Improving the outward appearance of a home can be done in many ways. The most popular renovations are updating the paint job, adding fresh siding and ...
Improving the outward appearance of a home can be done in many ways. The most popular renovations are updating the paint job,
adding fresh siding and having landscaping done, all of which are very effective. While any of those options will not only make the home more beautiful but also increase its value, installing
patterned concrete driveways can bring an air of class to the place as well.
This is a method where instead of pouring just a smooth concrete surface, it is imprinted to simulate a specific texture or design that may not only have more appeal, but also be more harmonious with the surrounding area. Brick, slate, flagstone, rock, wood and tile are just a few of the materials that can be mimicked. Colors may be added to the project either during mixing or after pouring.
Versatility means that this procedure can be used in more than just the driveway. It is a long lasting and more cost conscious way of perking up patios, courtyards, pool areas and even the walkway to the entry. One can achieve the look and feel of more expensive materials while skipping the complicated installations and high charges.
It is rare that any local government or building authority would require one to file for permits and design approvals on this type of project. The exceptions would likely lie in the cases where a Homeowner Association is involved. To avoid any undesired conflicts and penalties, check with all applicable agencies and guidelines to be assured that all plans are within compliance.
There are quite a few things that are going to affect how much the final cost will be. The most prominent is likely to be the size of the project, but timing, thickness and other technical issues will also play their part in the equation. Shape, strength and difficulty are a few other considerations when the bottom line is being calculated because they will affect the amount of material and time needed.
It is not legally demanded that a professional be hired to complete this sort of job, but it is strongly suggested because of the level of difficulty. A standard project usually takes no more than two days but if not done correctly, it could yield costly results. With all the technical calculations involved, any but the most skilled layman will have a difficult time obtaining the same quality of a certified contractor.
Hiring a contractor is usually the best way to go to avoid most problems, but one should also take the precaution of having a solid contract drawn up to clearly spell out all the technical specifics and expected design elements. All preferred materials should be listed as well as desired thickness and strength. A client who does a bit of research before hand will feel more confident when discussing the particulars.
The contract should state that final payment for patterned concrete driveways will only be made if the project meets with customer satisfaction. This is why the details need to be spelled out in the agreement so that everyone knows what is expected. Making the contractor responsible for often overlooked issues like inconsistent color, thickness and pattern mistakes will lessen the chances of receiving poor craftsmanship.
