Looking for the best concrete contractor in Minneapolis-St. Paul? Learn the 7 critical factors that separate quality concrete contractors from the rest in Minnesota.
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If you're searching for a "concrete contractor near me" in the Twin Cities, you're probably facing a concrete project that feels overwhelming. Maybe your driveway is cracking and sinking, your garage keeps flooding from a failed apron, or you're dreaming of a backyard patio that transforms your outdoor space.
Here's what makes this search so frustrating: the concrete contractor industry has a reputation problem. Stories about contractors who never call back, projects that drag on for months, and budgets that mysteriously double are unfortunately common in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
But here's the truth—not all concrete contractors are created equal, and the difference between a quality contractor and a mediocre one can literally mean the difference between a patio that lasts 30 years and one that starts cracking after two Minnesota winters.
We're Preferred 1 Concrete, and we've been installing concrete driveways, patios, retaining walls, and driveway aprons in the Twin Cities since 2004. My father has been working in concrete since the 1980s, so we've seen every possible concrete project scenario Minnesota can throw at us.
We created this guide because we know what you're up against. We want you to make an informed decision—even if you don't choose us. Because the reality is, a bad concrete contractor doesn't just waste your money. They create problems that can affect your home's foundation, drainage, and property value for decades.
This article will walk you through exactly what to look for when choosing the best concrete contractor for your Minneapolis-St. Paul project. And yes, we'll show you why we believe we're the right choice—but we'll do it by explaining what quality concrete work actually requires in Minnesota's brutal climate.
The best concrete contractor near you understands that Minnesota's freeze-thaw cycles are absolutely brutal on concrete. Our state experiences temperature swings that would make contractors in California or Texas weep.
Here's what Minnesota-specific expertise looks like:
They understand air entrainment requirements. In Minnesota, concrete must have tiny air bubbles mixed into it (5-7% air content) to survive freeze-thaw cycles. When water seeps into concrete and freezes, it expands. Those air pockets give the expanding ice somewhere to go without cracking the concrete. A contractor who doesn't understand this is setting you up for failure.
They know proper base preparation for our soil conditions. Minnesota has clay-heavy soils in many areas. Clay expands when wet and shrinks when dry, creating movement under your concrete. The best concrete contractors know you need proper excavation, compacted aggregate base, and sometimes even geotextile fabric to create a stable foundation.
They plan for drainage obsessively. With our snow melt, spring rains, and summer storms, water management is critical. Quality contractors ensure your concrete patio slopes away from your home, your driveway apron drains properly, and water never pools on concrete surfaces.
They time concrete pours appropriately. The best concrete contractors in Minneapolis and St. Paul know that concrete needs specific temperature conditions to cure properly. Pour too cold, and it won't gain strength. Pour too hot, and it can crack. They work within the optimal temperature windows and know when to use blankets or curing compounds.
At Preferred 1 Concrete, we've been dealing with Minnesota's climate challenges since 2004. We use our fully automated CemenTech C60 volumetric mixer to create concrete on-site with precise mix designs optimized for Minnesota conditions—including proper air entrainment, the right slump for each application, and materials that work in our climate.
Here's an uncomfortable truth about the concrete contractor industry: many contractors are terrible at communication. Calls go unreturned. Questions get vague answers. Project timelines remain mysterious.
The best concrete contractor near you will communicate like a professional service business, not like the stereotype you're dreading.
What excellent communication looks like:
This might sound basic, but in the concrete contractor world, it's shockingly rare. We've heard from countless Twin Cities homeowners who were amazed that we actually answered our phone and showed up for estimates when scheduled.
At Preferred 1 Concrete, we've built our reputation on defying contractor stereotypes. Communication and follow-through aren't extras—they're how we work every single day. We keep you informed because we know uncertainty is stressful, especially when you're investing thousands in your home.
The best concrete contractors provide estimates that eliminate surprises. You should never wonder what's included or what "extras" might pop up.
A quality concrete estimate includes:
Be extremely wary of contractors who give you a number without explaining what it includes. The lowest bid often means shortcuts—thinner base, cheaper materials, or corners cut on critical steps like compaction or curing.
We provide comprehensive estimates because we want you to understand exactly what you're getting. When you get a quote for a concrete driveway from Preferred 1 Concrete, you'll know precisely what we're building, how we're building it, and why each step matters for long-term durability.
The best concrete contractor near you has a verifiable history of successful projects in the Twin Cities. This means:
Online reviews on multiple platforms. Check Google, Facebook, Houzz, and the Better Business Bureau. Look for patterns—do they consistently deliver quality work? Handle problems professionally? Communicate well?
Before and after photos of actual projects. Any contractor can show you manufacturer stock photos. The best contractors have extensive portfolios of their own work. Check out our portfolio to see real projects we've completed throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, Lakeville, Burnsville, and the surrounding areas.
References from past clients. Don't be shy about asking. Quality contractors are happy to connect you with satisfied customers.
Longevity in business. While new contractors can certainly do quality work, companies that have survived decades in Minnesota's competitive market have proven they deliver. We've been operating since 2004, and my father's been in concrete since the 1980s—that longevity speaks to consistent quality and satisfied customers who refer their friends and family.
Local presence. A contractor with a local address, not just a P.O. box or cell phone, demonstrates commitment to the community. We're based in Burnsville and serve the entire South Metro and Twin Cities area.
This isn't exciting, but it's absolutely critical. The best concrete contractor carries:
General liability insurance. This protects you if something goes wrong during the project—damage to your property, injury to a worker, etc.
Workers' compensation insurance. This protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property.
Appropriate business registration. In Minnesota, contractors should be registered with the state and comply with local licensing requirements.
Ask to see certificates of insurance before signing any contract. If a contractor hesitates or makes excuses, walk away immediately. You're taking on enormous liability if an uninsured contractor damages your property or if someone gets hurt on your property.
At Preferred 1 Concrete, we maintain all required insurance and licensing. We're happy to provide documentation because protecting our clients is non-negotiable.
The best concrete contractors know when permits are required and handle the process professionally. In many Twin Cities municipalities:
Quality contractors don't try to skip permits to save time or money. They understand that permitted work protects you during resale and ensures the project meets safety standards.
We handle permit requirements as part of our service. We'll tell you upfront if your project requires permits, help with the application process, and ensure all work meets code requirements for your city—whether you're in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Lakeville, Burnsville, Eagan, or surrounding communities.
Here's a hard truth: the best concrete contractor is rarely the cheapest option. Quality concrete work requires:
When you see a bid significantly lower than others, that contractor is cutting corners somewhere. Maybe they're using less base material. Maybe their concrete has lower strength or improper air content. Maybe they're rushing the finishing or not allowing proper cure time.
The best concrete contractors charge fair prices that reflect quality materials and proper installation. You're not just paying for concrete—you're paying for expertise, equipment, insurance, and a result that will last decades.
Our pricing at Preferred 1 Concrete reflects the quality we deliver. We're not the cheapest, but we're competitive with other quality contractors. More importantly, we're worth every penny because your concrete patio, driveway, or retaining wall will still look great and function properly 20 years from now.
As you search for the best concrete contractor near you, watch out for these warning signs:
If a contractor offers you a significant discount for paying cash, they're likely dodging taxes and insurance requirements. This isn't a deal—it's a liability.
Quality contractors have happy customers who will gladly vouch for their work. If a contractor deflects when you ask for references, there's a reason.
"This price is only good if you sign today" is a manipulation tactic. Quality work doesn't need high-pressure sales tactics. Take your time to make the right decision.
Any substantial concrete work should have a written contract. A handshake agreement leaves you with zero protection if problems arise.
If a contractor can't or won't explain what's included in their bid, they're setting you up for endless "extras" and change orders.
Professional concrete contractors have marked vehicles, uniforms or company shirts, and business cards. If someone shows up looking like they borrowed their buddy's truck, that's not a professional operation.
When you're interviewing concrete contractors in Minneapolis-St. Paul, ask these questions:
We've explained what makes a concrete contractor the "best." Now let's be direct about why we believe we're that contractor for your project.
Most concrete contractors rely on ready-mix trucks from batch plants. That system has limitations—the concrete starts curing the moment it's mixed, creating time pressure that can compromise quality.
We use a CemenTech C60 volumetric mixer. This mobile concrete plant mixes your concrete on-site, on-demand. The materials stay separate until the moment we need them, giving us:
This isn't just cool technology—it directly improves the quality of your concrete project.
We're not just concrete contractors—we're ACI-certified concrete field-testing technicians and flatwork technicians. This means we're trained to:
Most residential concrete contractors don't have this level of certification. We do because we're committed to doing this right.
This sounds ridiculous to mention, but in the concrete contractor world, it's revolutionary. We return calls. We show up when we say we will. We keep you updated throughout your project.
Communication isn't something we occasionally remember to do—it's how we run our business every day. You'll never wonder what's happening with your concrete patio installation or driveway apron replacement.
Since 2004, we've installed concrete through some of Minnesota's harshest winters and hottest summers. We've seen every soil condition the Twin Cities can throw at us. We know exactly how to build concrete projects that survive and thrive in our climate.
And our roots go even deeper—my father has been in the concrete business since the 1980s. This isn't a new venture or a side gig. This is our family's expertise, refined over decades of Minnesota concrete work.
The foundation layers under your concrete? You'll never see them once the project is complete. But they determine whether your driveway lasts 30 years or starts cracking in 3.
We don't cut corners on:
These steps cost more time and money. They're also the difference between concrete that lasts and concrete that fails.
Our goal is simple: deliver the highest quality concrete work, on time, on budget, and worth every penny. That means:
If you're searching for the "best concrete contractor near me" in the Twin Cities, you now know exactly what to look for. You understand the critical factors that separate quality contractors from the rest. You know the questions to ask and the red flags to avoid.
Now it's decision time.
We'd love the opportunity to earn your business. We believe that once you talk with us, you'll understand why Twin Cities homeowners consistently choose Preferred 1 Concrete for their concrete patios, driveways, retaining walls, driveway aprons, and hardscaping projects.
Contact us today for a comprehensive estimate on your concrete project. We serve Minneapolis, St. Paul, Lakeville, Burnsville, Eagan, Apple Valley, Prior Lake, and the entire South Metro area.
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