Advice about new concrete driveway

[harrisonness]

We are about to get quotes for a new 6m x 6m concrete slab for the carport and a new driveway.

We would like to get a coloured concrete - perhaps a dark charcoal.

Is there anything we need to be mindful of when getting quotes and watching for when the job is being done? We have never used a concreter before so any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Barry_White]

There are concretors and there are concretors. Get several quotes. Trouble is that most of them are flat out at the moment and they wont miss you.

[ernknot]

Firstly write down what you want. How thick you want the concrete, 4" or 6". What size re-bar do you want? How much dirt you want dug out? Does the ground need to be compacted and gravelled? What slope do you want for run off? What sort of loads do you expect to run on the drive? etc. Get three quotes and make absolutley sure that all meaterials and work are listed, that all measurements & quantities are listed so that you finish up with a firm quote. This will be the amount you agree to and will pay.
These guys always claim to be flat out and they invariably hope you will accept their highly inflated price. When you get their quote ask where the last job was and have a look at their work. Even talk to the owner and ask if he is happy with their work. Make sure you mention the name of the contracter who gave you the quote. If they don't want to do this then avoid them like the proverbial plague.
ernknot

[johnc]

You mention colour, the problem with concrete is colour will leach out. Do you want colour through the whole slab or just in the topping material. Either way to hold the colour a lacquer will hold the tint and will need to be recoated frequently, those who include the various forms of pattern pave in their work should give you a good idea of what you need to know and how to maintain it. As for the rest ditto for the previous reply, 100mm is your minimum for light vehicle traffic with adequate mesh so become familiar with your ratings, don't skimp on reinforcing or quantity the preparation and trowelling are usually the dearer parts of the quote compared with a bit of extra concrete.

[vsquizz]

Proper colour in concrete will be pre-mixed and wont leach out. Costs a little more. When they are quoting get references for some of their recent jobs so you can do a drive by shooting. Be careful with coloured top coat finshes or so called stamping if they can't supply you with references.

Otherwise exactly what ernie said. I found the way to a good concrete guy was through a good builder.

Cheers

[jackiew]

I found the way to a good concrete guy was through a good builder.

Cheers

... first find your good builder....