What Questions Should I Ask an Epoxy Contractor?
Epoxy flooring has a low barrier to entry — anyone with a sprayer, a roller, and a truck can call themselves an "epoxy contractor." The questions below are the ones that actually separate a professional installer from someone painting concrete, and the answers you get will tell you more about the quality of the work than any sales pitch will.
At Show Me Epoxy, these are questions we get asked constantly — and we'd rather explain the answers up front than have a homeowner find out the hard way after a bad install.
"Do You Diamond Grind, or Just Acid Etch?"
This is the single most important question on this list. Mechanical diamond grinding opens the pores of the concrete and creates the surface profile a coating needs to permanently bond. Acid etching is a chemical shortcut that produces inconsistent results and a much weaker bond. If a contractor's answer is vague, or they say etching is "just as good," that's a red flag — professional installers should be able to explain their prep process without hesitation.
A real prep-first crew, mid-install — this is what to expect when you ask the right questions up front.
"What Products Are You Actually Using?"
"Epoxy" isn't one single product — there's a wide range of grades, and there's also polyaspartic, which is a different (and often better-performing) chemistry entirely. Ask what basecoat, flake, and topcoat products they use, and whether it's an industrial-grade system or a big-box retail product. A contractor who can't name what they're putting on your floor is probably not thinking about it as a system.
"Is There a Warranty, and What Does It Actually Cover?"
Ask specifically what's covered — peeling, bubbling, delamination — and for how long. A vague "yes, we warranty our work" isn't the same as a clear answer about what happens if something goes wrong. Contractors confident in their prep process are usually happy to be specific about this.
"Can I See Photos or References From Recent Jobs?"
Recent work matters more than old portfolio photos, because it tells you whether the crew installing your floor today is still doing quality work. Ask for jobs from the last few months, ideally in your area, and don't be afraid to ask if you can contact a past customer.
"What's Included in the Quote?"
Get specific about what's actually included: diamond grinding, crack repair, the number of coating layers, and cleanup. Some lower quotes look cheaper because they're leaving out prep work or using a thinner system — the number on the page doesn't mean much without knowing what it includes. Our Instant Price Calculator is a good way to get a sense of what a properly scoped job should run before you start comparing quotes.
"How Long Will the Crew Be On Site, and Why?"
A garage floor installed correctly takes real time — grinding, repairs, basecoat, flake, and topcoat all happen in sequence with cure time between steps. If a quote sounds dramatically faster than everyone else's, ask specifically what's being skipped to make that possible. See our full breakdown of what a proper epoxy installation timeline actually looks like.
"Are You Insured?"
This matters more than people think, especially for garage floors where equipment, tools, and vehicles are nearby during the work. A contractor should be able to answer this without hesitation.
"What Happens If the Floor Fails?"
This question tends to reveal the most. A contractor who's confident in their process will explain their warranty and their process for making it right. One who gets defensive or dismissive about the question is telling you something too.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Vague or evasive answers about surface preparation
- Quotes significantly lower than everyone else's with no clear explanation why
- No warranty, or a warranty they can't clearly describe
- Reluctance to show recent work or provide references
- Pressure to sign same-day without time to compare quotes
The Bottom Line
None of these questions are meant to be a gotcha — a good contractor will welcome them, because the answers are exactly what separates a floor that lasts 15 years from one that needs to be redone in two. Asking them upfront costs nothing and can save you from a very expensive redo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most important question to ask an epoxy contractor?
Whether they diamond grind the concrete or rely on acid etching. This single answer tells you more about the long-term durability of your floor than almost anything else in the quote.
Should I get multiple quotes before hiring an epoxy contractor?
Yes. Comparing quotes side by side makes it much easier to spot when one contractor is leaving out prep work or using thinner materials to hit a lower price. Just make sure you're comparing what's actually included, not just the total number.
Do epoxy contractors need to be licensed or insured?
Requirements vary by location, but insurance in particular matters — it protects you if something is damaged during the work. A professional contractor should be able to confirm their insurance status without hesitation.
How do I know if an epoxy quote is too good to be true?
If a quote is significantly lower than every other estimate you received, ask specifically what's included. Often the gap comes from skipped diamond grinding, thinner coating systems, or no crack repair — all of which affect how long the floor actually lasts.
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