Choosing Concrete Subcontractors

Think About:

• Do they handle both forming and placement… or separate crews?

• Who supplies:

  • Rebar?

  • Hardware (Simpson / hold-downs)?

  • Vapor barrier?

• Do they have experience with engineered foundation systems?

• Can they meet schedule-sensitive pour windows?

• Do they coordinate pump trucks or expect you to?

• Do they handle compaction + prep or rely on Earthwork?

Potential Subcontractors to Select:

• Foundation forming subcontractor

• Slab-on-grade placement crew

• Rebar installation subcontractor

• Finishing crew specialists (interior/exterior)

• Concrete pump operator (boom or line)

• Testing company for cylinders/slump

• Layout support from surveyor (pin + elevation checks)

Select the right team based on foundation type and architectural complexity.

Choosing Concrete Materials

Think About:

• Required PSI strength and slump for structural performance

• If waterproofing or vapor barriers are required under slab

• Whether weather protection (hot/cold) must be planned early

• Surface finish expectation (trowel, broom, exposed aggregate)

• Anchorage and uplift requirements

Materials to Select (as applicable):
Mix + Structural:

• Concrete mix type (PSI + air content)

• Pump mix vs chute mix

• High-early mixes for schedule constraints

• Fiber-reinforced mixes if approved

Reinforcement:

• Rebar (size, spacing, grade)

• Tie wire & accessories

• Welded wire mesh (WWM)

• Anchor bolts + hold-down hardware

• Embeds + steel connectors

Waterproof + Insulation:

• Vapor barrier (mil thickness)

• Waterproofing coatings at cold joints

• Foundation insulation boards

• Drainage mats

Finishing + Accessories:

• Screed rails

• Expansion joint material

• Curing compounds or sealers

• Hardeners or color agents (if specified)

Every element must match engineer-approved drawings.

Choosing Tools, Equipment & Rentals

Think About:

• Is a pump truck required to reach pour areas?

• Will the crew need power trowels for finish level?

• Will we require temporary power + lighting for early pours?

• Height/access restrictions that require a crane?

Tools & Equipment to Select:
Prep + Forming:

• Laser level + receivers for elevation accuracy

• Form boards + steel stakes

• Form bracing + hardware

• Concrete saw + blades

Pour + Placement:

• Pump truck (line or boom)

• Wheelbarrows + buggies

• Vibrators (internal + external)

• Screeds (manual or vibratory)

Finishing:

• Power trowels

• Hand floats + bull floats

• Edgers + groovers

• Brooms for exterior finish

Safety + Support:

• Temporary railings and covers

• Rebar caps

• Weather blankets or tenting

• Washout containment

(Confirm who owns what — missing one item can stop the pour.)

Choosing Vendors & Supply Sources

Think About:

• Distance from batch plant → travel time affects slump + finish

• Ability to deliver in sequence during continuous pour

• Special mix availability (waterproof, high-early, etc.)

• Relationship with inspectors and testing agencies

• Return policy for hardware overages

Vendor Types to Evaluate:

• Concrete batch plant supplier

• Rebar fabrication and delivery service

• Simpson hardware supplier

• Waterproofing + vapor barrier supplier

• Equipment rental company (pump, forms, trowels)

• Concrete testing lab + pickup service

• Surveyor for elevation checks

Reliable vendors = successful pour day.

Choosing Testing & Documentation Partners

Think About:

• Testing speed → cylinder pickup + break results timing

• Clearly labeled reports matched to proper pour zones

• Inspector’s trust in data source

• Visibility of lot numbers and mix tags in records

Partners to Select:

• Third-party concrete testing company

• Field tech for slump tests + air tests

• Lab for cylinder breaks

• Photographer to record rebar + pre-pour conditions

• Engineer approval contact for any site deviation

Every pour leaves forever evidence — documentation is critical.

Thank you for completing this Session!

Home Building Master Class | The Contractor Checklist

Video Explanation

www.thecontractorchecklist.com