Concrete Contractors: Services for Driveways, Houses, and Property
Concrete contractors perform specialized work on a range of residential and commercial projects, from driveways to house foundations and landscape features. Their role often includes material selection, site preparation, forming and pouring, finishing, and curing. Understanding how contractors operate and what to expect can help property owners plan construction work, manage timelines, and assess bids from local services in your area.
What services do concrete contractors provide?
Concrete contractors offer a mix of services that span planning through finishing. Typical offerings include forming and pouring concrete for slabs, footings, foundations, and decorative pours; reinforcement placement (rebar or mesh); surface finishing such as broom, exposed aggregate, or stamped patterns; sealing and jointing; and repair work like crack injection or resurfacing. Many contractors also coordinate site prep, grading, and drainage work so the concrete performs as intended over time.
How are driveway projects handled by contractors?
Driveway installations begin with a site assessment to verify soil conditions, slope, and drainage. Contractors usually remove old pavement, compact the subbase, and install a stable aggregate layer before placing concrete. Reinforcement and joint placement reduce cracking risk, while finishing methods determine appearance and slip resistance. Contractors will schedule curing and sealing to protect the surface. For existing driveways, they may offer patching, overlay, or full replacement depending on the extent of deterioration.
Can contractors work on a house foundation or slab?
Yes, many concrete contractors specialize in foundations and house slabs, which require accurate formwork, reinforcement placement, and correct concrete mix design for load-bearing performance. Work on a house typically involves coordination with structural engineers, excavation, waterproofing, and inspections to meet local building codes. Proper curing, drainage detail, and control joint planning are critical to reduce settlement and cracking that could affect the house structure or finishes.
How do contractors assess your property before work?
Before bidding, contractors evaluate soil type, slope, existing utilities, access for equipment, and any landscaping impacts. They consider site constraints that affect formwork, truck access for ready-mix deliveries, and staging areas for tools and aggregate. Good contractors also check required permits and local construction rules and will explain how surface runoff and landscaping changes may alter drainage on your property. This assessment helps create a realistic scope and schedule for the work.
What construction steps are common in concrete work?
Concrete construction typically follows predictable steps: planning and permitting; excavation and site preparation; subbase placement and compaction; formwork and reinforcement; concrete placement and consolidation; finishing (floating, troweling, stamping, or brooming); control joint cutting; curing; and final sealing or surface treatment. Each step affects durability and appearance. Weather, mix design, and workmanship influence timing — for example, curing often continues for several days to weeks to reach desired strength.
Before selecting a contractor, many homeowners compare service providers for experience, certifications, and customer reviews. The table below lists several well-known providers and platforms that serve property owners and construction projects; these represent a mix of material suppliers and service platforms that connect you with local services.
| Provider Name | Services Offered | Key Features/Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| CEMEX | Ready-mix concrete, construction materials, technical support | Global supplier of ready-mix and construction solutions with product range for residential and commercial projects |
| Holcim | Cement, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, engineering solutions | Offers construction materials and technical guidance, presence in many regions for consistent supply |
| Martin Marietta | Aggregates, ready-mix concrete, paving materials | North American supplier focused on aggregates and ready-mix used in foundations and paving |
| Angi (Angi Inc.) | Contractor marketplace for concrete and other trades | Platform to find and review local contractors, request quotes, and compare customer feedback |
| Local independent contractors | On-site installation, repairs, decorative finishes | Often provide tailored service, direct communication, and hands-on local knowledge |
Conclusion
Hiring a concrete contractor involves reviewing technical experience, materials knowledge, and how a team approaches site preparation and finishing. Whether you need a new driveway, a house foundation, or repairs on your property, clear scope documents, contract terms, and verification of permits and insurance help reduce surprises. Comparing providers, asking for references, and understanding the construction steps and timelines will support better outcomes for your concrete projects.
