I would like to have the concrete walkway in front of my house redone and add a concrete car pad added at the road at the end of the walkway. I also need a drainage pipe extended to go under the pad and end at the storm drain.
This isn’t a big job. The walkway is about 3’X15′ and the pad would be about 4’X12′, plus the drainage.
Who do I call to do this? Is this a job that driveway installers perform? Landscapers? Mason? Someone else?
Thanks – Jason
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Replies
Any local residential concrete flat work company should be able to give you bid on that work.
Edited 4/13/2008 5:43 pm by dovetail97128
It is a small job!
There are sone very competent "small job" contractors and there are lots of losers. Your real problems is sorting out the difference, because a full fledged concrete contractor will not want such a small job....unless he is really hungry.
Ask for references from the "small job contractor" for similar jobs done, and take the time to go see what the s-j contractor has actually done.
Tough nut to crack..............Iron Helix
Yes, I figured getting someone to come out for such a small job would be difficult. We had a hard enough time getting someone to do our 75' long driveway several years ago.Thanks - Jason
Go down to the local Home Depot or wherever the "hispanic guest workers" hang out, and pick up 2-3 . Take them home, excavate the area, put up some simple 1x4 forms and reinforcing mesh. Next day call for a on-site concrete mix truck, same 2-3 guest workers, pour and finish the concrete yourself. Great job to learn on.
"Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
I'm not sure your front walkway is a great place to learn how to finish concrete.
If he is going to do it himself, what are all the helpers for? There is only enough work for one guy. The unskilled laborers will just be standing there. I guess they could stick around to keep the kids off.
Jason- I see you're in MD. Are you anywhere near Columbia and / or Howard County? If so, I've got a great guy you can call. A-1 dude. Won't be the cheapest game in town, but you won't get screwed either.
I'm in Anne Arundel. I'd welcome your suggestion. Thanks - Jason
Maybe he just needs one amigo then. But if it's his first time it's helpful, at least mentally, to have someone else to share the excavation work and spreading the concrete. I think it's a good job to learn on because of its size. Yes there is some risk since it's the front of the house, but being so small it shouldn't overwhelm him."Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
I guess I'm the opposite. Nothing will make me miss a nail and dimple the trim like a stranger standing behind me - especially one waiting for me to tell them what to do.
I take your point about moral support. First time concrete can be intimidating. Probably better to rope a friend in though.
Sounds like a one-man job to me also, < 1yd. of mud.
One day for everything 3 decades ago with just a shovel when I was just 34 YO like the original poster.
Just 1/2 DIY day nowadays with my own dump, mixer, backhoe, and scrap lumber <G>
Always a good excuse to buy a few more tools?
I am glad to hear you are offering to have this done in 1/2 day! You were offering, right?!?! I'll leave a 6-pack out for you!I will check the paper (driveways/walkways). If I remember correctly, I think there is a Masonry trade school in Baltimore or nearby. I may give them a call.Thanks for the suggestions. At the very least, it has prevented me from calling highway contractors with this "monster" job. Jason
concrete and masonary are not related, two different trades
Happy to do it free for transportation of me and equipment from Seattle area <G>
Last year I did fly to IL with nailers, etc. to put a roof on my Moms house at my expense, but that was mommy.......she's too old now to DIY a roof, she even yelled at Pop when he was getting on the roof himself at 83.
Seriously, if you were a neighbor right across the street, probably would do it for you for material cost.
Could be several trades, but I'd start with masons. Finding a non-mason who can put a proper finish on concrete is hit and miss. Some are great and some are terrible. In my experience, though, with a real mason you always get quality.
Are there union masons in your area? Often union masons with full time jobs will moonlight. You can get high quality at competitive prices.
a lot of large contractor has sub that do this type of work, curb and gutter, driveways sidewalks. just call the concrete supplier and ask them, they can give you the names of those that do this type work.
Check the classifieds of your local paper, usually several ads for walks and driveways.
mike
If you want it to work out well, I'd highly recommend a good quality remodeler. You are much safer using his subs and judgement for your situation.
It drives me crazy to see concrete subs working on small residential projects who totally disregard important non-concrete issues because they don't know better. A remodeler is cheap insurance that things are pulled together well.
edit: a good remodeler anyway.
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
Edited 4/16/2008 8:07 pm ET by IdahoDon
Jason,
Call you local ready-mix company and ask for a salesman. Tell him what you want and he should be able to give you several names. These guys know everyone in concrete in your area.