Services

Permit requirements for concrete flatwork depend on the city or county and whether the work involves a public right-of-way like a sidewalk or driveway approach. Checking with the local building department before the pour avoids having to redo work that didn't meet code.

A standard driveway or patio pour usually takes one to two days for forming and placing, but the concrete needs 24 to 48 hours before foot traffic and about a week before vehicles drive on it. Full cure strength takes closer to 28 days, though the slab is usable well before that.

Plain gray concrete with a broom finish costs less than stamped, colored, or exposed aggregate finishes, and reducing square footage or thickness where structurally acceptable also lowers cost. A written quote should break down where the money goes so it's clear what can be adjusted.

Reputable concrete contractors stand behind workmanship against issues like improper finishing or joint placement, though normal concrete behavior like fine surface cracking or minor efflorescence isn't a defect. Warranty terms should be spelled out in writing before the job starts.

On most concrete jobs, one point of contact handles scheduling, questions, and any changes during the pour, rather than the client dealing with a rotating cast of crew members. That contact should be reachable throughout the job, not just at the estimate stage.

Standard flatwork uses a 3,000 to 4,000 PSI concrete mix reinforced with either rebar or fiber mesh depending on the load the slab carries. Driveways generally need rebar and a thicker pour than a patio or sidewalk built for foot traffic only.

Homeowners don't need to vacate the property during a concrete pour, but vehicles need to stay off driveways for about a week and pets or kids should stay clear of fresh concrete and exposed rebar. Access to water and a path for the concrete truck matter more than someone being present.

Clearing the area of vehicles, furniture, sprinkler heads, and anything breakable near the pour site helps the job move faster on pour day. Marking known utility lines or septic components in the yard beforehand also avoids equipment hitting something underground.

Old concrete, tree roots, unstable soil, or buried debris found during excavation can change the scope and cost of a concrete job, usually requiring extra base material or a different approach. A contractor should stop and explain any change in price before continuing rather than after the fact.

New concrete needs to cure slowly, so keeping it damp for the first several days and avoiding de-icing salts or harsh chemicals for at least a year helps prevent surface damage. Sealing a driveway or patio every few years protects the surface from oil stains and freeze-thaw cracking.