Planning to get an exposed aggregate driveway? Good choice. Not only does exposed aggregate look great, but it’s also tough, long-lasting, and can really lift your home’s overall kerb appeal.
That said, the success of the result depends heavily on who you hire. With numerous concrete contractors available, knowing who to trust can be challenging. To help you on your exposed aggregate journey, we’ve compiled five key questions to ask before committing to a contractor so you can move ahead with confidence.
Can I See Your Portfolio/Previous Work?
This is a must. Even the most experienced exposed aggregate concrete contractor might not match the style you’re after, so ask to see a portfolio of driveways they’ve completed. It gives you a good sense of the finish, design and attention to detail they deliver.
Most exposed aggregate driveway contractors will have galleries on their website or photos on Instagram or Facebook. Look for examples similar to the style you’re going for, which can include aggregate colour, edging, or even just the overall layout. If you find these, you can also use them as a reference to show your contractor what you want.
If all goes well, your contractor will be more than happy to provide you with prior examples of their work. But if they can’t show you any? That’s a red flag.
2. How Much Experience Do You Have With Exposed Aggregate?
It’s not enough for a contractor to say they’ve “been in the game for years”. From choosing the right aggregate mix to exposing and sealing it correctly, creating an exposed aggregate driveway is quite a specific process. You want someone who knows exactly how to get it right.
Don’t be afraid to ask a few technical questions to gauge their confidence. You can take a look at some of our previous articles regarding driveway drainage and exposed aggregate to familiarise yourself with the language and subjects.
Some useful questions include:
- What reinforcement do you use — wire mesh or rebar?
- How do you control cracking?
- How many control joints will you cut, and where?
- Do you seal the surface after pouring?
A knowledgeable exposed aggregate concrete contractor will be able to answer your questions without skipping a beat. If they seem vague or unsure, however, it’s worth getting a second opinion.
3. What’s Included in the Quote?
Cost is always a factor, and it’s important you’re clear on what exactly you’re paying for. Be sure to ask for an itemised quote before you sign any documents, and make sure it covers things such as:
- Materials
- Labour
- Site prep or excavation (if needed)
- Machinery or equipment hire
- Sealing and clean-up
- Extras, such as custom edging or drainage.
It’s not uncommon for unexpected costs to pop up later, especially if things weren’t clearly agreed upon upfront. Having everything in writing helps you avoid any nasty surprises down the line.
Also remember – getting a few quotes is not just okay but a smart move. It gives you a better sense of the going rate and helps you weigh up value for money, not just the final figure.
4. How Long Will the Job Take From Start to Finish?
You’ll want to know exactly how long your driveway will be out of action. Exposed aggregate driveway contractors typically take around 3 to 4 days to pour and finish a driveway. If excavation is involved, allow an extra day or two. Then you’ll need to give the driveway another 24 to 48 hours of curing before you can drive on it.
Weather plays a role too, as concreting can’t happen in the rain. So ask what their plan is if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Also, check when they plan to start. It’s usually best for them to begin early in the week so the job doesn’t sit half-done over the weekend. Don’t forget to organise alternative parking in the meantime!
5. Do You Offer a Warranty?
It’s fair to expect a contractor to back their work. If they’re confident in what they do, they should have no problem offering a warranty and putting it in writing.
Ask what the warranty covers. Things like cracks, uneven spots, or any early wear that shouldn’t be happening are worth confirming. Some might also include coverage for workmanship issues or subpar results.
It doesn’t need to be complicated, but having that promise in writing can make life a lot easier if something goes wrong down the track. It’s one of those things you hope you’ll never need but you’ll be glad you asked if you do.
Need a Hand with Your Driveway?
At A Better Driveway, exposed aggregate isn’t just part of what we do – it’s our speciality. We focus on creating driveways that don’t just look great on day one but continue to perform for years to come. With a solid five-year warranty backing every job, you can count on us to deliver high-quality exposed aggregate concrete in Melbourne that lasts.
If you’re ready to transform your driveway, get in touch.📞 Call us on 0412 537 776 or send us a message — we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.