CSLB Licensed & Insured | Firm Tech Concrete |

Jenny and Ruben contacted us after having a bad experience with someone they hired to work on their yard.

Their original project included a retaining wall and artificial turf. At first, everything may have looked acceptable from the surface. But after problems started showing up and we had a chance to inspect the work, we found several issues with how the project had been built.

The retaining wall had problems with the footing and construction of the wall itself. Areas that should have been properly reinforced and filled had not been completed correctly, and cracking had already started to appear.

The artificial turf had similar problems.

Proper preparation underneath artificial turf is extremely important. In this case, the base preparation was inadequate, decomposed granite had not been properly installed, weed fabric was missing, and the turf material itself was poor quality.

These aren't always things a homeowner knows to look for when a project is being installed. Many of the important parts of construction eventually get covered up.

Unfortunately, the person who performed the original work was no longer there to correct it.

Jenny and Ruben were left trying to figure out what went wrong and what it would take to make it right.

We Were Called to Fix It

When we came in, our job wasn't simply to make the project look better.

We had to identify what had been done incorrectly, repair the problem areas, and rebuild portions of the project using the proper installation process.

That's one of the unfortunate things we've seen in construction. When a project isn't done correctly the first time, fixing it can sometimes mean removing work that was just installed and paying for materials and labor all over again.

Jenny and Ruben's project wasn't the first time we've seen something like this.

We've received calls from homeowners dealing with abandoned projects, poor drainage, cracking concrete, retaining wall problems, improperly prepared artificial turf, skipped reinforcement, and projects where the finished work simply wasn't what the homeowner was promised.

Sometimes the homeowner chose the lowest estimate. Other times they simply didn't know what questions they should have asked before hiring someone.

That's why we encourage homeowners to do a little homework before making their decision.

Why Hiring a Licensed Contractor Matters

In California, contractor licensing isn't simply a title that gets added to a business card.

The Contractors State License Board regulates contractor licensing in California and gives consumers a way to verify a contractor's license information before hiring them.

A license doesn't mean that every contractor will do everything perfectly, which is why you should still look at their work, ask questions, understand the scope, and make sure you're comfortable with the company you're hiring.

But verifying that you're dealing with a properly licensed contractor is an important place to start.

You should also ask about insurance, workers' compensation when applicable, the materials being used, and exactly what is included in your contract.

Ask Questions Before the Work Starts

You don't need to understand construction to ask good questions.

Before hiring someone, ask for their contractor license number and verify it. Ask what insurance they carry. Get the scope of work in writing and make sure you understand what is included in the price.

For concrete work, ask about the concrete strength, slab thickness, reinforcement, base preparation, control joints, drainage, and finish.

For artificial turf, ask what's going underneath it. Find out how the existing soil will be prepared, what base material will be installed, how drainage will be handled, what turf product will be used, and what's included around the edges.

For retaining walls, ask how the foundation and wall will be constructed and whether permits or engineering may be required for your particular project.

And don't be afraid to ask for pictures of completed work.

A good contractor should be willing to explain what they're building and why they're doing it that way.

The Cheapest Estimate Can Become an Expensive Project

We understand why price matters. Every homeowner has a budget, and getting multiple estimates is a smart thing to do.

But estimates aren't always comparing the same thing.

One contractor may include proper demolition, base preparation, reinforcement, drainage, quality materials, cleanup, and disposal while another estimate may leave some of those items out.

The price on the bottom of the estimate only tells part of the story.

Before choosing a contractor, look at what you're actually getting for that price.

Sometimes spending a little more to have the project properly prepared and installed can save considerably more than having to remove and rebuild it later.

Do It Right the First Time

At Firm Tech Concrete, we believe homeowners deserve to understand what's being done to their property.

That's why we try to be clear about our scope of work, materials, preparation, and construction process before we begin.

Whether you're planning a concrete driveway, patio, retaining wall, artificial turf installation, landscaping project, or complete backyard renovation, take the time to research the contractor you're considering.

Ask questions. Verify their license. Look at their work. Read the contract.

And most importantly, make sure you understand what you're paying for before construction begins.

Protect Your Home. Know Who You're Hiring.

Hiring a contractor is a big decision. You're trusting someone with your home, your money, and sometimes a project that can cost thousands of dollars.

Over the years, we've learned that the lowest price isn't always the least expensive option in the end.

At Firm Tech Concrete, we've been called to properties where homeowners thought they were getting a good deal, only to find out later that important steps were skipped, incorrect materials were used, or the project was never completed.

One project in particular is a good example of why homeowners should take the time to know who they're hiring.

Jenny and Ruben's Story