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10 Questions to Ask a Concrete Lifting Company Before Hiring Them

Alison R. Sinclair | 01 May 2025

Dealing with concrete issues like concrete sinking, uneven concrete, or unstable concrete surfaces can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns. Whether the problem is with a slab, entryway, or other concrete around your property, it is important to act quickly. Before deciding to replace concrete, consider concrete raising using modern polyurethane systems. These methods are faster and less disruptive, but choosing the right contractor is critical.

When it comes to concrete leveling, knowing the questions you should ask helps avoid mistakes. This guide outlines the right questions to ask any concrete leveling company before hiring.

Key Takeaways

  • Experience matters when choosing a contractor: Always ask how long the company has been in business and what types of projects they’ve completed. Experienced teams deliver better results and handle complex lifting jobs more efficiently.
  • Licensing and insurance protect your investment: Working with a properly licensed and insured contractor in Houston, TX helps you avoid legal issues and ensures the company meets safety and industry standards.
  • Ask for past work and customer reviews: Before-and-after photos and third-party reviews on platforms like Angie’s List help you get a feel for the company’s quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
  • Clarify what’s included in the cost: Request a detailed estimate that outlines materials, labor, and any additional services. Understanding the full scope ensures the solution is cost-effective and fits your specific repair needs.
  • Know who’s managing your project: Confirm there’s a clear point of contact throughout the process. A dedicated project manager ensures communication is consistent and the job stays on schedule.
  • Understand the lifting method being used: Whether it’s polyurethane, foam leveling, or slurry, each method has pros and cons. Knowing what’s being used helps ensure the technique is the best fit for your site conditions.

1. How Much Experience Do You Have Doing This Type of Project?

When you ask concrete lifting contractors about their experience, you’re checking if they’ve handled similar commercial or industrial jobs. Their background tells you if they understand the scope, scale, and challenges of your project.

Ask how long the company has been in business and what types of properties they’ve worked on. Contractors with proven experience are more likely to deliver consistent results and avoid costly mistakes.

Concrete lifting experts can help you set realistic expectations about timelines, materials, and outcomes. This question helps you choose the right team with the skills to get the job done correctly.

2. Are You Licensed and Insured?

One of the most important questions to ask when hiring a concrete contractor in Houston, TX, is whether they are properly licensed and insured. A contractor who is not licensed may not meet local building codes or safety standards.

Make sure the company is:

  • Properly licensed to perform concrete lifting work in the state of Texas
  • Fully insured with both general liability and workers’ compensation coverage
  • Able to provide documentation on request

Working with a licensed and insured contractor protects you from legal liability, jobsite accidents, and potential property damage. Always confirm this before signing any agreement.

3. Do You Have Examples of Past Work and Quality Reviews?

The last thing you want is to hire a contractor without knowing what kind of results they deliver. Always ask for before-and-after photos of completed projects so you can see the quality of their work firsthand.

Look for customer reviews on platforms like Google and Angie’s List to get a feel for how the company communicates, handles issues, and follows through. Reputable contractors should be able to show consistent feedback from clients who were satisfied with the end result.

Reviewing past work helps you verify that their experience matches your project’s scope and expectations.

4. What Is Included in the Total Cost?

However big or small your repair project is, you need to know exactly what you're paying for. Ask the contractor to provide a free estimate that clearly breaks down labor, materials, and any additional charges.

Understanding what’s included helps you compare proposals and determine which solution is most cost-effective. Some companies may also offer payment plans that make larger repairs more manageable.

Make sure the services offered are the best fit for your needs, and that no hidden fees show up later in the process. Clarity upfront avoids confusion and costly surprises.

5. When Do I Pay You?

Different companies have different payment structures, so it’s important to ask about this early. Some require partial payment upfront, while others may offer payment plans or installments throughout the process.

This is one of the most common questions that often gets overlooked. Be sure to ask each company what their payment expectations are before the work begins.

Understanding how and when payments are due helps you plan your budget and avoid surprises. Clear terms also build trust between you and the contractor.

6. How Long Will the Process Take?

Just like in any other construction and improvement job, timelines can vary. When you repair your concrete, it’s important to have realistic expectations about how long it will take to bring the settled concrete back to level.

Ask the contractor for a clear project schedule, including prep time, application, and curing if needed. While concrete doesn’t usually require long downtime after lifting, knowing the timeline helps with planning and safety coordination.

A reliable contractor should explain each phase of the job so you understand when it starts, when it finishes, and what to expect along the way.

7. Who Will Be Managing the Project?

Asking the right questions up front ensures you know who to turn to throughout the process. One of the most important questions to ask your concrete contractor is who will be directly managing your project day to day.

Get a feel for their communication style and whether you’ll have a single point of contact. This avoids confusion and ensures accountability from start to finish.

Here’s what to clarify in your list of questions:

  • Who is the project manager or site lead?
  • Will I have direct access to them during the project?
  • How will updates or issues be communicated?

Clear oversight helps the job stay on track and ensures your concerns are addressed quickly and professionally.

8. Do You Offer Warranties or Guarantees on Your Work?

While most contractors, if not all, claim to stand behind their work, it’s still one of the most important questions to ask. A reputable company should offer a warranty that clearly outlines what’s covered and for how long.

Ask if they provide a lifetime warranty or a limited one, and make sure you understand the conditions of the warranty. For example, does it cover settling, material failure, or just labor?

Choosing the right concrete lifting contractor means knowing you’re protected if problems arise later. Don’t assume—get the warranty details in writing.

9. What Methods Do You Use for Concrete Lifting?

Assuming not all contractors use the same approach, it's important to ask what specific methods they offer. Some may use traditional mudjacking or slurry based techniques, while others rely on modern solutions like polyurethane injection, also known as polyjacking or foam leveling.

Each method has its advantages and limitations depending on the site conditions and load requirements. For example, polyurethane is lightweight and quick-setting, while mudjacking uses heavier materials and may not be ideal for all soil types.

Understanding their process helps you choose a contractor who uses the right method for your specific concrete issue.

10. What Makes Your Company Different From Others?

Lastly, don’t forget to ask what sets them apart from other concrete repair companies. This is your chance to learn why they consider themselves the best concrete leveling provider for your needs.

Do they use advanced materials like polyurethane foam? Do they offer faster turnaround times, better equipment, or a more experienced team to raise your concrete?

Asking this question helps you identify real value, not just sales talk, and ensures you're hiring a team that brings something more to the table than basic service.

Key Questions to Ask a Concrete Leveling Company Before You Hire

Choosing the best concrete solution starts with hiring experienced concrete companies that specialize in proven leveling methods. Whether using high-density foam, poly, or other material systems, the right team will assess your site conditions and recommend the most effective approach. Not all poly products are equal, so be sure the contractor explains their materials and methods clearly.

Reputable companies will walk you through the process and answer any questions about application, performance, and durability. Before committing to any contractor, confirm their method aligns with your structural needs and ensure they have experience with commercial or industrial concrete lifting.Ready to protect your property with long-lasting concrete solutions? Contact Superior Polylift today to schedule a professional assessment.

FAQs
Concrete lifting is a repair technique that raises sunken or uneven concrete slabs by injecting material-commonly polyurethane foam or grout-beneath the slab. The process involves drilling small holes, pumping the lifting compound into the voids, and allowing it to expand, which lifts the concrete back to its original position. This method restores the surface without needing full replacement and is often used for sidewalks, driveways, and patios.
Concrete lifting and concrete leveling are terms often used interchangeably, both referring to the process of raising and stabilizing sunken concrete. However, "leveling" can be misleading, as the goal is to restore the slab to a safe, even grade, not always to perfect level. Both terms describe the same repair method using injected materials.
The most common methods are polyurethane foam injection and stone slurry grout (or mudjacking). Polyurethane foam injection uses expanding foam for a quick, precise lift, while stone slurry grout involves pumping a cement-based mixture under the slab. Both methods fill voids and raise the concrete, but differ in materials, hole size, and curing time.
Yes, polyurethane foam is considered safe and highly effective for commercial concrete lifting. It is lightweight, durable, waterproof, and environmentally friendly. The foam does not react with soil or release harmful chemicals, and it has undergone extensive safety testing. Its quick curing and minimal disruption make it suitable for commercial applications.
Most concrete lifting projects using polyurethane foam are completed within a few hours. In many cases, the repaired area is ready for use-walking or driving-within 25 minutes after completion, making it a fast solution compared to traditional methods.
Many concrete lifting companies offer warranties or guarantees on their work, though the terms and duration can vary. A warranty provides assurance that if the slab settles again within the covered period, the company will return to fix the problem, reflecting their confidence in the repair method.
Signs that your property may need concrete lifting include uneven, cracked, or sunken slabs, trip hazards, pooling water, or visible gaps beneath the concrete. These issues are often caused by soil erosion, compaction, or shrinkage beneath the slab.
Ask about their licensing, experience, methods used, materials, project timeline, warranties, references, and what sets them apart from competitors. Inquire about how they assess problems and who will manage your project to ensure professionalism and quality.
Yes, settled concrete can often be lifted and stabilized without replacing the entire slab. Techniques like polyurethane foam injection or mudjacking restore the slab’s position and function, saving time and money compared to full replacement.
Polyurethane foam offers several advantages: it cures rapidly (often within minutes), requires smaller injection holes, is lightweight (reducing the risk of further settling), and is resistant to water and erosion. It also causes less disruption and is more precise than traditional mudjacking, making it a preferred choice for many applications.
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