You've been looking at idea websites, going to home shows, and scrolling through all your favorite social media apps.  You've caught the bug. Your old patio or driveway needs to be replaced, and you're ready to take the on this new adventure.  Now what? You're thinking, I'll Just call three companies and get estimates and, in a few weeks, and I'll have a new and amazing concrete patio or driveway.  We've all heard stories about concrete projects that turned into nothing less than a nightmare.  Don't be the next victim.
Springs Concrete, LLC provides consulting and project management so you can avoid major problems before they happen.  We want to be your contracting choice but if you choose to go with another company, this is a great way to get our quality of work from another contractor.  Problems with builders and contractors happen every day on concrete projects in Colorado Springs.  Just do a quick Google search about "concrete problems” and you will see what I'm saying is the truth.  I'm going to give you five tips that are key to having your project go as intended.  This whole contracting process can be unforgiving and isn't an easy task, but I will try to make it as simple as possible. 

1.  Hire the right company.  Shopping early in the season, January-March, will increase your odds of getting the best concrete contractor. You shouldn't start the work until the weather is appropriate but calling early will get you a spot in the prime season.  You may even get a better price.  After a long winter, concrete companies are eager to get back to work to have positive cash flow.  The best place to start your search for the best concrete company is your search engine on your phone or computer.  
I recommend Google.  Type in the specific product you're looking for as well as the city you live in. For example: ( Google search) Stamped Concrete Patio Colorado Springs, or Concrete Driveway Colorado Springs.  Once the search populates you will want to skip over the contractors that have "Ad" next to their name.  These contractors have paid to be at the top and aren't necessarily the best. Google ranks its suggestions in the maps and organic format by relative content, time in business, and customer feedback reviews.  Once you've located the maps and organic results, look for the companies that have been in business for a while and have lots of reviews.  A company that has been in business 15 years will be a better company to work with than a new company that is just getting started.  Reviews are one of the greatest tools we use today to make any purchase decisions.  A concrete company with only 7 reviews doesn't give you enough information to get a good feel for their reputation.  A company with 100 + reviews will provide you with ample feedback from the community.  Another thing to watch out for are 5-star perfect ratings.  Nobody but Jesus was perfect, and chances are if they have 100% perfect reviews, they were probably purchased and not authentic.  After you make your 3 or 4 choices, start calling to make appointments.  Good concrete companies answer their phones every time.  You can also use the very popular online contact us forms to get in touch with a good company without a phone call.  When your contractors arrive, take lots of notes and ask a lot of questions. 

2.   You need to have a plan before any work is done.  Get out your graph paper or fire up your computer and make a simple drawing as close to scale as possible, illustrating the desired shape and size of your concrete project. If drawing isn't your thing, request that your spouse or contractor do this for you.  Know what you want in detail.  Now that you have your appointments set up, it’s time to know what to ask for.  What is it you want to have built? Have you done a ton of research and know exactly what you desire?  Make sure you can illustrate and communicate your idea to the contractor in a simple but detailed way.  I suggest going to the websites of the companies you have coming out and locate and print pictures of the projects that are in likeness of your idea and that you are fond of.  Make notes about the details that grab your attention.  Concrete projects can look simple on the surface, but, there are so many important details. Colors, textures, patterns, finishes, and shapes are just a few details that are very important to provide to your contractor.  Specific options help.  If the contractor has specific options labeled on their website, that is a plus.  

3.  Money is the best leverage you have over the contractor. I suggest a 25% deposit to start followed by a 25% progress payment after the concrete is installed.  The remaining 50% balance should be held until all the details of the contract have been completed and verified. Once you've paid the balance, your leverage is gone.  I suggest paying by credit card or check.  CC companies provide recourses if the contractor fails to deliver the contract as agreed.  Always avoid paying in cash. ​

4.   Get a Contract.  Once you have your contractor selected, your idea of what you want, the pictures of details showing how you want it to look, and your plan drawing, it’s time to get a contract.  The best contractors will have all the details and specifics of the project clearly printed on their contact as well as a drawing/ plan.  It's paramount to go over the contract in detail and ensure all the information needed for the project is present.  Good contracts will have detailed descriptions on what you're getting.  Example: Measurements, square footage, thickness, concrete strength, additives, reinforcements, chemicals, colors, textures, patterns, finishes, and shapes, timelines, exact price, payment schedule, and warranty information.  Daily communication with the owner of the concrete company or the project manager is key.   Money is the best leverage you have over the contractor. I suggest a 25% deposit to start followed by a 25% progress payment after the concrete is installed.  The remaining 50% balance should be held until all the details of the contract have been completed and verified. Once you've paid the balance, your leverage is gone.  I suggest paying by credit card.  CC companies provide recourses if the contractor doesn't deliver the contract as agreed. Always avoid paying in cash. ​

5.  Liability is a serious matter.  Did you know that unless you have a signed release of lien from your contractor, you will get a mechanics lien against your property if the contractor defaults on paying for the materials or labor?  You will get a lien against your property even if you paid the contractor in full.  
Did you know you can be sued if a worker cuts his finger off or is seriously injured while on your property if your contractor isn't properly insured?  Always require a release of lien before the balance is paid. Always require a certificate of insurance before any work is done.   Do you know how to tell if all the correct ingredients are being used and installed into your project?  How about bad weather showing up? Super-hot, very cold, rainy and windy days are bad for concrete and may result in defects or failure.  The list of liabilities goes on and on. The best way to reduce the risk is to have the owner of the concrete company present the whole time calling the shots.  If he or she can’t be there, then go with another company whose owner will.  It’s also good to have a great understanding of the entire process so you can call out missing items from the contract and other important details.  Another great choice is to hire a third-party project management company to oversee the entire project. If you'd like to learn more about hiring the best concrete company in Colorado Springs or have us Project Manage your dream project, call Springs Concrete, LLC today .  

Why should you hire a professional concrete contractor for your next concrete project? While a do-it-yourself job may seem like a cost-saving idea, look at the reasons to go with a pro in Colorado Springs. 


The Equipment
Do you have the right equipment necessary to pour and form concrete? If the DIY YouTube videos and online tutorials make it seem like all you need is a bag of concrete mix, a mixer, and a trowel, think again - especially if your home improvement includes a larger area, such as a driveway, patio, or walkway.

Concrete contractors use a variety of tools to provide a precise, clean finish. Without the right equipment, your do-it-yourself job is likely to look unprofessional. Along with concrete itself, the contractor may use wheelbarrows, a portable mixer, shovels, floats (a tool used to smooth and level the concrete surface), joint cutters and edgers, saws, a plate compactor, power drills, and more.

While you could buy the equipment a professional use, this will significantly add to your overall costs and make your would-be DIY job unnecessarily expensive. Not only will professional-level equipment add to your overall expenses, but you may also not know how to use the tools correctly. Read on for more information on why expert knowledge is another reason to choose a concrete contractor.

The Expertise
What is your concrete expertise level? If you're a novice DIY-er, leave pouring a concrete driveway, patio, walkway, or other project to the professionals. Springs Concrete, LLC has in-depth knowledge of dry times, structural support issues, and how concrete reacts in different situations.

Unlike paint or carpet, concrete is a home improvement material that doesn't always come ready for use. This means you'll need to mix the concrete prior to pouring it. Even though a product's manufacturer might provide mixing instructions, it takes a professional level of expertise to get the just-right consistency. Failure to achieve that consistency could ruin your concrete project or lead to premature failure.

Along with expertise in mixing, the contractor also has the knowledge to properly pour, shape, and level your home's next concrete project. Without years of experience and training, it's not likely your DIY project will have the precision necessary to look professional or resist cracking and other types of damage.

The Experience
Again, most novice DIY people don't have the extensive experience a concrete contractor has. Not only can this affect the look and feel of the concrete itself, but it can also impact other parts of the job.

Do you know what building permits you need or how to get them? If you don't, you're not alone. Most homeowners don't have this type of knowledge for one major reason - they aren't professional contractors. There's no reason for you to know whether you need a permit to pour a new driveway or not. This is something the contractor should know and take care of for you.

Beyond mixing, pouring, and pulling permits, the concrete contractor should also have the experience to anticipate and handle problems. Ideally your concrete project will go exactly as planned. But unexpected issues could arise at any point. If this happens, you need a contractor with the experience to make changes, think out of the box, and solve the problem without adding excessive costs to the project.

The Expense
Does it seem like a DIY job will save you money? While you won't have to pay the cost of labor, you'll still have to buy equipment and materials. Beyond these added costs, the time it takes you to learn about concrete and complete the job is time taken away from your job and family. This can result in lost wages or added childcare costs.

Do you have a concrete project on your home improvement agenda? Contact Springs Concrete, LLC for more information.
 

Installing a new concrete driveway can improve the curb appeal of your home, increase property value, make snow removal easier in the winter and provide extra parking for vehicles. If your driveway is cracked and crumbling, or if you’re building a new home and are researching driveway materials, you should contact Springs Concrete, LLC in Colorado Springs. We are focused on quality in workmanship and materials, great customer service and have a reputation for a long lasting and durable concrete product. Here are some reasons to install a new concrete driveway.
Concrete is versatile and aesthetically pleasing.  
Concrete looks clean, will lighten up your home and yard, and comes in a variety of colors, textures and design styles. Choose from the classic broom finish or get creative with pattern stamped concrete so it looks like cobblestone or tile. You can also stain concrete. This gives you a variety of color and style options. Get creative with your concrete and driveway design! View our Gallery.
Concrete will boost re-sale value.
Having a brand-new concrete driveway and walking paths will improve curb appeal, attract potential buyers and increase re-sale value. According to Bankrate.com, a good first impression can add five to 10 percent to the value of your home.  Think about it, your driveway and walkways lead potential buyers to your home…if yours in is in total disrepair you are not making a good first impression. This is especially true if all the homes in your neighborhood have new concrete driveways and yours is decrepit and cracked, gravel or asphalt.
Concrete is durable.
Your concrete driveway will pass the test of time. It is a tough material that lasts longer than alternative materials. Requiring minimal maintenance your concrete driveway could last thirty years or more before needing to be replaced. Plus, it will require repair and refinishing much less frequently than other driveway materials such as asphalt, pavers, or gravel.
Concrete is easier to shovel in the winter.
Snow removal is a huge chore and a reality for Colorado Springs homeowners. There’s nothing worse than trying to shovel a gravel driveway, or having your shovel caught up in bumpy asphalt. A smooth concrete driveway makes for a smoother shoveling job and creates a better surface for removing snow with a plow. This is a huge perk for us who dwell in the Rockies.
Concrete is easier on the environment.
Concrete in its raw form could be considered a green building material. It’s made up of rock ground into fine powder, mixed with water and a few other components. It can be made from recycled materials as well. Compared to asphalt, the installation and maintenance of concrete is less harmful on the environment and your old concrete driveway can be recycled into concrete aggregate.
 Springs Concrete, LLC is a Colorado Springs Concrete Contractor that is passionate about custom concrete design. Whatever your vision, we can show you the details, the numbers, and the steps required to make your dream a reality. Concrete craftsmanship is a priority for Springs Concrete, LLC and we believe each customer and each project is integral to our success; pride in the process is just as important as the finished product for us.
Springs Concrete, LLC uses Journeymen masons, knowledgeable apprentices, the best materials, and impeccable customer service to deliver a wide range of concrete solutions. No matter what you have in mind, you can trust Springs Concrete, LLC to work with you.
If you’re ready for a new concrete driveway or another concrete upgrade, contact Springs Concrete, LLC.
​

Stamped Concrete may be the best choice for your home in Colorado Springs.  Here are 5 reasons. 

​Why Stamped Concrete is a great idea for Colorado Springs 
After reading this, you will want to use stamped concrete for your next project at your Colorado Springs home. If these 5 reasons can’t encourage you to use stamped concrete, then nothing will. The Colorado Springs climate, Cost vs decks and landscaping, numerous options, almost zero maintenance, and Finally, Concrete's longevity is #1...  These facts are the reasons people keep choosing this material for their patios, driveways, and walkways. 
 
Reason 1: Our Beautiful Colorado Springs Climate. 
We have such a beautiful Summer and Fall here in Colorado Springs.  Can you imagine spending quality time with loved ones and friends on your beautiful new Stamped Concrete Patio from Springs Concrete.  We all love to spend time outdoors and nothing works better for entertaining than a Stamped Concrete Patio in Colorado Springs.  
 
Reason 2: Cost of Stamped Concrete vs other building materials.  
Have you seen what a deck cost in Colorado Springs? How about $30,000.00 for a small starter model.  We can install an average size Stamped Concrete Patio for about 1/3 of that.  Landscaping project often exceed $100,000.00 in Colorado Springs.  Our patios are Á la carte, so you can add other pieces to your landscape whenever you’re ready. 
 
Reason 3: We offer so many options for your Stamped Concrete.  
Colors, patterns, textures, shapes, sealer, and masonry additions are just some of the detailed options you have when you use Stamped Concrete.  Don't be limited by a catalog of a few different paver bricks.  
 
Reason 4: Almost Zero Maintenance.  
Stamped Concrete will last for decades regardless of if sealed or not.  Sealing concrete is purely cosmetic.  If it’s your desire to keep it shiny, it should be done every 3-5 years at a cost around $1000.00.  Imagine how much you will spend on landscaping maintenance fees over that time. 
 
Reason 5: Stamped Concrete is tough! 
Stamped Concrete is tough. After all, it is concrete.  Concrete is used to hold up the tallest buildings on earth. It is used in virtually every building project. Don't believe the hype that concrete is weak.  Constructed correctly stamped concrete will last for decades.