What Does Your Concrete Estimate Include?

Whether for residences or commercial buildings, uneven concrete can be a nightmare. Many of us have tripped over a gap of uneven concrete at some point in our lives. If you have any friends or family members who are older or have mobility issues, a simple trip could be much more problematic. If you have a business, it could be even worse: uneven concrete walkways could lead to injuries and lawsuits. So the issue of leveling uneven concrete is not only a necessary one, but an urgent one.

But like all improvements, it is an investment. The process begins with a free estimate which will include an assessment of the work that needs to be done, in how much time, and at what cost. Worried that you won’t be able to retain your concrete leveling estimate? Don’t be. In today’s blog, we’ll break down everything that your concrete leveling estimate should include.

How To Level Concrete

First, let’s discuss what exactly concrete leveling is. In the same way that house leveling raises your home from its settling position and holds it secure, concrete leveling lifts sunken concrete for a smoother, safer surface. It does this by tackling not the concrete itself but the underlying foundation. There are a few methods that have been employed over the years: mudjacking, slabjacking, limestone grout, etc. These methods can be invasive and messy, and not always the most effective methods. There’s also concrete replacement, which can take days and even weeks before it’s strong enough to be functional. That’s why Childers Brothers, Inc. foregoes all of them in favor of slab-lifting foam.

Slab lifting foam includes a minimal injection site that can be covered up when the work is done. The foam is injected beneath concrete slabs, where it expands to fit the gap and lift the concrete slab up to level. It is lightweight, but remarkably effective, lasting permanently as opposed to mudjacking’s standard 5-7 years. It’s also less expensive than other methods such as concrete replacement, making it well worth the investment.

Sometimes you need more than to simply lift the concrete slabs, however. Sometimes you need to consider what’s beneath, causing the sunken concrete. When the soil beneath the concrete takes in water, it expands, and it contracts when it dries up. Soil stabilization can alter the soil at an atomic level, helping it to resist expansion due to water permeation. This can also help to level your concrete, and even prevent cracks in basement walls.

What To Expect From a Concrete Leveling Estimate

Before the job begins, your concrete leveling contractor will come out and perform an inspection of the sunken concrete. Over the course of this inspection, they will ascertain the reason for the sunken concrete, and the extent of the problem. They will determine how best to level the concrete as well as how long the project will take. From there, they will discuss your options with you and provide you with the estimated cost of the project, both verbally and in writing.

Although there is no way to fully predict everything that could impact the amount of hours spent on the job, they will do their best to provide as accurate of an estimate as possible. At this point, the estimate is completely free. You still have the option to say no and look elsewhere for concrete leveling solutions, and some homeowners prefer to get a few estimates before they make their decision.

What Is Included In Your Concrete Leveling Estimate?

Your concrete leveling estimate might not be exact. There may be weather delays or issues with the project that lengthen it, though most good contractors offer insurance so that you’ll be covered in the event that there’s any property damage. However, an experienced contractor will be able to get the estimate as close to exact as possible, making room for any possibility. Here’s what you are likely to find in your concrete leveling estimate:

• The Cost. The main purpose of your concrete leveling estimate is to offer a fair estimate of the cost. This includes both the cost of the materials used to level the concrete and the cost of the labor itself. This is also an excellent time to ask about financing to ensure that the project fits within your budget.
• The Timeline. Your concrete leveling estimate should provide an estimated timeline for how long it will take. Concrete leveling doesn’t take long, especially with methods such as slab lifting foam injections, so you shouldn’t have to worry about a long project, but it can still help to know when to expect your project.
• The Process. Your estimate will tell you what methods will be used to level your concrete, whether soil stabilization or slab lifting foam. Feel free to ask your contractor questions about how the concrete leveling methods work.
• The Contact Information. Finally, your estimate will include contact information so you can ask questions or know how to reach the project manager for the concrete leveling project in order to keep up with how the project is going.

A concrete leveling estimate is a must when you need your concrete to be leveled, and it will give you the opportunity to see for yourself if the project or the contractor is right for you. But after your estimate, you might still have questions about the upcoming concrete leveling project. That’s why it’s important for your concrete leveling professionals to be available and easy to contact. Childers Brothers, Inc. is here for you. Contact us today to learn more or to get started with a free concrete leveling estimate.