Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Concrete Patio Installation
Concrete Patio Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Concrete Patio Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Concrete Patio Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Concrete Patio Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Concrete Patio Installation labor cost? What are the important Concrete Patio Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Concrete Patio Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for Concrete Patio Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Concrete Patio Installation expect to pay between $1.30 to $2.13 per square foot. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for Concrete Patio Installation work? | Design approval and permits from your local building authority are usually not required for Concrete Patio Installation. If your home is subject to homeowner association covenants, you should verify that the Concrete Patio Installation complies with association guidelines. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform Concrete Patio Installation work? | The appearance, functionality and useful life of the concrete may be compromised by poor installation. Hire the service provider carefully and tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below). |
| Is Concrete Patio Installation something that I can do myself? | The typical Concrete Patio Installation project involves tasks that are best performed by experienced professionals. Good quality Concrete 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 Concrete Patio Installation work? | This work can be completed in 1 to 2 days. |
Concrete Patio Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Concrete Patio Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Concrete 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 Concrete Patio Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
- The concrete used will have a minimum strength of 3000 psi
- The concrete will be a minimum of 4" thick
- The concrete pad will have expansion joints at spacing specified by local code requirements to control post installation cracking
- The concrete will include metal reinforcing material
- The concrete will be treated to ensure proper moisture throughout the curing process
- The concrete 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
Concrete Patio Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Concrete Patio Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the concrete 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 Concrete Patio Installation will comply with home owner association requirements
- Determine if permit is required for Concrete 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 concrete, before any work begins
- Select, specify and order concrete; 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 concrete; 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 Concrete 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 Concrete 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 concrete
- 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 Concrete 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
