When your concrete project is complete, most contractors will give you a written invoice that details the completed work. This invoice usually includes:

• The contractor’s name, physical address and license number.
• Any applicable warrantees or guarantees provided by the company.
• A list of all services performed.
• An itemized list of all the supplies purchased.
• The total cost for supplies, including the amount due for labor.

It is wise to compare the completed work with the written invoice. Ask your contractor to walk through the concrete project with you and show you the work. Check the work with the invoice. During the walk-through, ask if there are any special instructions for maintaining your concrete. If you have any questions about the work or materials used for your concrete project, now is the time to ask.

Most good concrete contractors will offer some time of warranty on the concrete project. All details of the warranty should be provided to you in writing. This information should include:

• The contractor’s name and physical address.
• What products are covered. This should also include whether the contractor will replace or repair your concrete in the event of a product failure.
• Your responsibility if you place a warranty claim (i.e., if you have to pay for labor or materials, or if you are required to pay a prorated amount).
• Terms, limitations and exclusions on the materials and workmanship.
• If the warranties are transferrable to the new owner if you sell your home.

The top 10 requests for concrete contractors in Contra Costa County are listed below.

Pouring Concrete Slabs
Pouring concrete slabs involved setting up the forms for the project and getting them ready for the pour, then pouring the concrete slab.

Concrete Basement Pouring
Concrete basement pouring is a popular option not only because basements are a protection from inclement weather but they also extend the living space. Concrete basement pouring is more economical than adding another room or floor onto your home.

Concrete Pouring
Concrete pouring is to pour concrete into a cast.

Concrete Patios
Concrete patios are becoming more popular. They are very durable and require little maintenance. There are many decorative options available for concrete patios.

Concrete Homes
Concrete homes are durable and save money on heating and cooling costs. They can be designed to look like most any other house.

Concrete Paving
Concrete paving is when concrete is poured to make a firm and even surface.

Stamped Concrete |
Stamped concrete is done by pouring a slab and then putting impressions of patterns and/or textures on the concrete before it dries.

Concrete Restoration
Concrete restoration restores your walkways, floors, etc. to like new. It is cheaper and more convenient than complete replacement of concrete.

Concrete Panels
Concrete panels are poured and used in residential housing and businesses.

Concrete Floors
Concrete floors have become a popular option for floors of homes. Concrete floors can be stained, painted and stamped, etc. This allows for an almost limitless choice of flooring looks.

abrasive aggregate
Abrasive aggregate is used make the concrete surfaces more abrasive. Sometimes special aggregates are added to poured concrete and cast concrete for decorative purposes.

Also known as: abrasive aggregates

accelerator
Accelerator decreases the setting time of concrete by increasing hydration.

Also known as: accelerators

admixture
Admixture is something other than water that is added to concrete to control properties such as setting and workability.

Also known as: admixtures

aggregate
Aggregate is a combination of crushed rock, sand and gravel that is mixed with cement to make concrete.

binder
Binder is hardened cement paste.

Also known as: cement paste

bleed
Bleed is when water seeps to the top of the cement paste because of the settling.

cement
Cement is inorganic compounds finely powdered which harden when combined with water.

cement-aggregate ratio
Cement-aggregate ratio is the ratio of aggregate to cement and is measured by weight.

cement paste
Cement paste is cement and water which develops in strength until it becomes hardened cement paste.

clay
Clay is a kind of soil that consists of very fine particles.

concrete
Concrete is made from aggregate components and cement and is used for sidewalks and walkways, etc.

concretepavers
Concrete pavers are paving stones made from concrete and are used for walkways, driveways, etc.

Also known as: concrete paving stones

concrete sand
Concrete sand is a sand that is used for aggregate.

crushed rock
Crushed rock is used in concrete as an aggregate.

cure
Cure is keeping the concrete moist while it is initially hardening.

dormancy period
Dormancy period is the time that concrete remains workable.

forms
Forms are holders for concrete where it is allowed to harden.

Also known as: form

gravel
Gravel is fine pieces of rock and can be used as an aggregate.

gypsum
Gypsum is added to cement to regulate its setting.

Also known as: calcium sulfate dihydrate

limestone
Limestone is a rock that is made of the mineral calcium carbonate.

paver
Paver or paving is when cement is poured to make a firm and even surface.

Also known as: paving

pour
Pour is to cast concrete.

Also known as: cast

slump test
Slump test is to test the concrete to determine its workability.

stained concrete
Stained concrete is colored concrete and is can be used in driveways and other areas. Stained concrete is available in vibrant colors and can also be chosen to complement the style and color of your home.

Also known as: stained concrete patterns

stamped concrete
Stamped concrete is often used in place of concrete pavers as it can look like brick, tile or blocks and can be stamped with a pattern. A foundation of concrete is poured and then stamping the pattern while it is still damp.

Also known as: stamped concrete patterns

stenciled concrete
Stenciled concrete is used to mimic other paving materials like brick or tile by using stencils.

Also known as: stenciled concrete patterns

workability
Workability is how easily fresh concrete can be used and molded and put into forms.

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified concrete contractor?
A:Diamond Certified helps you choose a concrete contractor with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only concrete contractors rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. So you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified concrete contractor.

Q: Are concrete and cement the same thing?
A: They are not the same thing although many use the terms interchangeably. Cement is used to make concrete. Cement is mixed with other things including water and it then turns into a mass that becomes hardened and is called concrete.

Q: What is slump used for?
A: Slump is the amount of water in concrete mix which shows its consistency. The lower the slump the dryer the mix will be. If water is added to the mix past what is specified, it can result in reduced strength and the possibility that the surface will deteriorate.

Q: Is it necessary to take the topsoil before pouring concrete?
A:Topsoil does need to be removed before the concrete is placed. Topsoil and other organic material are too unstable to support slabs of concrete. The subgrade of cement should contain no organic material and this is very important for having a quality concrete slab.

Q: What kind of decorative finishes can I get for concrete?
A:Concrete is available in almost any shape, pattern and color. There are many specialty materials available such as concrete forms, stamps, dyes, texture patterns, and stains, etc. These applications can be used both inside and outside of your home. If you can imagine the decorative finish, it can be done by a skilled concrete contractor.

Q: Do I need a concrete contractor for my project?
A:Concrete work requires knowledge and skill. There are fundamental skills that the average homeowner does not have. Some basic skills that are required are using a hammer, chalk lines, and saws; however, more specialized skills include the use of straightedge, a concrete edger, a hand float and others.

Besides the use of tools, other areas of expertise include site excavation, preparing the subgrade, putting in concrete form. These areas and the work of placing and finishing concrete is very difficult work. Also, concrete is quite heavy and the timing of the finishing of the project is critical. For all of these reasons and more, most homeowners feel that it is necessary to hire a concrete contractor to do their concrete project.

Q: How long does a concrete driveway need to cure?
A: The recommended time can be any time from three to seven days depending on the load that will be on it. Ask your concrete contractor for specific directions on when your driveway can be put back in service.

Q: How often do I need to seal my concrete driveway?
A: Your concrete needs to air dry for 30 days before you apply a sealer. A sealer prevents moisture from entering the concrete which helps keep the concrete from deteriorating during weather cycles of freezing and thawing. Sealers are usually effective for a couple of years but ask your concrete contractor for specific application rates.

Q: Why is curing important for concrete?
A: Curing keeps your concrete at the appropriate moisture content. If the curing is not done correctly, it can cut the strength of your concrete by a large percentage. Proper curing also keeps your concrete from cracking and shrinking.

Q: How do I maintain concrete?
A: Concrete needs to be frequently cleaned with sweeping and hosing it every so often. Keep wet leaves off of concrete as they may stain the concrete.