Many homeowners like to tackle home improvement projects themselves in order to save money. However, planning and executing any construction project can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Here are five compelling reasons why you should hire a professional for your concrete work.
1. Large projects can lead to large mistakes.
Some homeowners might be able to create a small concrete patio successfully, but not always. A mistake on a small-scale can cost time and money to fix, but on a larger scale, it can be devastating to the entire project. For example, many novices don’t understand that footings, or a foundation, may need to be reinforced with rebar in order maintain their integrity. Failure to use a rebar can lead to significant costs and damages. Larger projects should always be left to a professional, who will already know these facts.
2. Accurate planning is important.
Even if you have a good idea of how big the concrete slab, sidewalk, or driveway will be, that good idea might not be good enough. You have to be absolutely accurate. Determining how much concrete you’ll need, how many and how large the forms should be, and how long long it will take to dry, are all part of the process. Another major part of planning is the time it takes to prepare the area and actually pour the concrete. A tight deadline or shortage of time can lead to errors. Hiring a professional will mean that the project is done on time and correctly.
3. Forms must be built properly.
This may seem like a fairly straightforward task, but nothing could be further from the truth. First of all, the area has to be prepared and leveled, then proper forms have to be built. If every inch of space is not level and consistent, you will encounter problems with cracking and sagging. Not only will a professional know how to prepare the area and build the forms, but they’ll know exactly how thick the concrete should be for the application.
4. Mixing.
Just eyeballing the water and concrete mixture until it looks right isn’t the best idea. If there’s too much water, or not enough in the mix, there can be problems with cracking once the concrete has dried. When this happens, the entire piece of concrete has to be removed and replaced. A concrete professional always measures accurately to avoid this situation.
5. Time and money savings.
Hiring a professional to do your concrete work may seem more expensive, but this isn’t the case. Your time is valuable and every minute you spend on your concrete project takes away from other things you need to do. If you make a mistake or you don’t plan well, you’re not only out all that time, but also the money you spent. And in the end, you may need to call in a pro to fix it, adding to the costs you’ve already incurred.
Before you undertake any concrete work, consider your skill level, your experience working with concrete, and the type of project that you want to accomplish. If you want to save time and money and get the best possible results, it’s advisable to call in a professional. Contact us if you have any questions about a project that needs to be completed. We’re always happy to help.
