What kind of concrete mix is used in concrete driveways? Concrete driveways have been an effective, economical way to increase the resale value of a home significantly. Concrete is a waterproof, wear-resistant material that’s ideal for garages, alleys, and driveways. Concrete’s inherent strength protects the concrete driveway from harsh weather conditions and extends a lifetime of at least thirty years. It is also eco-friendly, which is a consideration when everyone is looking for ways to cut back on their carbon footprint. With their durability, ease of maintenance, and affordability, concrete driveways have become the number one choice among homeowners for landscaping projects.
If you’re interested in doing your concrete work, you’ll first need to find out what level of expertise you have. If you’ve never built or repaired concrete driveways before, then you need Concrete Contractors Tampa, who know how to do it properly. Ask around to family and friends who may have some contacts for good concrete contractors. Don’t forget to check out your local yellow pages, telephone directory, and even the Internet to see if anyone has any recommendations for you.
Once you have some names of potential concrete contractors in your area, you need to find out what kind of experience they have. Decide whether you want the job done for you or if you want the job done right the first time. The cost might vary depending on who you hire, so it’s important to compare costs before making a final decision. Ask each concrete contractor for a list of references and find out how long they’ve been in the business. If they’re relatively new, you may have to wait for a while until they build up a large clientele.
When it comes to concrete work, you need to know the concrete costs so you can set a budget. The average concrete cost is about $3000 per foot but it varies depending on the type and number of layers needed. The more layers there are, the higher the concrete costs. If you do find a great deal on stamped concrete driveways at a cheap price, make sure that there’s plenty of life left in it and that you won’t have to repair it right away.
If you decide to use stamped concrete driveways in high traffic areas, you’ll probably want to put a coating on them right away. You can choose from several types of paint, including glossy or flat look paint, so you can easily match your existing exterior paint colors. This will help the new concrete driveway stand out even when it’s next to an identical color from several feet away.
Once you’ve determined the approximate concrete driveway cost based on the information you’ve researched, it’s time to check the price against the other features you might be considering. For example, if you want the space for your car to be able to fit into it without denting it, then you might want to consider the width, which is measured per square foot. There are several ways you can get the size you need, and the cost will vary accordingly. On the other hand, the number of curves is usually measured in inches, and you can use this as a rough guideline when looking for the perfect driveway.
If you’re not happy with the concrete driveway cost, then you can always consult a professional paving company. Contact the Paving Trade Council to see a list of professional paving contractors in your area. Many paving companies are members of the P paving materials association, which works to maintain a consistent standard of quality and workmanship among paving contractors. Professionals are bonded and insured, and they adhere to guidelines set by the Paving Trade Council.
Before deciding on a particular company, homeowners looking for concrete driveways should also contact the Better Business Bureau to find out if there have been any complaints lodged against a particular provider. Keep in mind, however, that even legitimate concerns about the quality of work may be escalated into legal action if they’re not taken care of properly. The Paving trade, for example, has a complaint ratio of about one complaint every one hundred thousand miles driven. If you’ve decided to have concrete laid, remember that you’ll be responsible for the cost of the labour and material as well as the final bill. Make sure you understand all the costs upfront, and ask each contractor you work with for a written quote. This will help you compare the pricing and service life.
