Concrete Contractor in Palm Beach Gardens, FL - Slabs Built on a Packed Base

Maybe, and the city's Building Department is where to confirm it before any work starts. The city issues permits for most construction, remodeling and repair work, but its own list names roofs, structural changes and additions rather than driveways or patios, so call its Building Services Division at 561-799-4210 to check your job. The city also says starting work before a required permit is issued can bring a stop-work order. When your job needs a permit, we file it and handle the inspections, and I'll tell you at the estimate if we need a survey or your parcel number.

Ask whether they're licensed and insured and how they're set up with the city and county, because the city says most projects must be done by a licensed contractor. The city's Business Tax Receipt covers anyone doing business in Palm Beach Gardens, contractors included, and it runs through September 30 each year. Palm Beach County also has its own business tax receipt for anyone selling services in the county. We're fully licensed and insured, and I'm glad to go over it at the estimate.

They did for some residents, according to the city, which says the new FEMA maps took effect in December 2024 and could put some homes in higher-risk flood zones. You can look up where your house sits now on the city's FEMA flood maps page. If you're planning a slab foundation or footings for a new structure, bring your zone to the estimate, because it's one of the first things I'll want to sort out with the city.

The price comes down to the size of the slab, what has to come out first and how much base work your ground needs, and I put your figure in writing after I see the job. Tearing out an old driveway, hauling it off and digging out soft sand all add cost, and a stamped or decorative finish costs more than a plain broom finish. A tight spot where the truck can't reach the forms, or a permit if your job needs one, can add to it too.

Most of it starts under the slab, with a base that was raked level instead of dug out and packed, or water running underneath until the sand washes away. Cracks also show up wherever they like when control joints, the shallow cuts that give a slab a planned place to crack, go in late or get skipped. We pack the base, check where the water runs and cut joints on time, so a crack usually ends up in a joint we chose instead of across the middle.

You can usually walk on it well before you can drive on it, because concrete keeps getting stronger for weeks while it cures, the slow hardening that needs moisture to finish right. In heat like ours the top wants to dry out too fast, so we keep fresh concrete damp while it cures. I'll tell you at the estimate how long to keep the cars off and where to park in the meantime.