Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Garage Floor Contractor

✓ Good: "We diamond grind every floor."

✗ Red flag: "We acid etch" or "depends on the floor."

Diamond grinding is the only method that removes surface laitance, creates a proper bond profile, and works on contaminated or previously coated surfaces. Acid etching is faster and cheaper — that's why some contractors use it. It's not adequate for a long-term coating in Texas conditions.

✓ Good: "Yes — we use a polyaspartic topcoat that's UV-stable."

✗ Red flag: "It should be fine" or evasion.

In a Texas garage, a non-UV-stable topcoat will yellow within the first few summers. UV stability must be built into the topcoat chemistry — it's not just a matter of coating thickness.

✓ Good: "Polyaspartic base and topcoat — better for Texas conditions."

✗ Red flag: "We use a premium epoxy" without further specification.

Polyaspartic and polyurea systems are the better choice for most Texas garages. Epoxy has its place — in climate-controlled environments — but in a typical Katy TX garage, polyaspartic outperforms epoxy on UV resistance, heat tolerance, and cure time.

✓ Good: Written warranty covering both material and labor for at least 2 years.

✗ Red flag: Verbal only, or "it depends on how you maintain it."

A quality installer stands behind their work in writing. If a contractor won't provide a written warranty, that tells you something about their confidence in the install.

✓ Good: Yes, with photos or a reference you can call.

✗ Red flag: "We don't keep that info" or only old/generic photos.

Any contractor worth hiring has recent work they're proud of. Ask for a project in your general area (Katy, Cinco Ranch, Fulshear, etc.) from the last 6–12 months.

✓ Good: "Yes, we carry general liability." Can provide certificate.

✗ Red flag: Hesitation or inability to produce proof.

Diamond grinders and coating chemicals on your property. You need a contractor who carries insurance and can prove it.

✓ Good: "We fill cracks with flexible polyurea filler and grind oil stains before coating."

✗ Red flag: "We'll coat over it — won't matter."

Cracks coated over without filling will telegraph through the coating within months. Oil that isn't addressed with grinding prevents proper adhesion. These are not minor details.

✓ Good: "Yes — the price I quote is the price you pay. Any additional work (if found) will be quoted before we proceed."

✗ Red flag: "We'll know more when we get there" without a firm floor price.

Low-ball estimates that "discover" add-ons on install day are a common tactic in this industry. Get a firm quote, in writing, for the work described.

✓ Good: "4–6 hours to walk on, same evening to park" (polyaspartic) or specific cure timeline.

✗ Red flag: "A few days" without details.

Cure time reveals the product. Polyaspartic: same-day drive. Epoxy: 72 hours. Both are fine if the contractor is honest about which one they're installing.

✓ Good: "Our own crew does every install."

✗ Red flag: "We manage the project" — code for subcontracting to whoever is available.

When a job is subcontracted, quality control disappears. The crew doing your floor should be the contractor's trained employees, not a freelance crew booked for that day.