Some do, some don’t — both fine if disclosed)
Pricing Reality Check
For reference, real 2026 Des Moines pricing ranges:
- Standard 4” driveway: $6–$8/sq ft
- Reinforced 5–6”: $8–$11/sq ft
- Stamped/decorative: $11–$16/sq ft
- Replacement (demo + pour): $10–$17/sq ft
Quotes well under these ranges are skipping something. Quotes well over should include a clear premium reason (heavy reinforcement, complex access, custom decorative work).
After You Hire
- Get the COI before any work starts
- Confirm permit is pulled before excavation
- Walk the site daily while work is active
- Photograph each stage — subgrade, rebar, pre-pour, post-pour
- Don’t pay final until workmanship is reviewed and joint sealing is done
- Keep all paperwork — warranty starts from completion date
Get a Free Written Estimate
DSM Concrete Pros provides detailed written estimates with all specs above. Bonded, insured, registered with City of Urbandale, City of Ankeny, City of Waukee, and all Des Moines metro municipalities.