Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Cement Patio Installation
Cement Patio Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Cement Patio Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Cement Patio Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Cement Patio Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Cement Patio Installation labor cost? What are the important Cement Patio Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Cement Patio Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for Cement Patio Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Cement Patio Installation expect to pay between $1.28 to $2.17 per square foot. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for Cement Patio Installation work? | Your Cement Patio Installation project may require design approval and/or permits from your local building authority. Verify requirements with your local building department before any Cement Patio Installation work starts, particularly for ay structural or systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) projects. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform Cement Patio Installation work? | The appearance, functionality and useful life of the cement may be compromised by poor installation. Hire the service provider carefully and tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below). |
| Is Cement Patio Installation something that I can do myself? | The typical Cement Patio Installation project involves tasks that are best performed by experienced professionals. Good quality Cement Patio Installation requires considerable experience, skill and attention to detail. Do it yourself mistakes are noticeable, may be difficulty to remedy and may actually reduce the market value of the project and your home. |
| How many days are typically required to complete the Cement Patio Installation work? | This work can be completed in 1 to 2 days. |
Cement Patio Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Cement Patio Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Cement Patio Installation work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- The layout, location, style and finish appearance of ALL materials used in Cement Patio Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
- The cement used will have a minimum strength of 3000 psi
- The cement will be a minimum of 4" thick
- The cement pad will have expansion joints at spacing specified by local code requirements to control post installation cracking
- The cement will include metal reinforcing material
- The cement will be treated to ensure proper moisture throughout the curing process
- The cement surface will have a slope of no less than 1/16" in a direction away from all adjacent structures
- Installed patio surface variations along a 6 foot straight edge will not exceed 1/8 inch - from any location along any direction
- All visible patio surfaces will have a consistent texture and uniform sheen
Cement Patio Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Cement Patio Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the cement work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Verify that planned Cement Patio Installation will comply with home owner association requirements
- Determine if permit is required for Cement Patio Installation by local building authority, before any work begins
- Complete written project plan including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; project plan should be included in contract agreement and reviewed before any work begins
- Review and approve detailed layout / plan that shows location, orientation and placement of cement, before any work begins
- Select, specify and order cement; verify that type, grade, finish, size, color, any options, and quantity are clearly identified in the order; make sure that delivery date, terms and damage provisions are included in the order
- Manage delivery of cement; verify that delivered model #, grade, finish, size, options, and quantity match the order precisely; thoroughly inspect all items for damage and proper operation; make or authorize final payment only after complete order is delivered
- Review material choices for Cement Patio Installation with the homeowner before work begins - consider toxic exposure, allergic risks and environmental factors; purchase construction materials only after approval
- Obtain a permit for Cement Patio Installation from local building authority; post permit on the jobsite as required
- Carefully remove all manufacturers labels and clean the patio surfaces - without scraping, scratching or otherwise damaging the cement
- Remove debris, dirt and dust from all work areas; unless otherwise agreed, all demolition debris and construction waste will be removed from the site within 24 hours
- Inspect Cement Patio Installation and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
- Submit final payment in exchange for signed lien release; final payment amount should be adjusted for excess material to be returned and tasks not performed; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes
