The Most Important Decision

Your driveway installation or major repair represents a significant investment—typically $5,000-15,000 for most Spokane homes. But choosing the right contractor matters more than the price. The difference between excellent and poor work affects your home’s appearance, functionality, and value for decades.

Unfortunately, the driveway contracting industry attracts both skilled professionals and fly-by-night operators. Learning to distinguish between them saves money, frustration, and disappointment.

Red Flags: Warning Signs to Avoid

Too-Good-to-Be-True Pricing

Dramatically Low Bids: Quotes 30-50% below other contractors usually mean:

  • Inferior materials (3000 PSI concrete instead of 4000 PSI)
  • Inadequate base preparation (skipping gravel base or using insufficient depth)
  • No reinforcement (wire mesh or rebar)
  • Unlicensed, uninsured operation
  • No warranty or meaningless warranty

Pressure Tactics: “This price only good today” or “material costs rising tomorrow” creates false urgency. Quality contractors provide stable quotes and don’t pressure decisions.

Shady Business Practices

Cash-Only Deals: Legitimate contractors accept checks, credit cards, and often financing. Cash-only operators may be avoiding taxes or operating illegally.

No Physical Address: P.O. boxes or only phone numbers lack accountability. Quality contractors have established business locations.

No Written Contract: “My word is my bond” is unprofessional. Everything should be documented: scope, materials, timeline, payment schedule, warranty.

Large Upfront Payments: Quality contractors might request 10-30% deposit; scammers demand 50% or more before starting.

Lack of Credentials

No License: Washington State requires contractor licensing. Verify licenses at: https://www.lni.wa.gov/tradeslicensing/contractors/

No Insurance: Ask for certificate of insurance showing liability and workers’ compensation coverage.

No Permits: Most Spokane driveway projects require permits. “Permits not needed” usually means contractor isn’t licensed or doesn’t want inspections.

Poor Communication

Hard to Reach: If they’re difficult to contact before they have your money, imagine how unresponsive they’ll be after.

Vague Answers: Evasive responses about materials, process, or timeline indicate problems.

No References: Refusing to provide recent local references is suspicious.

Green Flags: Signs of Quality Contractors

Professional Presence

Established Business: Physical address, business license, insurance, website, professional appearance.

Local Reputation: Operating in Spokane for years, not months. Local contractors understand our specific climate challenges.

Proper Equipment: Professional-grade equipment, not homeowner tools. Well-maintained equipment indicates professionalism.

Uniformed Crew: Not just visual—crews in company uniforms suggest organized operation.

Transparency

Detailed Written Estimates: Line-item breakdown of materials, labor, timeline, and specifications.

Material Specifications: Concrete PSI rating, base depth and type, reinforcement details—specifics not generalities.

Reference Portfolio: Photos and addresses of recent local work you can drive by and see.

Clear Warranty: Written warranty specifying what’s covered, for how long, and process for claims.

Communication Style

Responsive: Return calls and emails promptly, even before you’re a customer.

Educational: Explain their process, materials, and recommendations thoroughly.

Listen: Understand your needs and preferences rather than pushing their agenda.

Honest: Will tell you if something you want isn’t advisable or if they’re not the best fit.

Essential Questions to Ask

Company Background

  1. How long have you been in business in Spokane?

    • Look for 5+ years local experience
    • New isn’t automatically bad, but requires more scrutiny

  2. Are you licensed, bonded, and insured in Washington State?

    • Verify the license number
    • Request insurance certificate

  3. How many driveway installations similar to mine have you completed?

    • Look for experience with your specific type of project

  4. Will you obtain all necessary permits?

    • Answer should be yes, with permit cost included in quote

Materials and Methods

  1. What concrete mix design do you use?

    • Should be 4000 PSI with air-entrainment for Spokane
    • Avoid contractors who can’t specify PSI rating

  2. How deep will the gravel base be?

    • Minimum 6-8 inches for driveways
    • More for poor soil conditions

  3. What reinforcement do you use?

    • Wire mesh or rebar in concrete
    • Specific type and placement

  4. How do you ensure proper drainage?

    • Should mention grading slope (minimum 1/4 inch per foot)
    • Ask how they handle water flow toward your home

  5. What’s your process for expansion and control joints?

    • Should show knowledge of proper jointing techniques

Timeline and Logistics

  1. What’s your expected timeline for my project?

    • Specific dates, not vague timeframes

  2. Will you protect my landscaping and property during work?

    • Should describe protection methods

  3. What hours will you work?

    • Know what to expect for noise and activity

  4. How will you handle unexpected issues?

    • Change order process should be explained

Financial Terms

  1. What’s your payment schedule?

    • Typical: 10-30% deposit, progress payments, final payment on completion
    • Avoid large upfront payments

  2. Is your quote fixed or an estimate?

    • Fixed price preferred for budget certainty
    • If estimate, ask what could cause changes

  3. What warranty do you provide?

    • Should be in writing, specify coverage and duration
    • 1-year minimum, 5-year craftsmanship from quality contractors

References and Proof

  1. Can you provide references from recent local projects?

    • Actually call the references

  2. Can I see examples of your work in my area?

    • Drive by and inspect quality

  3. Have you had any complaints or legal issues?

    • Check Washington State Labor & Industries website
    • Check Better Business Bureau rating

Getting and Comparing Bids

Get Multiple Bids

Three Bids Minimum: Provides enough comparison without overwhelming options

Apples-to-Apples: Ensure each bid specifies identical scope and materials for fair comparison

Include Everything: Make sure bids include permits, drainage, removal of old driveway, cleanup—everything

Understanding Price Differences

Lowest Isn’t Best: Underpricing often means cutting corners that cost more later

Highest Isn’t Automatically Best: Premium pricing should reflect premium materials, service, and warranty

Compare Details: Line by line, not just total price. Where are differences?

Material Quality: 4000 PSI vs. 3500 PSI concrete affects price and longevity

Base Depth: 6 inches vs. 8 inches of gravel base costs more but performs better

Trust Your Instincts

Comfort Level: Do you feel comfortable with this contractor?

Professionalism: Are they on time for appointments? Courteous? Knowledgeable?

Communication Style: Do they explain clearly or confuse with jargon?

Gut Feeling: Something seems off? It probably is.

Specific Spokane Considerations

Climate Expertise

Freeze-Thaw Knowledge: Contractor should demonstrate understanding of Spokane’s specific challenges

Local Soil Experience: Clay soils throughout Spokane require special consideration

Drainage Focus: In our climate, proper drainage isn’t optional—it’s essential

Winter Timing

Installation Season: Quality contractors install April-October in Spokane

Avoid Winter Installation: Curing problems in cold weather

Spring Scheduling: Best contractors book early—schedule in winter for spring work

Local References

Neighborhood Work: Contractors with experience in your specific neighborhood understand local conditions

Spokane Portfolio: Local references should be abundant, not scarce

The Selection Process

Step 1: Initial Research

  • Check online reviews (Google, Yelp, Angie’s List)
  • Verify Washington State contractor license
  • Check Better Business Bureau rating
  • Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations

Step 2: Contact Top Candidates

Contact 3-5 contractors that meet your criteria

Step 3: Site Visits and Bids

Schedule on-site consultations with each

Step 4: Compare Thoroughly

Line-item comparison of:

  • Materials (concrete PSI, base depth, reinforcement)
  • Timeline
  • Payment terms
  • Warranty
  • Included services
  • Exclusions

Step 5: Reference Checks

Actually call provided references. Ask:

  • Did they stay on budget?
  • Did they finish on time?
  • How was communication?
  • Any problems? How resolved?
  • Would you hire again?

Step 6: Make Your Choice

Choose based on overall value, not just price

Warning: Common Scams

The “Leftover Materials” Scam

“We have extra materials from another job and can offer you a deal”

  • Quality contractors plan carefully and don’t have significant leftovers
  • Often inferior materials or high-pressure tactic

The “Today Only” Scam

“In your area, special price just for today”

  • Creates false urgency
  • Quality contractors don’t use pressure tactics

The “No Permit Needed” Scam

“Driveways don’t need permits in Spokane”

  • False. Most driveway work requires permits.
  • Protects you from unlicensed work

After You Choose: Before Work Begins

Get Everything in Writing

  • Detailed contract with complete scope
  • Payment schedule tied to progress, not calendar
  • Start and completion dates
  • Warranty details
  • Change order procedure

Know Your Rights

  • Washington State’s contractor laws protect homeowners
  • Understand cancellation rights
  • Know lien law protections
  • Don’t make final payment until completely satisfied

During the Project

Communication

  • Regular updates on progress
  • Immediate notification of any issues or changes
  • Responsive to your questions and concerns

Inspections

  • Verify base preparation before concrete pouring
  • Check proper placement of reinforcement
  • Observe drainage slope installation
  • Final walkthrough before final payment

Our Transparency Promise

We’re confident in our work and welcome scrutiny:

References: We’ll provide recent local references you can contact and visit

Specification Details: We’ll explain exactly what materials and methods we use

Competitive Bidding: We encourage getting multiple quotes and comparing details

Written Warranty: Our 5-year craftsmanship warranty is documented and explained

Open Communication: Questions welcome at any point in the process

Making the Right Choice

Your driveway contractor choice affects your home’s value, appearance, and your satisfaction for decades. Taking time to choose wisely pays dividends for years:

  • Quality work lasts longer
  • Proper installation prevents problems
  • Good warranty provides peace of mind
  • Professional service reduces stress

Ready to Work with Quality?

We invite you to experience the difference working with true professionals:

✓ Fully licensed, bonded, and insured in Washington State ✓ Over 15 years serving Spokane homeowners ✓ 5-year craftsmanship warranty ✓ Transparent, detailed proposals ✓ Outstanding local references ✓ Commitment to education and communication

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and discover why more Spokane homeowners trust us with their driveway projects.

Choose Wisely, Choose Once: Quality work lasts decades. Poor work costs more in the long run through repairs, premature replacement, and frustration. Invest in quality from the start.