Residential Concrete Services offer homeowners a cost-effective way to enhance the functionality and curb appeal of their properties. However, when choosing a contractor, it’s important to understand pricing structures and interpret reviews accurately.
You should consider hiring a contractor who has extensive experience in concrete flatwork and professional affiliations/certifications. They should also provide clear communication channels and regular project updates.
If you’re building a new home or replacing an old and worn out driveway, consider concrete. It is a durable material that will hold up to heavy vehicular traffic with ease and requires only the minimum of maintenance. A well-designed and maintained concrete driveway will last for years and add a great deal to the overall curb appeal of your property.
When choosing a residential concrete contractor to work on your driveway, be sure to get referrals from friends and neighbors who have had similar projects completed. Check online reviews and meet with contractors to discuss your project in detail. A good contractor should be able to provide references and a written quote that includes all costs, work to be done and a timeframe for completion. Choose a contractor with a strong track record and whose price is within your budget.
Many homeowners put a lot of effort into their landscaping and other exterior elements to boost their home’s curb appeal. A poorly maintained and dated driveway can spoil the effect of all that hard work and may deter potential buyers from exploring your property further. A new concrete driveway will add to the overall beauty of your home and increase its value.
A concrete driveway is the classic choice for suburban homes because it is typically the longest-lasting material and, when installed properly, is practically maintenance-free. Other materials such as pavers require more frequent repair and can be prone to cracking over time, especially in colder climates. Concrete is also highly customizable and can be stained or stamped to mimic the look of different types of materials such as cobblestone, brick or tile.
A concrete driveway is the perfect choice for any home that wants to add a touch of elegance and style without spending a fortune on costly landscaping materials. The right concrete contractor can help you find the right design and color options to compliment your home’s exterior treatments, while ensuring that the final product is long-lasting and low-maintenance. In addition, a professionally installed concrete driveway will stay cool under the blazing summer sun and will be easy to melt off of in winter, so you’ll never have to shovel your car out again!
Patios
Concrete patios are a great way to add value to your home and increase outdoor living space. They’re durable and versatile, allowing for many different design options. Concrete contractors can add decorative elements such as stamped patterns, staining, and coloring to concrete patios. They can also build concrete permeable pavers that allow rainwater to seep into the ground instead of flowing off the patio, reducing the load on storm drains.
Residential concrete services often use concrete for patios, since it is inexpensive and easy to work with. A poured concrete patio typically costs about $6 to $12 per square foot, depending on size and design. The cost of a concrete patio can be higher than other types of material such as paving stones or wood, but it is less expensive than building a deck.
A poured concrete patio can be built in stages to reduce upfront costs. It can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes, with or without steps. It can even be curved to match the flow of your landscape or house. Unlike wooden decks that require regular maintenance and sealing, a concrete patio can withstand the elements and still look good after years of use.
Patios can be left uncovered, or a pergola or roof may be added to provide privacy and protection from the sun. They can also be screened in to avoid pests and debris. They can be a great place to relax with friends or family, or to entertain guests.
Patios can be built adjacent to a home or as a standalone structure in the backyard. If it is a standalone structure, a permit is required, but if it’s an extension of the existing backyard, a permit is usually not necessary. Concrete is a more durable option than other materials for patios, and it can be shaped to fit any backyard. It is also less expensive than other materials, such as pavers and wood, and requires little maintenance. With the right finish, a concrete patio can last for decades.
Sidewalks
Sidewalks serve a practical purpose, separating pedestrian traffic from vehicles on the street. They are also a key component of streetscaping, encouraging walking as a means of transportation and activating street life. But sidewalks are more than just footpaths; they can also be a place for people to gather and socialize, enhancing the aesthetic of a neighborhood. Sidewalks can be surfaced with a variety of materials to fit a specific context and budget, from concrete slabs to brick pavers.
Sidewalk construction starts with a formwork, which is then filled with concrete and leveled. Once the concrete dries, it is smoothed using rulers and trowels, and expansion joints are marked to allow for the expansion and contraction of the concrete with temperature changes.
Primary walkways are usually 5-7 feet wide in residential settings, and 8-12 feet wide in downtown or commercial areas. They are intended to accommodate one or two people at a time, and they should be free of obstructions that could inhibit the flow of pedestrians. For example, a front porch or stoops should not extend into the sidewalk, and mailboxes, signs, awnings and cafe seating should be placed further back on the building.
Secondary walks are intended for pedestrians who wish to bypass a primary walk or travel in a different direction. These walkways can be narrower than a primary walk, but they should be at least four feet wide to provide adequate space for pedestrian movement.
A walkway can be improved by adding landscaping, lighting and other amenities to encourage people to use it. Tree-lined sidewalks provide shade and visual appeal, while benches and kiosks encourage a place for people to gather. In addition to improving the look of a neighborhood, these features help to make people feel safe and welcome, making them more likely to choose to leave their cars at home and walk.
If you have an existing sidewalk that needs repairs, Residential Concrete Services can help. We have experience with a range of sidewalk repairs, including replacing cracked or crumbling sections, repairing holes and spalling, restoring damaged curb ramps, and adding inlays to create patterns and textures. We can also add podotactile tiles in designated areas for individuals with vision impairments, and we can build sidewalks with a variety of surface materials, including cobblestones, to suit the appearance of your property.
Foundations
A foundation is the cornerstone of a home, and there are many different types to choose from. Some are more expensive than others, and some are better suited for certain climates or site conditions. Builders will select the right foundation for a new construction project based on house design, soil and moisture conditions, and other factors.
For residential concrete foundations, the most common type of structure is a slab concrete foundation. This consists of a single layer of reinforced concrete poured directly on top of the soil. It is a good choice for buildings on level ground with minimal slope, and it can also be used to support smaller structures like units or townhomes.
Another type of residential concrete foundation is a basement foundation. This consists of footings and a concrete block wall that elevate the house 1.5 to 4 feet off the ground. This allows for easy access to piping and ductwork for repairs and upgrades, but it can trap moisture underneath the house and require sump pumps to remove excess water during heavy rains.
Other types of residential concrete foundations include crawl space and ICF foundations. Crawlspace foundations consist of short masonry walls along the perimeter and footings that create an area below the house with a dirt floor and just a few feet of clearance from the ground. This type of foundation is less costly than a slab foundation but isn’t as strong as some other options, and it can still trap moisture under the house.
ICF foundations are a great option for energy-efficient homes because the foam blocks that make up this style of foundation are an excellent insulator, keeping the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. These foundations are more expensive than traditional poured concrete foundations, but they can save homeowners money in the long run.