Your outdoor landscaping makes your first impression, it creates a relaxation zone for your family, and it can boost your property values. Landscaping involves lots of different elements including concrete. Hi, my name is Diane, and I love landscaping. However, I also love patios, magical pathways, sports courts and other concrete creations. Want help creating your fabulous outdoor space? Want help with concrete ideas in particular? Then, I would love to be there for you. I have a keen eye for decoration and have helped a lot of friends create their outdoor areas. I hope my tips and ideas can help you.
If you're like most homeowners, when you need a new driveway or walkways poured you may simply hire a concrete contractor and allow him or her to get the job done. While a contractor may know more than you when it comes to the job itself, this doesn't mean that you shouldn't discuss some technical aspects of the job with him or her. This can ensure you're getting a durable driveway and walkways poured and that you'll be happy with the work for years to come. Note a few things to discuss with your concrete contractor like Ellcon before work begins.
1. Improving the surface
An aggregate is a material added to concrete to make it more decorative or to improve its texture. This can be pebbles, gravel, and even soft glass. Aggregate may have a certain color tone that enhances the overall appearance of your concrete, but it can also keep you safer during inclement weather. You're less likely to slip on a textured surface than you are the smooth surface of poured concrete. Ask your contractor about the cost of aggregate and your options before you decide on having your concrete poured, especially if you live in an area with lots of rain and snow.
Painting concrete may not add to the texture as does aggregate, but it can enhance the appearance. You can have concrete painted to look like brick or stone or just have a solid color that will keep it from being boring grey. Choose a neutral shade that goes with your home's siding or brick color and check out pictures of painted concrete online before you decide, so you know it will work well on the finished product.
2. Note their insurance limits
Ask a contractor about their insurance limits and consider asking if they can adjust this, if you're concerned about their coverage. If they were to damage your house or property or anything else during their work, you don't want to be liable for the cost of repairs. They may be able to increase the limits for your job alone if you negotiate this with them, and even if they increase the cost of the job slightly, this can still be less money than if you needed to pay for repair work after their job is over.
3. Consider if underpinning is necessary
In tropical areas with soft and moist soil, you may want to have the driveway underpinned before the concrete is poured, or otherwise given added support. Over soft soil, concrete can shift and then crack. Underpinning or the use of rebar or another support can mean added protection, and it may be worth the extra cost to ensure your driveway lasts for years.
Share2 October 2015
