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Although made of very simple ingredients—water, cement and stone—concrete can take your home’s exterior to a whole new level. It adds functionality and curb appeal. Whether you want a new patio slab poured or need cracks in your driveway repaired, a concrete company near you will have the experience and credentials to get the job done. Use this guide to prepare yourself for hiring a concrete contractor for your next project.
Services Performed by Local Concrete Companies
Residential concrete companies can install new and repair old concrete at your residence. Contractors will make the concrete onsite using a bagged cement mix for smaller-scale projects, like landings and walkways. For larger-scale projects, like foundations and slabs, contractors will order a concrete mix truck to the project site.
Concrete Slabs and Patios
A concrete slab or patio turns unused outdoor space into a new place for gathering. Whether you want a small 10-feetby-10-feet slab or something much larger, a concrete contractor will explain all of your options, then install a level, uniform and versatile slab. The deck around some types of inground pools also falls into this category. A concrete company with lots of pool deck experience can also take on any associated masonry and tile work that you need.
Concrete Sidewalks and Driveways
Whether you are looking to install a new driveway or sidewalk or want to replace your existing one, this service is a concrete contractor’s bread and butter. When planning your project, choose the size of your path and the location of the joints, depending on the style you prefer. If you want the same look as your existing concrete, ask the contractor to replace it “in kind.”
Concrete Retaining Walls and Stairs
Concrete retaining walls and stairs provide accessibility throughout your yard—installation requires an advanced level of expertise. Some concrete retaining walls will even require an engineered design. Ensure your concrete contractor is highly experienced and qualified to install these structures. A poorly constructed retaining wall can quickly become a safety hazard.
Concrete Foundations
Foundations are the concrete bases that support an addition to your home, a new garage or a new shed. Foundations that support large structures need to be engineered and expertly erected. For this reason, not all residential concrete companies can pour concrete foundations. If you need a concrete foundation, you will need a highly qualified concrete company with the ability to take on the task and who will coordinate with an engineer.
Stamped and Colored Concrete
Adding a stamped pattern or a tinted color to your concrete can take ae dull, gray slab and transform it into an interesting design feature. Stamped concrete can mimic the look of pavers or natural stone at a fraction of the cost. Ask your concrete contractor for samples of the styles and colors they offer.
Concrete Repair and Removal
Over time, concrete is bound to crack. Experienced concrete companies know this and have an entire arsenal of caulks, sealants, and grouts available for crack repair. Concrete companies can also perform concrete removal. For example, if you have a cracked patio slab or walkway that is past the point of repair, a concrete contractor will use mechanical equipment to complete the removal.
How to Find the Best Concrete Company Near You
An online search for “best concrete company near me” will provide plenty of results for qualified concrete companies. Narrow down your search by looking for companies that have many years of experience, relevant concrete industry certifications, the proper licensing and insurance and glowing client testimonials.
Something to keep in mind during your search is that concrete construction is a relatively easy industry to break into. Review images of the company’s past work to make sure they have experience working on a project similar to yours. Also, do your research on what concrete foundations cost or what concrete slabs cost so you have a general idea before discussing pricing with your contractor.
When to Hire a Concrete Company
Concrete work can be scheduled far in advance. You should contact a residential concrete company near you at the early stages of planning a project involving concrete. Your project will likely be scheduled a few months down the road or even a couple of seasons away.
In climates with cold winter seasons, concrete pouring is not always possible at that time due to the cooler temperatures. Therefore, plan to schedule your concrete project between spring and early fall.
DIY vs. Hiring a Concrete Company
DIY concrete work is possible for very small projects if you have the right equipment; however, it will still require a certain amount of skill and construction expertise to ensure the concrete is installed smoothly without any voids.
Residential concrete projects are best left to the professionals. A qualified concrete company will have multiple people on their crew, ensuring the concrete will be shaped and smoothed before it sets. They will also have the expertise to choose the right concrete mix, install the correct formwork and follow proper curing methods.
Questions to Ask a Local Concrete Company
- Does your company have the proper licensing and insurance?
- What concrete industry certifications do you have?
- How soon can you schedule my project?
- Will you provide a written estimate and contract?
- What are the steps in the process from now until completion?
- How long do you expect this project to take?
- Do you require a deposit? When is the full payment due?
- How long will the concrete have to cure?
- Is your company qualified to pour concrete foundations?
- What concrete colors and stamp designs do you have available?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I look for in a concrete company?
To qualify a concrete company, look for ones that have the proper licensing, adequate insurance coverage and relevant certifications. You should also check past client testimonials, review images of their past projects, and compare the pricing between a few different companies to ensure the cost is competitive.
How do I choose a cement contractor?
You should choose a cement contractor based on their experience in the field, positive reviews from past clients and helpful customer service. A good cement contractor will provide you with a detailed estimate, upfront expectations and clear scheduling dates. They will also ask you plenty of detailed questions about the scope of your project to ensure you are all on the same page.
Who is a concrete contractor?
A concrete contractor creates structures out of concrete—this includes every step of the concrete installation process, such as clearing the area, setting formwork, pouring the concrete, and following curing procedures. The structures concrete contractors build will range from stairs, sidewalks, and driveways to foundations, slabs, and walls.
What is a cement finisher?
A cement finisher, also known as a concrete finisher, is a tradesperson on a concrete crew that smooths out concrete after it has been poured and ensures a seamless, smooth finish. A cement finisher can also be involved with applying curing or surface treatments and the actual process of pouring the concrete.
