Concrete resurfacing: a guide for pros

What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.

Offering concrete resurfacing

Resurfacing sells on the look and the price against a full replacement, so customers trust the pros who tell them when a slab is not a good candidate. Win work by being honest about the slab's condition and by showing finished jobs that have held up.

What customers ask

  • Will the new surface peel or flake off later?
  • Can you hide the cracks, or will they show through?
  • Can I get a stone look or a stamped pattern on my existing slab?
  • How long before I can drive on it or put furniture out?
  • Do I need to replace the slab instead, and how will I know?
  • What warranty do you give on the overlay?

How to win the job

  • On the first call, ask how old the slab is, what has been done to it, and whether it has any heaving or sunken spots, since that decides if an overlay is the right choice.
  • On site, run a bond test on a small area and check for moisture, delamination and sunken spots, then show the customer what you found.
  • In the quote, separate the prep, the crack and spall repair, and the overlay itself, so the customer sees what each step does.
  • Bring a sample board in the color and texture you propose, and show it in daylight next to the slab before the customer commits.
  • Put the warranty terms in writing with the conditions that void it, such as freezing before cure or heavy de-icing salt.
  • Be direct when a slab needs replacement, and say so in writing, because that honesty keeps the customer and brings referrals.

What to put on your profile

  • Before and after photos taken in the same light and from the same angle, with the finish visible
  • The overlay products and finishes you use, such as smooth coats, broom texture, stamped patterns and stain
  • Surfaces you have resurfaced, such as driveways, pool decks, patios and garage floors
  • Your service area and whether you also handle crack repair, sealing and grinding for others

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Offer a sealing plan at the right time after cure, explained so the customer can choose the product
  • Suggest a check of the surface after the first winter, with a note on salt and snow removal methods
  • Mention repairs or replacement only as information when you see an issue beyond the overlay, with no sales push

Licenses and permits

Resurfacing is commonly done under a contractor license in many areas, and work that changes grade or drainage may need a permit. Confirm what applies where you work with your state or local licensing agency and local building department, and keep your insurance current.

Questions

What do I do when the bond test fails?

Stop and tell the customer that the overlay will not stick to the surface as it is. Offer a different prep method or a replacement, and put the test result and the decision in writing.

Should I guarantee the overlay against cracks?

Guarantee the workmanship and the bond, but not the appearance of cracks, because the slab underneath can still move. Write down what the warranty covers and what it does not, so both sides know the terms.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

Edit history

More concrete, masonry and paving guides for pros

Start here

About this guide

Get concrete resurfacing requests

Customers pick you by name. Signup is free, and you pay only for leads you accept.

Join as a pro
Sign up free