Concrete Flatwork Contractors

If you have hired a concrete flatwork contractor to perform the work for your driveway and sidewalk, it is going to be important to implement this checklist to ensure that your concrete flatwork contractor performs the job according to your standards, and leaves you with quality concrete flatwork.

Concrete Flatwork Contractor Checklist

Concrete flatwork forms (square, correct location, kicker integrity acceptable)
Proper concrete mix is specified when ordering flatwork concrete. No calcium additives should be used in flatwork concrete.
Concrete patios to be smooth trowel finish with expansion joints at adjoining concrete and control joints every 10′ on patios that are over 10′ x 10′ (100 square feet). Concrete flatwork control joints should be 25% of the depth of the patio. A 1″ control joint minimum for toweled joints.
Other concrete flatwork, concrete walks, and concrete drives should have a light broom finish with expansion joints at adjoining concrete and control joints installed every 10′ on driveways over 10′ x 10′ in size. Control joints should be every 4′ on concrete sidewalks. Control joints should be 25% of the depth of the concrete (1″ minimum)
Asymmetrically shamed concrete flatwork such as driveways and patios might require additional control joints.
Redwood/black joint where concrete flatwork and patios are poured against existing concrete including garage offsets and wing walls.
Wire mesh, re-bar, dowels and expansive joints should be installed per city requirements on all concrete flatwork.
Concrete flatwork should be “edged” where it meets the form or expansion joints.
The expansion joints should be level with the concrete flatwork.
Cable ends not poured into concrete flatwork. Make sure they are stressed and cut if they terminate in the garage flatwork area.
Confirm that concrete patios are sloped for proper drainage. No less than 1/4″ slope per foot.
Concrete flatwork forms removed from lot after completion.
Concrete over-spills put in designated area.
Any concrete spillage on house slab is cleaned off.
Confirm concrete flatwork is poured to drain properly.
Confirm that your concrete flatwork contractor does not use a pump on the flatwork. They are expensive, and it is unnecessary.