Hiring a Professional Concrete Slab Pouring Service vs. DIY Projects

Hiring a Professional Concrete Slab Pouring Service vs. DIY Projects

We’ve all been there: We want to undergo our own concrete pouring project because we believe that we possess the skill and acumen to get the job done. We also want to bypass all of the costs associated with hiring a contractor. However, pouring an entire concrete slab on your own poses several insurmountable challenges. To get the entire project done the right way, you will need time, patience, and plenty of planning and preparation. That’s because if you make any mistakes during the process, you may end up having to demolish your slab and start the process all over again. Hiring a professional has many advantages and it can save you a lot of the frustration that you will experience with a DIY project.

Concrete Slab Pouring: Professional Solutions vs. DIY Projects

We understand that you are a do-it-yourselfer and you have had success with complex building projects in the past. However, you need to examine the types of projects you have completed and determine if your prior experience will correlate to success when it comes to concrete slab pouring. Backyard patios and walkways are an ideal starting point for a DIY project because they are typically small-scale installations that shouldn’t give you too much trouble. However, with some of the complicated projects, such as slab foundations, you should strongly consider hiring a professional, and here is why:

  • Obtaining the necessary permits for concrete installations
  • Undergoing the proper mixing for the concrete material
  • Building and shaping concrete forms correctly and with precision
  • Assessing whether your concrete slab will require any structural reinforcements, such as rebar
  • Applying a decorative veneer to your new concrete installation
  • Determining the optimal drying time and allowing the material to cure properly

Common Mistakes with DIY Projects

If you are a novice when it comes to concrete slab pouring, then you are likely going to overlook something. These are very common mistakes with people who are taking on a slab installation for the first time. Here is what you need to know about what can go wrong with your DIY concrete pouring project:

  • Understanding your layout ahead of time. Don’t begin to mix and pour your concrete without devising a plan ahead of time. It is always critical to determine the dimensions and measurements of the project. This will go a long way in preventing cracks and other defects from forming in the slab that you pour. What happens with a lot of amateur projects is the DIYer will make the slab too large.
  • Another common mistake is when the concrete material fails to form a smooth and level surface. You have to be careful and diligent when pouring the concrete mixture to achieve a level form. Also, you want to ensure that the concrete isn’t poured too deeply in certain areas of the foundation. This can also cause uneven drying and malformations to take place in your concrete.
  • Never rush through the job. With DIY projects, it can be easy to overlook several minor details that are crucial to completing the project and having everything turn out the way it should. For example, you will need to carefully measure all of the contents that go into your concrete mixture. What will happen is the DIYer will simply pour water into a dry mix until it “looks right” before pouring it. This can cause the concrete material to crack and erode prematurely. You can, of course, always fill in those cracks, but over time this can become a frustrating expenditure. Also, cracks in the foundation of your home will significantly devalue your property. Plan everything out as carefully as you can so that the concrete is sturdy and unblemished. (Hiring a professional would allow you to avoid any of these mishaps in the first place.)

Using the Wrong Tools

The equipment and supplies you use to pour a concrete slab are extremely crucial to the entire process. Without the proper tools, you could leave behind an uneven service which will inevitably lead to bumps, holes, and cracks. You need strong, heavy-duty tools when mixing and pouring concrete. Furthermore, consider the time-restraints and structural specifications of pouring concrete. This is another reason why it is important to possess all the necessary tools ahead of time. Listed below are some of the items you would need to undergo a successful DIY project:

  • A large wheelbarrow or container to transport the concrete mixture
  • All the ingredients/components to produce the mixture
  • A bull float, which is used to flatten and smoothen out the wet concrete
  • A heavy-duty groover that allows you to install control joints
  • A broom or brush that allows you to create a little texture so the concrete isn’t too slippery once it dries and cures

Safety Precautions

There is a reason why construction workers and building crews comply with the safety standards set down by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). When you are working with industrial equipment and heavy-duty materials, someone can easily get hurt. Although concrete is relatively simple and easy to work with, you will still need to protect yourself. This includes the proper coverings for your eyes and ears, as well as additional safety measures to protect your skin and respiratory system. Furthermore, you are always working with heavy construction equipment, and it can be strenuous on your body when it comes to lifting and transporting these items.

At a minimum, you should possess the following:

  • Long sleeve shirts and worker’s pants
  • Safety glasses or a pair of sunglasses/form of eye protection
  • Earplugs or any other form of ear protection (while operating the equipment)
  • Gloves that offer protection against harsh chemicals
  • Rubber or steel toe boots
  • Face coverings
  • A nearby faucet with soap so that you wash your hands and face

Extreme Weather

Certain weather conditions can put a damper on any building project, which is another reason why should plan things out ahead of time. Get an idea of your 7- and 14-day forecasts. What are the wind and rain conditions going to be like on those days? What is the climate like in your area in general? Concrete slab pouring can be a precarious undertaking which the weather can further complicate. If you live in an area with freeze/thaw conditions during winter, then you would need to use air-entrained concrete to prevent cracking and crumbling over time.

Why You Should Hire a Professional

A professional contractor understands all the nuances of concrete slab pouring. They can also complete the project in a timely manner and ensure that no mistakes are made throughout the entire process. They can guarantee quality results and if any problems do arise, they can take care of them right away.

Hiring a knowledgeable and experienced professional ensures that you are going to bring about the best possible result. They can provide you with a slab that is durable and long-lasting as well as visually appealing and beautiful. However, if you are still unsure about what to do, then here is how you will know that you need to hire a professional:

  • You are still unsure of the supplies, equipment, and materials you need to get the job done properly
  • You have a particular design or color scheme in mind but don’t know how to execute it
  • The ground that you are building your slab upon is uneven or sloping
  • You don’t have all the tools to build a concrete slab and you are having trouble accessing those tools
  • You don’t feel comfortable in your abilities to mix and pour concrete successfully

Also, consider what is at stake financially when undergoing a DIY concrete pouring projects. Minor mistakes can end up becoming extremely costly. Your time is also extremely valuable, and every minute you spend on your project is taking away from any precious spare time you have. If you encounter any major mishaps throughout the process, then you could end up spending even more time fixing your mistakes. You are ultimately better off by calling in a professional to handle the entire project for you.

Have any questions regarding concrete slab pouring? You can always contact one of our professional contractors who will tell you everything that the process entails. Whether you want to replace your existing slab, or need help determining ways in which you can spruce up your existing installation, we can offer you solutions moving forward. We are always happy to help, so don’t hesitate to give us a call!