How do you find a good concrete contractor?
Concrete contractors pave driveways, build foundations for homes, install retaining walls, create hardscaping for front and back yards, build concrete steps, and so much more. When searching for a driveway contractor, read reviews from previous customers and ask for referrals. Ask the contractor for photos of examples of their work that’s similar to what you want. Confirm they will get the proper permits so your driveway is up to code. Hiring a driveway contractor to install concrete can average $5-$6 per square foot, or more, depending on where you live, the slope and grade of the driveway site, and regional labor costs. For a new asphalt driveway, the cost could average from $3-5 per square foot. A standard concrete driveway of 500 square feet averaging $5-$6 per square foot would cost $2,500-$3,000 — so it pays to research someone who will do quality work. Excavation and grading work can increase your cost per square foot significantly. Ask whether the contractor provides a materials and labor warranty for their work. Some cracking of the concrete may occur as it settles, but you should talk with your contractor about any structural or aesthetic concerns you have. When hiring a concrete contractor, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.
What do paving contractors do?
Paving contractors can be hired to install a concrete or asphalt driveway at your home, office or property. They can also repave an asphalt or concrete driveway that has been damaged by time, weather or heavy loads. When you are looking for a driveway contractor, request quotes from at least three professionals who are in good standing and have great customer reviews. They should do a site visit and write you a bid, detailing the work involved, materials needed, approximate length of the project and estimated cost.
The site for your new driveway will determine costs and the work required for your contractor. First, the ground must be excavated to lay a clear path. This means removing any trees, bushes and stumps. Next, the driveway contractor will grade the area, making a level surface for the concrete or asphalt. To ensure proper drainage, driveway contractors should install a sub-base of compacted gravel (or similar) 4 inches-8 inches deep, depending on your soil type. Then the concrete or asphalt may be poured and smoothed over the top. Your driveway contractor should recommend an appropriate sealant for your climate and advise you on curing time. When hiring a paving contractor, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.
How much does it cost to redo a concrete driveway?
Replacing or renovating a damaged or time-worn asphalt or concrete driveway can boost your curb appeal and add to your home value. If your concrete driveway is nearing 20 years or more, it may be wise to invest in an entirely new driveway, instead of redoing your current one. Asphalt driveways average 15-20 years of life, so if you start needing major repairs around the 15 year mark, weigh the pros and cons of repairing or replacing it. Request bids from two to three driveway contractors to determine pricing and project scope, and check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack. Here are some examples of average costs:
- The national average cost to hire a concrete specialist is $2,750, but that price can vary greatly depending on the work needed to repair and resurface your concrete driveway, the square footage of the project, current costs of concrete, and regional labor rates.
- Driveway contractors average $2-$3 per square foot to smooth and resurface your asphalt driveway.
- Resurfacing concrete driveways averages $3-$10 per square foot. Pricing can depend on repairs needed, project size and geographic location.
- Nationally, the average cost for resurfacing a 500-square-foot driveway ranges from $2,000 to $5,000.
- Sealant for a concrete drive can cost $20-$80 per gallon.
- Sealant for an asphalt drive averages 25 cents per square foot.