What exactly does a concreter do?

Concreters are tradespeople who work with concrete – mixing, pouring, shaping, finishing, and sometimes reinforcing it for a huge variety of projects. In New Zealand, you’ll find them laying driveways, patios, pathways, garage floors, retaining walls, house foundations, and commercial slabs. Some also specialise in decorative work like exposed aggregate, stamped concrete, or polished floors.

You might need a concreter if you’re building a new home, extending a driveway, adding a patio, replacing a cracked pathway, or putting up a concrete retaining wall. Even small jobs like a garden shed base usually need someone who knows how to get the mix right and the surface level.

Qualifications and certifications for concreters in NZ

Unlike electricians or plumbers, concreters in New Zealand are not required by law to hold a licence to operate. However, there are important qualifications and industry standards that separate the professionals from the cowboys.

National Certificates in Concrete – The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) offers national certificates in concrete at levels 2, 3, and 4. These cover mixing, placing, finishing, curing, and reading plans. Many experienced concreters hold these or have served an apprenticeship through the Concrete Industry Training Organisation (CITO), which is the industry training body.

Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) – If the concrete work involves structural elements of a building (like foundations or slabs for a house), it’s considered “restricted building work” under the Building Act 2004. That means the concreter must hold an LBP licence in a relevant class – usually Licensed Building Practitioner – Foundations or Licensed Building Practitioner – Design. For non-structural jobs like driveways or patios, an LBP licence isn’t legally required, but hiring one gives peace of mind.

Concrete NZ (formerly the Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand) is the industry body that sets best-practice standards. Members of Concrete NZ agree to follow their codes of practice and often have access to ongoing training.

Site Safe – Many reputable concreters hold a Site Safe card, which shows they’ve completed basic health and safety training for construction sites.

What to look for when hiring: - Ask if they hold any NZQA qualifications in concrete. - For structural work, ask for their LBP licence number and verify it on the LBP Register at lbp.govt.nz. - Check if they’re a member of Concrete NZ – it shows a commitment to industry standards. - Ask if they have public liability insurance (at least $1 million cover is common). This protects you if something goes wrong.

How to choose the right concreter for your job

Finding a good concreter isn’t just about picking the first name from a search. Here’s a step-by-step process:

Get multiple quotes – Always get at least three written quotes for any substantial job. This helps you understand the market rate and spot any quotes that seem too cheap (which often means corners will be cut).

Check references and recent work – Ask for photos or addresses of recent projects similar to yours. A reputable concreter will be happy to show you. Better still, go and look at a finished job if possible.

Verify they have insurance – Ask for a copy of their public liability policy. If they can’t produce one, cross them off your list. Without insurance, you could be liable for any damage or injury on your property.

Ask about the mix design – Good concreters will specify the concrete strength (measured in megapascals, MPa). For a residential driveway, 20-25 MPa is typical; for a garage floor, 25-30 MPa. They should also talk about reinforcement (e.g., steel mesh or fibre) and whether they plan to use control joints to prevent cracking.

Get everything in writing – A thorough quote should include: - Scope of work (exactly what’s being done) - Materials and mix specifications - Timeframe and start date - Payment terms (deposit amounts, progress payments, final payment) - Warranty or guarantee on workmanship (typically one to two years) - Site cleanup and waste disposal responsibilities

Check for a written contract – For jobs over a few thousand dollars, ask for a written contract that covers the above points. Verbal agreements can lead to disputes.

Typical costs and pricing for concreting in NZ

Concreting costs vary widely depending on the type of job, the site conditions, and the region. Here are general estimates based on common projects:

  • Plain concrete driveway (standard broom finish, 100-150mm thick): $120 – $180 per square metre including materials and labour.
  • Exposed aggregate driveway: $150 – $250 per square metre.
  • Stamped or patterned concrete: $180 – $280 per square metre.
  • Concrete house slab (standard 100mm thick with mesh): $150 – $220 per square metre, depending on soil conditions and reinforcing.
  • Small jobs like a garden shed base (3×3 metres): Often quoted as a flat rate of $500 – $1,000 including materials.
  • Retaining walls (concrete block or poured): $200 – $400 per linear metre, depending on height and reinforcement.

What affects costs? - Site access – If the concrete truck can’t get close, you may need a pump or wheelbarrows, which costs extra. - Ground preparation – Excavation, compacting, and adding a base layer of hardfill add to the bill. - Reinforcement – Steel mesh or fibre increases cost but prevents cracks. - Finishes and colour – Decorative finishes cost more than a simple broom or trowel finish. - Region – Prices are typically higher in Auckland and Queenstown compared to smaller centres, due to higher labour and material costs. - Season and weather – In winter, concrete takes longer to cure, and some concreters add a small surcharge for curing compounds or heating.

Always expect a deposit of 10-30% upfront. Pay as little as possible before the work is complete. Many reputable concreters ask for a deposit for materials, then payment on completion.

Red flags and what to avoid

Unfortunately, the concreting industry has its share of cowboys. Watch out for these warning signs:

  • Quotes that are much lower than others – A suspiciously cheap price often means they’ll skimp on concrete strength, reinforcement, or curing time. That can lead to cracking, crumbling, or a short lifespan.
  • No insurance or licence – If they can’t show you insurance or an LBP licence (if required), walk away.
  • Asking for full payment upfront – Never pay the full amount before the job is finished. A small deposit for materials is normal; anything more is a risk.
  • No written quote or contract – Relying on a handshake is asking for trouble.
  • Vague about mix design or curing – If they can’t tell you what MPa concrete they’re using or how long they’ll cure it, they probably don’t know what they’re doing.
  • Poor communication or pushy sales tactics – They should be willing to answer your questions and explain the process. If they pressure you into a quick decision, that’s a red flag.
  • No references or recent photos – A good concreter will have a portfolio. If they can’t show you anything, assume they’re inexperienced.

Common problems to watch for: - Insufficient reinforcement leading to cracks. - Poor slope for drainage – water pooling on a driveway or patio is a nightmare. - Not using control joints – large slabs need joints to control where cracks form. Without them, you get random cracks. - Rush jobs – Concrete needs time to cure properly (at least 7 days, ideally 28). If they finish and leave in a day, you may get a weak surface.

Tips for getting the best results

You can’t control the weather or the concrete mix, but you can set your project up for success.

Prepare the site – Before the concreter arrives, make sure the area is clear of debris, plants, and obstructions. Good ground preparation is half the battle.

Talk about cure time – After the concrete is poured, it needs to stay moist for several days. The concreter should apply curing compounds or wet hessian. Ask them how long you should keep the surface moist and avoid walking on it. For driveways, 5–7 days before light traffic, and 28 days before heavy vehicles.

Seal if required – Decorative concrete (especially exposed aggregate or stamped) benefits from a sealer applied after curing. Ask your concreter if they include sealing in the price. Sealing protects against stains, UV damage, and weather.

Maintain the surface – Sweep regularly and use a mild detergent for stains. Avoid harsh chemicals or pressure washing at full force on sealed surfaces. Reseal every 3–5 years for driveways exposed to weather.

Get a warranty – Many reputable concreters provide a one-year warranty on workmanship. Some offer two years for defects like cracking or spalling. Get this in writing.

Check the finished surface – When the job is done, inspect the surface for any hollow spots, uneven areas, or cracks. If you’re not happy, discuss it with the concreter immediately. Most will rectify minor issues.

Hiring a concreter for foundations or structural work

If your project involves a new house, extension, or any concrete that supports a building, you must use a Licensed Building Practitioner with a foundations licence. Ask to see their licence card and check it on the LBP database online. They also need to produce a Certificate of Work for the building consent authority. Skipping this step can cause major delays and legal headaches.