Wednesday 28 June 2017

The Ultimate Guide To Choosing A Residential Concrete Contractor

How To Choose The Best Concrete Contractor In Your Area

concrete-contractorWhenever you have a concrete project, the first step towards its success is hiring the right concrete contractor. Whether you need a state-of-the-art patio, driveway, walkway, or any other projects to suit your preferences, the US market is flooded with professionals who can help you in your quest. However, since you need quality in your project, selecting the best is something you cannot afford to turn a blind eye to.

The most important thing to note is that hiring a concrete contractor is more than just picking a phone number randomly and making a call, or searching the internet and selecting one with prices that are too good to be true. If you want a combination of timeliness, reliability, quality, and affordability, the following tips will help you make a well-informed decision.

Do Your Homework!

Before you even set out to the market to look for a concrete contractor, it is wise to do a thorough research. In the age of the internet we are in today, things have become easier. The internet will give you a list of contractors available in your vicinity, the type of services they offer, and their distinct prices. With this in mind, you will be able to identify the best potential contractor.

If you do not have access to the internet, you can ask your friends and family for referrals. Ask them for details of contractors who have worked for them in the past, and develop a reliable list of options which will aid in making the right decision.

Consider The Reputation Of The Contractor

An essential question to ask yourself before you hire a concrete contractor is; how reputable is he?

concrete-pouringYou can evaluate reputation of a contractor of your choice through;

  • Online customer reviews and testimonials
  • Online expert reviews
  • Ask for a list of references from the contractor

Verify Their Insurance

Imagine a scenario where a mishap occurred during concrete works on your property, would you be willing to take responsibility? If not, make sure you ask the concrete contractor of your choice to provide proof of a legitimate insurance cover and verify how the insurance policy guarantees protection for you and your property in case an accident happens. All professional contractors should have a general liability insurance cover. 

Go For Experience

A general golden rule asserts that concrete contractors with more than five years of experience are better placed to provide quality, reliable and consistent work. Additionally, they have a solid positive reputation because they have served with due diligence for quite a long time. They have developed more knowledge in the field after working in many projects hence are more creative and always have a solution to any concrete problem.

An experienced contractor will always be result-oriented for the sole reason; he wants to maintain the visibility and reputation of his brand.

Carefully Review Their Portfolio

contractor-leveling-concreteA contractor’s portfolio is undoubtedly one of the most powerful tools that will help you in the decision-making process. A good portfolio will have photos of previous projects that will give a clear understanding of the broad range of services they offer. Not only will the portfolio help you visualize what you need for your modern home, but will also give you new ideas of how your home should look.

Customer Service

The best contractor is one who has invested in developing the interpersonal skills of his staff. Go for a contractor with a friendly demeanor, and one who is willing to spend much time with you discussing your projects and looking for executable ways to get the job done. If you ever come across a contractor who is always telling you to book appointments at a later date, is hesitant to answer your questions, and never calls back, consider him somebody to avoid in the industry and continue with the search.

Compare Prices

Contractors will always provide you with a free quote for your desired project. The rule of the thumb is to always go for the best that you can afford. However, do not forget that cheap can be very expensive at times. Do not choose a contractor simply because his quote is lower than others, the quality of the work might be lower than the price and you will suffer in future. Go for what is affordable, not what is considered cheap.

Hiring the right contractor will influence the quality of your concrete project. Whenever you are in a dilemma, and you don’t know where to begin, use the above tips, and you will never make a wrong decision.

Main Services A Concrete Contractor Should Offer

Sometimes, you look at a particular area in your garden, walkway, or driveway and wonder when you will be able to afford something better and fit in the competitive world we are in today, where modernity is a societal expectation. Luckily, there are thousands of concrete contractors all over the United States who are more than willing to help you make the best out of your space.

If you want to get the best out of a concrete contractor, go for one that will offer a broad range of services that suit your ever-growing residential concrete needs. A Professional contractor is always result-oriented and will provide the following services to his clients.

new-concrete-drivewayConstruction And Repair Of Concrete Driveways

A driveway is undoubtedly the first thing that visitors see whenever they visit your home. Simply put, it is one of the elements that will give your home an appealing first impression. For that reason, it ought to stay functional and attractive at all times. A good concrete contractor should be the person who will always ensure you achieve this.

Whether you need a new concrete driveway or the existing one is worn out and needs repair, a concrete contractor should make sure just that. He should design a perfect driveway that will not only create that charming and enviable look but will also compliment your landscape. Make sure the contractor gives you different colors and patterns to choose from and let your creativity and personal preference count in creating what will add value to your palatial American home; a perfect driveway.

Construction And Repair Of Concrete Walkways

Well, a walkway might not be one of the most important parts of your home but making it count is a notable step towards the notion of modernity. This is one of the major services a good concrete contractor should be able to offer to its clients.

One thing you should know is the fact that today’s walkways don’t have to be the standard gray ones we are familiar with in the majority of American homes. A good contractor should be able to offer you with a broad range of options that will help you customize the appearance of your residential premises. For example, if you need a walkway that is stamped and that resembles various types of natural bush stones, a good contractor should be able to provide just that.

Construction And Enclosure Of Concrete Patios

Concrete patios in the American market are facing stiff competition from wooden decks. However, with the right contractor and the right finishes, a concrete patio is hard to beat. This is the reason why concrete contractors have invested heavily in materials and equipment that aid in the construction of not only the best but unique concrete patios in America.

stamped-concrete-patioA professional concrete contractor will help you develop a patio that will suit your preferences and those of your loved ones. Whether you need a place where you can hold large family meetings, a small room for a hot tub, a play area, or a swimming pool, a good contractor will always tailor your patio to fit all your needs.

Construction And Repair Of Retaining Walls

Being some of the most important landscaping elements, the power of retaining walls in the general appearance and maintenance of your home cannot be ignored. They will hold the earth from moving downwards towards your walkways, driveways, or garden. Simply put, a retaining wall is designed to stabilize a hill area such that the area below it gains complete safety. A good concrete contractor will be able to construct an outstanding concrete retaining wall that will provide you with the sound support you require to hold back backfill or soil.

Decorative Concrete Services

The days where concrete finishing was gray, flat and ugly are long gone. Today’s concrete contractors offer astounding stained and stamped concrete finishes that will promptly turn a plain concrete wall into a charming piece of modern art.

A concrete contractor should provide;

  • Indoor decorative concrete and,
  • Outdoor decorative concrete.

Concrete Flooring Solutions

A great USA-based concrete contractor should help you in ensuring your concrete floor last for a lifetime. He should offer numerous concrete flooring services including:

  • concrete-floorEpoxy floor coatings
  • Concrete polishing
  • Surface preparation
  • Joint expansion and sealing
  • SureTex floors
  • Concrete sealing
  • Self-levelling concrete floors and,
  • Indoor stamped overlays.

Concrete Resurfacing

Concrete contractors should ensure the concrete floor of your home is free from surface discoloration, imperfection, and cracks. Since the best contractor is one whom will combine both quality and affordability, he  will develop effective resurfacing techniques that will ensure you save a considerable amount of your hard-earned money because you will not be forced to replace the entire floor.

Concrete Parking Areas

A good concrete contractor is one with the knowledge that your car is one of the most useful assets you own hence having a decent parking lot for it in your backyard is not negotiable. He will have the right products that will help in constructing the parking area that you have always wished for.

Other Services

Other primary residential services that a construction contractor should offer include construction of;

  • Pervious pavements
  • Concrete porches
  • Concrete pads and slabs
  • Concrete foundations
  • Concrete stoops
  • Concrete steps and stairs
  • Pool decks
  • Concrete poured walls
  • Areaways
  • Concrete garden walls and,
  • Demolition of existing concrete elements

Types Of Products A Concrete Contractor Should Offer

A concrete contractor should provide the following products:

Architectural and Decorative Concrete

This is a kind of concrete that provides a structural function and adds an aesthetically appealing finish to a structure. With modernity taking center stage, this is one type of product that any concrete contractor in The United States should provide to his/her clients.

Accelerated Set Concrete

The strength of your concrete structure should be enhanced hence this product is specially made to ensure your structure remains in its strongest form even during the coldest months of winter.

Pervious Concrete

Whenever you need a swimming pool, a new parking lot, or fantastic footpaths in your American home, the best concrete contractor should offer you with the best pervious concrete that will profoundly reduce flooding and prevents skidding.

Fiber-reinforced Concrete

This is a type of product that is crafted with fibers and microfibers to enhance excellent ductility of the concrete. A concrete contractor should be able to provide you with high-end fiber-reinforced concrete if all you need is a concrete structure that will serve you for eternity without having to crack an inch.

Standard Concrete

This is arguably the most common form of concrete which is prepared at a concrete plant instead of being made at the construction site hence assuring maximum quality. This is a product that any concrete contractor should readily provide to his/her clients promptly.

If all you want is a concrete contractor, who will give you nothing short of the best, ensure he offers the above services and products. After you are satisfied the contractor will meet all your concrete needs, ensure he portrays exceptional work ethic, unquestionable professionalism, and top-most devotion to your project needs.

The post The Ultimate Guide To Choosing A Residential Concrete Contractor appeared first on AAA Concreting.

Tuesday 27 June 2017

Second Infographic Released!

We have released a second infographic, this time on the benefits of stained concrete flooring. 

 

The post Second Infographic Released! appeared first on AAA Concreting.

Friday 23 June 2017

Concrete Mixing: A Basic Guide

Creating concrete is not just simply mixing concrete and water. Proper concrete mixing is vital to creating a quality concrete that is durable when in its hardened state. There should be standards to follow when mixing concrete ingredients. The concrete mix should be uniform in texture and color in order to achieve a consistent result that will be used in designing platforms. The cement paste must also cover the entire surface. The guidelines of proper concrete mixing would depend on how much concrete is needed. As soon as you know the amount of concrete needed for the construction or designing of a building or surface, you can already get an estimate of how much concrete mix and water are needed for mixing.

 

Homeowners choose to mix concrete manually because there is no need for heavy mixing if the concrete is only to be used for private purposes. However, manual concrete mixing can be very exhausting, especially if you do not know the techniques of mixing yet. One of the basic things that you would need in mixing concrete is a mixing platform. A clean and tight platform is ideal for mixing concrete. If there isn’t one available in your home, you can create one by yourself instead.

 

How to mix concrete manually on site?

 

Make a depression in the middle of the mixed pile and pour slowly into half to three-quarters of the total quantity of water required. While the material is turned in towards the centre with shovels, add the remainder of the water slowly, turning the mixture over and again until the colour and consistency are uniform throughout the pile. This will indicate that all ingredients are thoroughly combined. The water should be poured slowly into the mix. This is best done by means of a gardener’s water can fitted with a rose-head. Throwing water from a bucket all at a time will result in its running away and taking cement with it. Read the complete article at http://ift.tt/2rMx9BW.

 

The very next thing that you should be concerned with after the concrete platform is the amount of concrete needed for the mixture. You might need to do some math if you are new with it. For experts, however, they can make estimates in mixing concrete. All they need is to see the structure or surface that needs to cemented.

 

How Much Concrete Do I Need?

 

The number one question that we get on our hotline (1-866-Sakrete) is, “how much concrete do I need”? But let’s face it, unless you have a practical real world application for those boring math problems, you just don’t care enough to retain it. Well, now you do have a real world application so let’s go through the exercise so you will know how to do it without calling the next time. You can even impress your friends at dinner parties (if the subject about concrete should happen to come up). I would only recommend this topic for those ”friends” where you don’t mind if you were never invited back to again. Go to the main site to read the full article.

 

The mixing period of concrete should not last for more than ten minutes. Depending on how much concrete you are mixing, the normal mixing time is just about three minutes. You should check the consistency of the concrete before applying it on any surface. You can do it manually by taking a handful of concrete and squeezing it tightly by your hands.

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