In the construction industry, a handshake and verbal agreement might seem sufficient, but when it comes to concrete work, a well-written contract is essential. A contract doesn’t just outline the scope of work—it protects both the contractor and the client from misunderstandings, delays, and unexpected costs. Without clear terms, concrete contractors can face disputes over pricing, quality, and responsibility for issues like cracking or site conditions.

In this article, we’ll break down the key elements of a strong concrete contract, including terms and conditions, inclusions, exclusions, and qualifications. Whether you’re working on a residential driveway or a large commercial foundation, having a solid contract ensures that expectations are set from the start, reducing headaches down the road.

Why Contracts Matter in Concrete Work

Concrete projects are highly dependent on factors like weather, site conditions, curing time, and proper maintenance. Without a contract that clearly defines responsibilities, contractors can be blamed for things beyond their control—like cracks caused by soil movement or improper client maintenance.

Common disputes in concrete contracting include:

✅ Clients expecting additional work that wasn’t quoted.

✅ Payment delays or disputes over final costs.

✅ Clients misunderstanding what finishes, reinforcements, or sealants are included.

✅ Liability issues related to property damage or project delays.

By having a detailed contract in place, concrete contractors can prevent these issues and establish trust with their clients from the beginning.

Key Contract Sections Every Concrete Contractor Should Include

A well-structured concrete contract should cover four main areas:

1. Terms and Conditions

This section sets the foundation for the project and should include:

•Scope of Work: Define exactly what work is being performed (e.g., site prep, formwork, pouring, finishing, curing).

•Payment Terms: Outline the deposit, progress payments, and final payment requirements.

•Change Orders: Any changes to the agreed-upon scope must be documented and approved in writing.

•Warranties: Clearly state the duration and limitations of your warranty (e.g., workmanship vs. material defects).

•Indemnification: Protect yourself from liability for damages caused by client actions or third parties.

•Insurance Requirements: Specify what insurance you carry (e.g., general liability, workers’ comp).

•Schedule Delays: Clarify that weather delays, material shortages, or unforeseen site conditions may impact the timeline.

•Dispute Resolution: Outline how conflicts will be handled (e.g., mediation, arbitration, or legal action).

2. Inclusions: What’s Covered in the Contract?

This section eliminates ambiguity about what’s included in the quoted price. Common inclusions for concrete work might be:

✔ Mobilization and setup of necessary equipment.

✔ Site layout and minor grading for concrete placement.

✔ Formwork, basic reinforcement (wire mesh, rebar if specified).

✔ Standard 3000-4000 PSI concrete mix, pouring, and finishing.

✔ Control joints, curing process, and light cleanup.

Clearly listing inclusions prevents clients from assuming they’re getting additional services at no extra cost.

3. Exclusions: What’s NOT Included?

Just as important as inclusions, exclusions define what falls outside of your contract to prevent scope creep. Common exclusions might include:

❌ Excavation, extensive grading, and compaction (unless stated).

❌ Decorative finishes (stamped, colored, exposed aggregate) unless specified.

❌ Engineering, surveying, or third-party testing.

❌ Reinforcement beyond standard mesh or rebar (if required by design).

❌ Permit fees or inspections (unless the contractor agrees to handle them).

❌ Weather-related delays and any associated costs.

By clearly stating what is not included, you avoid misunderstandings that can lead to disputes or unexpected work.

4. Qualifications: Setting the Conditions for Work

Qualifications outline the conditions under which you will perform the work. These ensure that you’re not held responsible for issues outside your control. Examples include:

📌 The client must ensure site access is clear before mobilization.

📌 Concrete delivery and placement depend on suitable weather conditions.

📌 The contractor assumes the site is properly prepped unless otherwise stated.

📌 The client is responsible for obtaining permits unless specified in writing.

📌 The contractor is not responsible for cracks due to soil movement or external forces.

By including these qualifications, you protect yourself from unexpected liabilities and project complications.

Real-World Example: Why Contracts Save Contractors Money

Let’s say a concrete contractor is hired to pour a new driveway. The contract specifies a broom finish and a 3000 PSI mix. However, after the work is completed, the client demands a stamped finish, claiming they thought it was included. Without a contract stating exactly what finishes were included, the contractor could be forced to redo the work at a loss.

Or consider a situation where a commercial client delays the project for weeks due to site prep issues. Without a contract stating that schedule delays beyond the contractor’s control may incur additional costs, the contractor could lose significant time and money.

These real-world situations highlight why having a detailed contract is crucial for protecting profits and avoiding unnecessary disputes.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Business with a Strong Contract

For concrete contractors, a well-written contract is more than just a formality—it’s a tool for protecting your business, ensuring you get paid, and keeping projects on track. By defining terms, inclusions, exclusions, and qualifications upfront, you minimize risk, avoid costly disputes, and establish clear expectations with your clients. webuilt is here to support construction businesses with estimating, bookkeeping, marketing, payroll and system development services.

🚀Take control of your projects—get your contract in order today!

This blog establishes Webuilt as an authority while providing real value to concrete contractors. Let me know if you want to refine it further!

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Download the editable contract for concrete contractors: Concrete Agreement with client