Sidewalk Contractor Los Angeles

Just about any general contractor will pour concrete for any project you have. But, how do you know you’re getting the most quality for the money? How do you know your new concrete patio isn’t going to be cracking and heaving within six months? Will that general contractor be able to pour your new sidewalk? 

Pouring concrete may look easy to do from the outside, but it’s actually a very highly-skilled construction process requiring years of training to fully understand the intricacies involved. If you want a concrete construction project done right the first time, you want to hire a licensed concrete contractor. 

How to identify a licensed concrete sidewalk contractor in Los Angeles

It’s remarkably easy to identify a licensed concrete contractor – just ask to see their license. 

Are you one of the lucky Angelinos with a Safe Sidewalks LA rebate? Then you know that a general contractor is not allowed to complete the work. Only a licensed concrete contractor with an A, or C-8 can complete the work in order for you to receive the rebate check. 

What is this Safe Sidewalks LA rebate, you ask? Well, the city of Los Angeles knows that its 11,000 miles of sidewalks are crumbling faster than a day-old donut. As part of a settlement, the city is offering up to $12,000 for private property owners to fix their sidewalks.

How does this all work? First, as a property owner, you sign up with the city at MyLA311 or at Safe Sidewalks LA. You’ll be asked to prove ownership of your property and some other questions regarding the state of your sidewalk. Then, the city will conduct a site inspection before offering the rebate.

Once you get the rebate offer, you MUST hire a licensed concrete contractor to do the work. General contractors CANNOT complete this work. The licensed concrete contractor you hire (yes, you hire the contractor. The city isn’t going to hire one for you) will work with the city inspector to ensure that all the work is up to code. The contractor also will likely pull the necessary permits for you. 

Yes, you do need to pay the licensed concrete contractor upfront before your rebate comes in. Some concrete contractors are willing to work with you to complete the job and then get paid once your rebate check comes in. 

Once your sidewalk has been repaired and the final inspection completed, the city will send you your rebate. 

This rebate not only covers repairs to your sidewalk, but any public pedestrian right-of-way that is not ADA-compliant. So, that crumbling driveway entrance that pedestrians have to traverse? This rebate will cover it. That tree that’s wreaking havoc on your sidewalk? This rebate will help pay to get it removed. 

Why should I hire a licensed concrete contractor in Los Angeles?

Let’s say you needed new glasses. Would you go to your primary care physician to get a new prescription? Of course not. You’d go to an optometrist – you’d go to the doctor that specializes in your eyes.

It’s the same with construction. Sure, you can go to a general contractor, but who will have the specialized knowledge to ensure that your concrete lasts longer than a year or two? Licensed concrete contractors have studied the theories and methodologies of working with concrete. 

A general contractor won’t be able to answer concrete specific questions. Let's perform a test. Ask your general contractor to answer the following questions related to everyday concrete projects (patios, driveways, sidewalks, slabs, steps, walkways)

Concrete Contractor VS General Contractor . 

1. What PSI (pounds per square inch) should I use on my concrete project? 

2. Why do you always water  the soil one day before pouring the concrete?  

3. What are concrete expansion joints? Why are there grooves on my fresh concrete? 

4. Why did my concrete crack? Was it because of erosion, roots, rust, no joints, why? 

5. What is roadbase and why is it important to add 3”-4” of roadbase to all concrete projects?  

6. Should I use rebar, wiremesh, or micro synthetic fibers on my concrete? 

7. What are the pros and cons of using iron rebar, vs New Pink Fiberglass Rebar? 

8. Why should I water my freshly poured concrete for the next five days–one day after it has been poured? Why water my concrete before 9 am and after 9 pm? 

9. What chemicals are used to slow the concrete hardening time during a hot day? 

10. What chemicals are used to accelerate the concrete hardening time during raining weather?   

As you can see. Only a licensed concrete contract is able to answer those questions. Only a licensed concrete contractor will know how to handle concrete in any type of weather and soil. If you hire a general contractor, chances are pretty good that they don’t know how the varieties of weather or soil affect the curing of concrete. This means you’re not getting the best for your money. Statistics show that 80% of homeowners hire general contractors to perform their concrete work. This means they are not getting the best for their money. Don’t become that person. Get the best for your hard earned cash. 

Why can’t I DIY my concrete project in Los Angeles?

Ah, YouTube. It makes just about any construction project look like it will only take one day and cost $500. 

The reality of concrete is that it is much fussier than the Internet makes it out to be. For one thing, there is specialized equipment. Are you willing to shell out $1,000 for a “weekend” project? Then, the mix of concrete. Do you know what kind of mix you need for your walkway? What about the patio next to your pool? Do you know how to prepare concrete for a new driveway? I’m guessing the answers to those questions are a no. 

Not only is concrete fussy, but it is final. Very, very final. Once you pour it, there is no going back. You have to check and double check and triple check that all the roadbase (wait, what is that? Oh yeah, a licensed concrete contractor will know) before you pour. And heaven forbid you make a mistake in pouring. Concrete is not forgiving. Once you pour it, the only way to get it out is with a jackhammer.

So, do yourself and your concrete project a favor. Call a licensed concrete contractor. Better yet, call us. We specialized in all concrete projects – from sidewalks to patios to driveways and more. Call us today for more information.