You might be thinking about a nice Stamped Concrete Patio or a Stained Concrete Driveway that looks really good. Decorative Concrete can change your Orem home a lot. It adds curb appeal as well as good use. But here is the thing: I have seen many homeowners make common mistakes when they plan these Concrete Projects or hire for them. You do not want to be one of those homeowners. We will look at what to watch out for so you can avoid problems and get the good concrete you want.
Mistake #1: Thinking About Looks More Than How Long It Will Last (Especially in Orem!)
It is easy to get excited about all the cool patterns as well as colors that Decorative Concrete has. You see a picture online of a polished concrete floor and think that is what you want. But here in Orem, we have big temperature changes. We have hot summers as well as freezing winters. You need to think about how that concrete will hold up to these conditions. Polished concrete looks good inside. However, if you put it outside on a sloped driveway or around a pool, it can get very slippery. Darker colors can look sharp. But they will absorb a lot of heat in the summer. This can make your patio too hot to walk on without shoes.
You need a Concrete Contractor who knows our local climate. At Utah Valley Concrete, we are always thinking about the freeze-thaw cycles. These cycles can damage Concrete Projects that are not installed or sealed right. Do not let a Concrete Contractor talk you into a finish that looks good in a magazine but will not last through a typical Orem winter. Ask them how the materials as well as the sealants they suggest will handle our weather.
Mistake #2: Not Doing Proper Site Prep (It Is More Than Just Digging a Hole)
This is a very important point. This is where many problems start with a Concrete Project. We cannot say enough how important proper site preparation is for any Concrete Project. This is especially true for Decorative Concrete. If the ground is not prepped right, you will likely get cracks as well as uneven settling as well as drainage problems later on. This is not just about clearing the area. It is about proper grading as well as compacting the soil as well as making sure there is a solid, stable base.
Think about getting a nice Stamped Concrete Patio in your backyard. Maybe it is near the foothills where the soil can expand more. If the Concrete Contractor does not compact that soil right or plan for drainage, you will see problems. The concrete will shift as well as crack. All that Decorative Concrete work will be ruined. A good Concrete Contractor will spend time on this part of the Concrete Project. They will make sure the foundation is solid before any concrete is poured.
Mistake #3: Making the Design Too Complicated
We understand that Decorative Concrete has many choices. You can make it look like natural stone as well as brick as well as wood. But sometimes, homeowners try to do too much. They want three different patterns as well as five colors as well as a fancy border all in one small space. More is not always better. Trying to put too many textures as well as colors as well as patterns can make your Concrete Project look messy and overwhelming. This is especially true in smaller areas.
It also usually means a higher price as well as a longer installation time. A skilled Concrete Contractor can help you. They will help you pick a design that matches your home's style as well as the Orem landscape. They will do this without making it too busy. Sometimes, a simpler, elegant design makes a much bigger impact than something that is too busy.
Mistake #4: Not Checking Your Contractor Carefully
This is probably the most important mistake you can make. You would not hire just anyone to fix your roof. So do not do it with your Decorative Concrete. We have seen too many homeowners go with the cheapest price or the first person they call. They end up with a bad job that costs more to fix than the original Concrete Project.
Here is what you need to do:
- Check their experience: Especially with Decorative Concrete, you want someone who has a proven history with similar Concrete Projects. Ask to see examples of their work. Do not just look at pictures from a catalog.
- Check licenses as well as insurance: In Utah, Concrete Contractors need to be licensed. Make sure they are properly bonded as well as insured. This protects you if something goes wrong with your Concrete Project.
- Read reviews: Look at sites like HomeGuide as well as Thumbtack as well as Angi. What are other Orem homeowners saying about the Concrete Contractor? Look for consistent good comments about quality as well as communication as well as how professional they are.
- Get multiple bids as well as detailed estimates: Do not just get a number. Get an itemized estimate that shows materials as well as labor as well as specific Decorative Concrete techniques. This helps you compare things fairly.
- Ask about warranties: A good Concrete Contractor will stand behind their work.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Maintenance Requirements
Decorative Concrete is not a