What to Check Before Signing Off a Screed Package on a Fit-Out

Screed often gets treated as a small line item. But in retail and commercial fit-outs, it's a linchpin — affecting everything from drying times to follow-on trades and final handovers. A poor screed decision early on can cost weeks later.

Here’s what to look for before locking in your screed contractor:

1. Will it keep up with your programme?

Not all screed installs move at the same pace — and not all screed is suitable for fast-track fit-outs.

Make sure your contractor can pour at the speed your schedule demands. Whether that means batching on-site, extended working hours, or just solid coordination — speed without cutting corners is key.

Ask:

How much can you pour in a single day?

How are you avoiding delays from concrete plants?

What prep is done before site day to prevent surprises?

2. Can you get clear, documented QA?

Programme risk increases when you're guessing. Moisture readings, mix traceability, and confirmation of site conditions shouldn't be optional — they should be built into the service.

Your screed provider should be offering:

Moisture data to support floor finishes

Full traceability of mix designs and delivery

Sign-off processes and accountability

If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen.

3. Are they thinking like a partner — or just a package?

Some screeders just show up, pour, and leave. The best ones help spot spec risks, adjust to real-world conditions, and coordinate with your site team so the programme stays intact.

Look for a contractor who:

Flags issues early, not when it’s too late

Communicates clearly from quote to pour

Understands the pressure of retail and commercial fit-out timelines

When the pressure's on, you want someone who’s on your side — not adding to the chaos.

Final Thought

You don’t need to become a screed expert — you just need the right partner who already is. Someone who protects your programme, delivers to spec, and helps you avoid those awkward calls about why the floor’s still wet.

CSC Screeding’s mobile truck, Maverick, is one of the ways we bring certainty to screed. It batches on site, eliminates plant delays, and records every pour with live QA.

Because screed should support your schedule — not threaten it.