We are at the concrete deck phase and right now I am deciding between these two bids. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Bid 1
My father in law used him and his work was good.
1600-1700 square feet of concrete
All grade work, forms, rebar, and stamped. He will build a fire pit using sono tubes as well. The thickness will be that of a 2x4 so under 4 inches. He said he will stamp with the rubber slate stamps and add some powder to the stamps as he lays them to give color. This concrete would not have color in it. I have not heard of this technique before. He guarantees his work as long as he is in business.
23 yards of grey concrete stamped and sort of stained.
PRICE $5400
Bid 2
Found contractor on Craigslist and checked out some of his portfolio really like the work. 1600-1700 square feet of concrete He would do all the compaction, grading, forms and stamp. His concrete would have color in it and he would match the colors of my existing rocks with acrylic stain. He would pour 5 inches thick with fiber and rebar. Also he would do a fire pit. In addition he said we would add 24 LED lights to the concrete.
30 yards of color concrete, stamped and stained.
PRICE $8500
Right now since we are already over budget I am leaning to bid 1 but then adding some LED lights in different places. But is this wise? Will concrete under 4 inches crack terribly, or worse then concrete 5 inches? Is it worth it to maybe ask for bid one to add color to the concrete? That would add about $700.
Bid 1
My father in law used him and his work was good.
1600-1700 square feet of concrete
All grade work, forms, rebar, and stamped. He will build a fire pit using sono tubes as well. The thickness will be that of a 2x4 so under 4 inches. He said he will stamp with the rubber slate stamps and add some powder to the stamps as he lays them to give color. This concrete would not have color in it. I have not heard of this technique before. He guarantees his work as long as he is in business.
23 yards of grey concrete stamped and sort of stained.
PRICE $5400
Bid 2
Found contractor on Craigslist and checked out some of his portfolio really like the work. 1600-1700 square feet of concrete He would do all the compaction, grading, forms and stamp. His concrete would have color in it and he would match the colors of my existing rocks with acrylic stain. He would pour 5 inches thick with fiber and rebar. Also he would do a fire pit. In addition he said we would add 24 LED lights to the concrete.
30 yards of color concrete, stamped and stained.
PRICE $8500
Right now since we are already over budget I am leaning to bid 1 but then adding some LED lights in different places. But is this wise? Will concrete under 4 inches crack terribly, or worse then concrete 5 inches? Is it worth it to maybe ask for bid one to add color to the concrete? That would add about $700.
