How Customers Should Prepare For Concrete Flatwork
Concrete flatwork is the basis of many residential and commercial solutions. Sidewalks, driveways, floors, patios, and curbing all employ flatwork. Customers need to work with concrete flatwork service providers to make sure their projects will be as successful as possible. Here is how you can prepare for concrete flatwork.
Establish the Project's Goals
Even if you're doing a job as simple as putting in a sidewalk, you need to establish your goals and communicate them clearly to the contractor. Make sure you know exactly where the flatwork will go so the contractor can visit, take some measurements, and provide an estimate. Likewise, think about any amenities you want. If you want aesthetic elements like prints, textures, and finishes in the concrete, let the contractor know before they work up an estimate.
Look at the Calendar
The timing of the project is just as important as the design. Foremost, you'll want to plan the project for when the affected area will be the least needed. Many people schedule their summer vacations around disruptive projects like concrete flatwork for patios, for example. Try to communicate your scheduling needs to the contractor so you can find a good spot on the calendar for your project.
Quotes
Request quotes from multiple contractors. However, don't look solely at pricing. Try to find a contracting firm that does work that you like at a price that you can handle.
Check Regulations
Many local authorities require permits for concrete flatwork, especially if it changes the footprint of the house. If you're asking a company to pour a patio that attaches to the house, for example, local regulations may consider that a footprint change. Contact the code compliance office and ask what the permitting rules are for your type of job.
Also, it's a good idea to look at accessibility rules. For example, a sidewalk may need to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you need to modify the project, you'd rather make changes before the contractor pours any concrete.
Site Preparation
The contractor will want as clear of a workspace as possible. If you're putting in a patio, for example, you might need to remove existing landscaping. You will also want to make sure there aren't any structures, rocks, or debris in the area. Likewise, the contractor will need some room to stage their equipment and supplies next to the project site. Ask the contractor to do a walkthrough so they can identify any obstructions that you might have missed.