Is your driveway tired, stained, cracked or slippery? Resurfacing more often than not is a better option than pulling the slab out and replacing it. It is faster, less disruptive, and a fraction of the cost. But the result can vary greatly depending entirely on who does the work. Here is everything worth checking before you hire anyone.
Ask What Product They Are Actually Using
A few different processes cover concrete resurfacing, and it is good to know which one you are getting quoted on. At Royal Concrete Resurfacing, we spray a high strength, cement based compound directly onto your existing concrete with a purpose built spray gun. It’s worth knowing that this is not paint. Paint is the cheapest option that contractors will quote you, as well as the worst. It typically lasts six to twelve months and gets more slippery when wet, which is a danger, and not recommended for slabs that will be walked on.
A good contractor should be able to tell you exactly what they are spraying, if and how it rates for slip resistance, and how long they expect it to last. Ours is rated P5, which is the highest slip rating for exterior surfaces, and it holds up for around twenty years.
Check Licensing And Insurance Properly
In NSW, ask for the contractor’s licence details and confirm they carry public liability insurance and workers compensation. Don’t just take their word for it. A licensed contractor won’t hesitate to provide this, which can be verified through NSW Fair Trading before you commit to anything. If a quote comes in much cheaper than everyone else’s, it’s common for this to be because they are an unlicensed or uninsured contractor.
Ask About Surface Preparation
The prep work is as important as the spraying itself. A rushed job that skips over appropriate pressure washing, crack filling, or masking of your walls and garden beds will show up in the finish within months. Ask what their process actually is from start to finish, and how long they expect the job to take. Most driveways take two to three days, depending on size and weather. A contractor should be able to give you an accurate timeframe once they have seen the job in person, rather than a vague guess over the phone.
Look At Real, Local Work, Not Stock Photos
Ask to see photos of concrete they have actually resurfaced nearby, not a supplier’s marketing gallery. You can see examples of our own completed jobs across Sydney, with real before and after shots, in our photo gallery. If a contractor cannot show you local, recent work, it’s worth asking about it directly.
Read Reviews Carefully, And Check They Are Genuine
Don’t just focus on the star rating, read a handful of the actual reviews. Do they mention specific things, such as turnaround time, communication, or the finished result? Or do they read like generic praise? We are at 5.0 across 230+ Google reviews, and we would encourage you to actually read a few before deciding, whether you choose us or anyone else you are comparing.
Get A Written, Itemised Quote
Never agree to work based on a verbal price alone. An actual quote should specify the surface area, the finish and colour, and what it includes, such as masking, crack filling and sealing. If you are not sure where to start, get in touch for a free, no obligation estimate. We will give you a clear price after seeing the job, not a rough figure over the phone.