Written and reviewed by the Apolodor LTD concrete repair team

Choosing a concrete repair contractor is one of the most important decisions in any repair project. The right contractor will find the cause of the problem, recommend a proportionate solution and deliver a repair that lasts. The wrong one can leave you paying twice: once for a repair that fails, and again to put it right.

Because concrete repair is specialist work, comparing prices alone tells you very little. This guide sets out what to look for and the questions to ask before appointing anyone. It reflects the standards we hold ourselves to at Apolodor LTD, and the questions we would expect any client to ask us.

Quick answer: Choose a concrete repair contractor who investigates the cause before quoting, works to BS EN 1504 principles, uses recognised repair systems from established manufacturers, holds appropriate insurance, provides clear method statements and risk assessments, has experience with similar structures, and hands over proper records and a clear guarantee.

1. Do They Diagnose Before They Quote?

A good contractor will want to understand why the concrete has failed. That may involve a site inspection, hammer testing, cover measurements, moisture checks or more detailed testing. Contractors who quote for patch repairs from photographs alone are often treating symptoms.

Ask how they will establish the cause of the damage. Our article on why concrete gets damaged shows how many different causes there can be. At Apolodor LTD, we inspect before we quote for exactly this reason.

2. Do They Work to Recognised Standards?

In the UK, concrete repair and protection is governed by BS EN 1504, which sets out the principles and methods of repair and the performance requirements for products. A competent contractor should be able to explain which repair principles apply to your structure and why. Our guide to understanding BS EN 1504 standards explains what this means in practice.

3. Which Materials Will They Use?

Ask which manufacturer’s systems will be used and whether the contractor has experience with them. Established systems come with technical data, application guidance and manufacturer support, while mixing products from different systems can compromise compatibility. Our guide to choosing the right concrete repair materials for UK conditions explains why selection matters. For reference, we use systems from Sika, Ronacrete and Fosroc, and we are always happy to tell clients which products are specified and why.

4. Are They Properly Insured and Accredited?

Check that the contractor holds public liability and employers’ liability insurance at appropriate levels, and professional indemnity cover if they are providing design advice. Ask about operative training and site cards, health and safety accreditation, and membership of relevant trade bodies such as the Concrete Repair Association.

5. Will They Provide Method Statements and Risk Assessments?

Professional contractors provide clear risk assessments and method statements before work starts. On commercial and multi-occupancy projects, they should understand their duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. This is particularly important for occupied buildings, work at height and live sites.

6. Have They Done Similar Work?

Repairing a domestic path is very different from repairing a multi-storey car park, a basement under water pressure or a heavily used industrial floor. Ask for examples of comparable projects and, where possible, references from previous clients.

7. How Will They Manage Disruption?

For commercial properties, the way work is phased can matter as much as the repair itself. Ask how the contractor will maintain access, control dust and noise and keep the site operating. Our article on minimising downtime during commercial concrete repairs explains what good planning looks like.

8. What Records and Guarantees Will You Receive?

At the end of the project, you should receive records showing what was repaired, where and with which products, along with any test results. A guarantee is only meaningful if it is clear what it covers and the contractor is likely to be around to honour it.

What Are the Red Flags?

• Quotes given without seeing the structure
• No explanation of the cause of the damage
• Pressure to start immediately or pay large deposits upfront
• Vague product descriptions with no manufacturer named
• Unwillingness to provide insurance details or references
• Prices far below other quotes without a clear explanation

Our article on the top concrete repair mistakes property owners make covers some of the most costly pitfalls.

How Do You Compare Quotes Fairly?

Check that each contractor is pricing the same scope. Differences in access, preparation, extent of breakout, protective coatings and testing can explain large price gaps. Our overview of the cost of concrete repairs in the UK explains what drives price.

How Apolodor LTD Measures Up

We wrote this guide because we would rather be chosen by a client who knows what to ask. Every project we take on starts with an assessment of the cause, follows BS EN 1504 principles and uses established repair systems, and our proposals set out the scope clearly so they can be compared fairly with others.

On site, we plan around the people using the building, and keep work areas safe throughout. If you are comparing contractors, use the checklist above with us as well as everyone else.

UK Areas We Work In

If you are looking for a concrete repair contractor, we work in:

• London
• Manchester
• Birmingham
• Liverpool
• Leeds
• Nottingham
• Bristol
• Brighton
• Cardiff
• Plymouth
• Luton
• Reading
• Norwich
• Swindon
• Portsmouth
• Oxford
• Ipswich
• Maidstone
• Cambridge
• Southampton
• Slough
• Warrington
• Sheffield
• Leicester
• Coventry
• Milton Keynes
• Northampton
• Derby
• Stoke-on-Trent
• Wolverhampton
• Hull
• Exeter
• Gloucester
• Sunderland
• York
• Peterborough
• Chelmsford
• Newcastle
• Bradford
• Bournemouth
• Swansea
• Newport
• Middlesbrough
• Preston
• Blackpool
• Bolton
• Stockport
• Huddersfield
• Lincoln
• Worcester
• Colchester
• Canterbury

Key Takeaways

• Choose a contractor who diagnoses the cause before quoting
• Look for knowledge of BS EN 1504 and recognised repair systems
• Check insurance, accreditation, method statements and experience
• Compare quotes on scope, not just price
• Ask for records and a clear guarantee on completion

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an engineer as well as a contractor?

For structural damage or significant repairs, a structural engineer should be involved to assess capacity and specify the repair. Many specialist contractors work alongside engineers.

Should I get more than one quote?

Yes, particularly for larger projects. Make sure each quote is based on the same scope so you can compare them fairly.

How long should a concrete repair last?

A well-diagnosed and properly executed repair should last many years. Its life depends on exposure, materials, workmanship and maintenance.

Talk to Apolodor LTD

Apolodor LTD provides specialist concrete repairs across the UK, starting every project with a proper assessment. Call 07808 709670 or contact us here.