What Services Do Concrete Companies Offer?
Concrete Pouring
Most concrete companies offer pouring services for adding a new patio, driveway, and more. First, the company selects a durable concrete mix ideal for Chicago's humidity and temperature. Then, contractors will pour the concrete so that it cures evenly, and use techniques such as vibration to ensure strength and uniformity.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaners use several methods to revitalize your concrete, such as scrubbing, cleaning solutions, and pressure washing. Cleaning helps your concrete look better and last longer.
Concrete Sealing
A concrete sealant forms a protective layer on concrete that blocks water and sunlight from penetrating the concrete. Sealing improves your concrete's appearance and lifespan, saving you money on replacement costs. An expert will apply the sealant evenly and make sure it attaches properly.
Concrete Reinforcement
Contractors often install grids of steel bars or mesh before pouring concrete. This reduces cracking and damage, and helps your concrete handle heavy loads better.
Concrete Repair
Factors such as weather and normal wear gradually compromise concrete. This can lead to damage ranging from minor fractures to large pieces breaking loose. A concrete professional can inspect and restore eroding, spalling, or cracking on structures such as concrete driveways and patios. Techniques like epoxy injections, resurfacing, rebar replacement, and patching can restore functionality, strength, and appearance to distressed areas. This saves you from having to redo the whole structure.
Cost of Concrete Services in Chicago
Concrete pricing in the Chicago area varies based on your project's size, complexity, location on your property. The national average cost of concrete is about $125* per cubic yard, with homeowners paying about $4–$7 per square foot.
| Project | $ Range |
|---|---|
| Patio | $1,705 - $5,327 |
| Driveway | $4,261 - $7,990 |
| Foundation Repair | $2,663 - $7,990 |
| Retaining Wall | $14 - $18 per sq face ft |
| General Repair | $444 - $2,219 |
*Costs sourced from multiple 2022 reports, including those from Concrete Network and LawnStarter.
How To Choose a Concrete Professional
Review Portfolios
An experienced concrete contractor should be able to provide multiple examples of their past work. Look for examples resembling the concrete project you'd like the contractor to do.
Check Licensing and Insurance
Concrete licenses are regulated locally in Illinois, so check your municipality's regulations. Always confirm that your provider is properly bonded and insured, in case any injuries or property damage happen.
Look for Trade Group Memberships
Ask if your contractor is a member of any trade organizations, such as the American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA) or the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC). Membership in these groups can indicate a high standard of work and commitment to ongoing improvement.
Read Customer Reviews
Research concrete companies on websites such as Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and read negative and positive reviews. Reviews indicate work quality and customer satisfaction. You can also get recommendations from friends and family.
Compare Multiple Quotes
Request an itemized estimate from a minimum of three contractors. This helps you get a sense of the average price in Chicago for your project type. Be wary of contractors who provide extremely high or low rates.
Ask About Warranties
A reputable company backs its work quality with a warranty. Ask what warranties the provider offers, and make sure it details whether materials and labor are covered, coverage length, and any limitations.
