Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - lots of concrete work

I want to get this work done by professionals and not exactly sure what to look for in the bids.

New driveway, 16'x38' with new curbs 3' out on both sides, plus removal of old concrete driveway. Patio 50'x12', sidewalk 3'x40', shed slab 8'x10'.

Also, my current patio is 10'x10' and is surrounded by 3 house walls. I'd love to enclose that patio and expand the house. Would the concrete need to be removed or can fresh concrete be poured over the existing?

So, my question is this. I'd like to take bids on this but need to know what rebar size & spacing should I look for. What thickness of concrete for each area. What fair pricing might be. How long this job should take. What kind of warranty should I look for. And anything else anyone else can think of.

This work would be done in Houston, Texas. :wall:

Call a reputable local contractor. They know all of that and can give you ideas, choices, and prices.

I wanted to dig out the Yellow Pages as a last resort...

Any useful input would be appreciated.

Your first sentence says it all.."I want to get this work done by professionals...". That's good because a large concrete job is not a DIY project. However, you asked a lot of questions that would be specific to only a contractor in your area. Different parts of the country charge more for the materials, and prep work also depends on where you live. One place might require 4 inches of non-air entrained concrete with wire mesh reinforcing and minimal fill stone, whereas another place might need 8 inches of compacted fill stone, a rebar grid, and 6 inches of air-entrained concrete. Not to mention that contractors in different areas charge differently. Your last option, the Yellow Pages, should be one of your first options. The contractors you call should be willing to give free estimates, and you can feel them out on the process and materials while they are there to measure.

ituffguy1 -

If you had included your location, you could get better answers, but maybe not the specific ones required to do it right.

Without any quality requirements, you are a prime target for a quick bid, do-it-and-run contractor that will always be the cheapest.

If you are adding on to your house, you have to make sure the existing patio slab is adequate, but since it was originally a patio, it probably is not adequate for an addition. - You may be better off tearing out the old an build what is required for your permit plans.

you will never get any specific designs and rebar requirements off the internet. If you have a "pretty" plan you might fool a poor plan checker for the permit and then have to face the inspector that has to sign off on the final construction approval.

Dick

Hey Dick...he did say in the last line Houston, TX.

But ituff...even not being any sort of concrete guy...you just have to get some companies out there and ask for drawings, quotes, and specs. You should also go and talk to the local codes people and ask for requirements. Never had a problem when I went in and said "I'm thinking of doing this...what should I look for and what do I need."

Materials can vary widely from one location to another.

I've also found asking around at neighbors who have had work done or even new construction sites can give you an idea of who shows up on time and knows their business.

Always ask for references and paperwork (permits, insurance, etc)

I had estimates for some block wall....they varied from 3200-1900. Guess what..went with the guy who actually called back and answered my calls. Right in the middle on price. Great job..done on time.

Thanks for the input guys. I'm pretty much staying away from the Craigs List guys, Home Depot / Sidewalk crowd, Non English speakers (not that I care, I just can't communicate).

I've remodeled our house, painting, flooring, some plumbing, hardiplanking, window replacement, etc.. The concrete job is too big a bite for me to chew.