What license should a Reno concrete contractor have?

An active Nevada NSCB C-5 (Concrete Contracting) license, which authorizes surface prep, reinforcement placement, forming, pouring, finishing, sealing, and saw-cutting of concrete. Verify the license number at the NSCB's public lookup rather than taking a company's word for it, and check whether it's a legacy C-5b license — those are restricted to saw-cutting and coring only.

How much can a Nevada contractor legally ask for as a down payment?

Nevada law (NRS 624.970) caps a residential contractor's lawful down payment at the lesser of $1,000 or 10% of the contract price. A request for significantly more before work starts is worth questioning directly.

What should I check before writing a deposit check?

Confirm the exact legal business name on the NSCB license matches the name on the check or contract — Nevada's Residential Recovery Fund (capped at $40,000 per claim) has denied claims when a homeowner paid a subsidiary or DBA name instead of the exact licensed entity. Match the check to the license, not just a company's marketing name.

Choosing a Contractor

How to Choose a Concrete Contractor in Reno & Sparks

Comparing concrete bids in Reno comes down to three checkable things: an active Nevada NSCB C-5 license, a down payment that doesn't exceed the legal cap (the lesser of $1,000 or 10% of the contract), and a written scope that matches what you actually asked for. Reno Concrete Pro doesn't perform concrete work — we connect you with independent contractors and help you vet them.

Homeowner and contractor reviewing a project estimate and site plan together

Step 1: Verify the license

Every concrete contractor working in Nevada should hold an active NSCB Classification C-5 (Concrete Contracting) license, which authorizes surface prep and reinforcement placement, pouring, forming, sealing, and saw-cutting/coring of concrete. Search the contractor's name or license number at the Nevada State Contractors Board's public lookup (https://app.nvcontractorsboard.com) and confirm three things: the license is active, it's classified C-5, and the monetary limit on the license is high enough for your project. One detail most homeowners don't know to check: a legacy C-5b license (from before Nevada consolidated the classification in 2003) is restricted to saw-cutting, drilling, and coring only — not full concrete placement. If a license shows C-5b, ask directly what work that covers before assuming it means the same thing as a modern C-5.

Step 2: Know the legal limit on a down payment

Nevada law (NRS 624.970) caps a residential contractor's lawful down payment at the lesser of $1,000 or 10% of the contract price. On a $15,000 driveway-and-patio job, the most a licensed contractor can legally collect before work starts is $1,500. A bid that asks for half up front, or a flat percentage well above 10%, is worth questioning directly — it's either a misunderstanding of the law or a red flag.

Step 3: Match the payment to the exact license name

Nevada's Residential Recovery Fund can reimburse homeowners up to $40,000 per claim when a licensed contractor does substandard work or takes a deposit and doesn't perform — but the state has denied claims when a homeowner wrote the check to a subsidiary or marketing name instead of the exact business name on the license. Before paying anything, confirm the name on your contract and check matches the name on the NSCB license record exactly, not just the name on the truck or the sign.

Real Reno-area concrete contractors, and what's checkable about each

The businesses below are real, operating concrete contractors serving the Reno/Sparks area, based on what each publishes about itself. We haven't independently verified license status beyond what's noted, and we don't vouch for any of them — check current license status yourself before hiring anyone.

Action Concrete LLC

Reno-based, displays Nevada NSCB license #0087489 and states it was established in 2003. Offers a broad range of residential and commercial flatwork. Verify current license status at the NSCB lookup before hiring.

Reno Concrete Solutions

Displays Nevada NSCB license #0090548 and lists a broad service range including slabs, foundations, and resurfacing. Verify current license status and confirm the address/phone on file match before hiring, since some publicly listed contact details for this business have varied across sources.

Sierra Design Concrete

Sparks-based decorative-concrete specialist with a physical showroom, founded 1997 under named owner Russell Rodoni. Focuses on stamped and decorative work rather than general flatwork. Verify current license status before hiring.

Madole Construction (Reno Tahoe Foundation Repair)

An established Reno-area business (operating since the 1980s per its own site) whose core focus is foundation repair, with concrete crack repair and resurfacing as a secondary service line. A reasonable call specifically for foundation-related concrete damage. Verify current license status before hiring.

Or skip the research and get matched

If you'd rather not vet contractors one by one, tell us about your project and we'll connect you with independent, NSCB-licensed concrete contractors serving Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County — free, no obligation. See Concrete Cost & Pricing for what to expect before quotes come in, or use our NSCB license verification guide to check a specific contractor yourself.