Are you planning to upgrade your backyard patio or replace a cracked driveway this season? Pouring concrete looks simple from the outside, but a successful project takes careful planning, especially with our local Murray soil and shifting weather conditions. Neighborly Concrete Solutions sees plenty of projects every year, and the ones that turn out best always start with a clear plan. Here is what you need to know from start to finish.
The Timeline: What to Expect
Most residential concrete jobs take anywhere from 2 to 5 days of actual active work, depending on the size of the pad. But you have to look at the whole picture:
- Initial consultation and scheduling: Usually happens a couple of weeks before work begins.
- Demolition and excavation: Day one covers tearing out old material and digging out the sub-grade.
- Forming and sub-base prep: Day two involves setting wooden forms and compacting the gravel base.
- The pour day: Concrete trucks arrive, and the crew places, screeds, and finishes the surface.
- Curing time: You will stay off the new surface for a few days, and full curing takes up to 30 days or more.
How to Prepare Your Property
Before our crew shows up at your house near the Murray Park area or closer to State Street, you will want to clear the landing zone. Move patio furniture, potted plants, and vehicles out of the garage or driveway. Make sure your sprinkler systems near the work zone are turned off and flagged so we do not accidentally nick a line with our shovels or skid steer.
You should also think about access. Concrete trucks are heavy, and we need a clear path to get close to the pour site without destroying your neighbor's lawn or your own carefully tended landscaping.
Questions to Ask Before Signing a Contract
Never sign a contract with a contractor until you have straight answers to a few key questions. A reputable pro will gladly answer them without getting defensive:
- Are you licensed and insured to work in Salt Lake County?
- What thickness are you pouring, and what kind of reinforcement are you using?
- Who handles the cleanup and hauled-off debris once the forms come off?
- What does your warranty cover if surface cracking or settling happens down the road?
Getting these details nailed down early saves everyone stress and keeps your project on track from day one. Neighborly Concrete Solutions provides Concrete Contractor services for homes in Murray, Utah.