Start with the floor you have
A coating estimate should account for the slab beneath it. Damp areas, cracks, stains and old repairs do not all mean the same thing. Describe what you can see and when it happens; an installer needs that information to decide what testing or separate assessment is appropriate.
This is a checklist for an estimate, not a diagnosis of your concrete. A coating can include suitable preparation and repairs, but it should not be sold as a cure for an unidentified water source or structural movement.
Moisture: appearance is only a starting point
Note the pattern
Tell the installer whether a patch stays damp, appears after rain, follows vehicle use or returns in the same place. Mention previous water entry and repairs. White deposits or discoloration are observations to discuss; they do not identify the cause by themselves.
Ask for product-specific testing
A floor that looks dry may still need moisture testing. Manufacturers specify test methods and limits for their products. Ask what will be measured, where results will be recorded and whether the selected system is suitable for those results.
Clarify what happens if the slab is outside the limits
The answer may involve a compatible moisture-control system, further investigation or postponing the coating. Ask for that decision and any additional cost before application. A decorative topcoat is not automatically a moisture barrier.
Cracks and joints need different questions
Show the installer cracks, chipped edges, previous fillers and places that appear to have changed. If there is movement, a change in level or uncertainty about the slab, ask whether a concrete specialist needs to assess it before coating.
Joints are part of the floor layout; do not assume every line should simply be filled and hidden. Confirm how joints and cracks will be treated, what remains visible and what happens if movement returns. Surface appearance and structural repair are separate issues.
Oil, sealers and existing coatings affect preparation
Point out tire paths, oil spills and any sealer or paint you know was applied. Cleaning alone may not create the surface required for a new system. Preparation may involve mechanical abrasion or removal, depending on the contamination and coating.
For a failing finish, see the whole-garage recoating guide. Do not add another product to conceal a problem before the assessment.
Five questions for the written estimate
- What floor conditions were observed and which tests were performed?
- Which coating system is being specified, and why does it suit the results?
- Which crack repairs, preparation and moisture measures are included?
- What findings would require a revised quote or separate concrete work?
- What limitations apply to movement, moisture and any warranty offered?
Use these with our estimate checklist. The aim is a clear scope before work starts, not a guess based on the topcoat name.