What Shapes a Concrete Estimate in Wichita

Please read first: this page describes factors that commonly change the scope of concrete work. It is general information, not quotes and not promises, and it lists no prices from WichitaConcreteCompany.com or anyone else. Every estimate depends on the property.

Factors that apply to almost every job

NRMCA's guidance behind several of these rows: compacted, uniform subgrade (NRMCA, CIP 4: Cracking Concrete Surfaces); air-entrained concrete of 4,000 psi for exterior slabs exposed to freezing and de-icers (NRMCA, CIP 2: Scaling Concrete Surfaces); joints no farther apart than 24 to 36 times slab thickness (NRMCA, CIP 6: Joints in Concrete Slabs on Grade); and curing for 3 to 7 days (NRMCA, CIP 11: Curing In-Place Concrete).

Driveways

Driveway scope rises with area, thickness, the amount of old concrete to remove and whether the approach at the street is included. Widening adds saw cuts and tying new to old. Base work on clay soil and the mix specified are the two items most worth comparing. In Wichita the approach follows City specifications (City of Wichita ordinance amending Code sections 10.12.010 and 10.12.020 (sidewalks, curbs and drive approaches)). See concrete driveways.

Sidewalks, walkways and approaches

Walk scopes are counted in panels or length, plus steps, curves and grade changes. Public sidewalks and approaches in Wichita go through City permitting with a contractor holding a current City concrete license (City of Wichita, Traffic, Street and Construction Permitting), and K.S.A. 12-1808 places the repair duty on the abutting owner (K.S.A. 12-1808, sidewalk repairs by owner or city). See sidewalks, walkways and drive approaches.

Patios

Patio scopes depend on size and shape, the finish, how far concrete must travel from the truck, drainage corrections near the house and features such as fire pit pads or seat walls. K-State's slope guidance for ground near foundations (K-State Research and Extension, MF2809 Dry Basements and Crawl Spaces) often shapes how a patio is pitched. See concrete patios.

Stamped and decorative finishes

Pattern, color method, borders and sealing all add steps beyond a broom finish. Consistent finishing and curing matter for color; NRMCA notes discoloration can come from finishing, curing and material changes (NRMCA, CIP 23: Discoloration). See stamped and decorative concrete.

Steps and retaining walls

Step scopes depend on the number of risers, landings, railings and demolition of old steps. Walls depend on height, length, drainage behind the wall and footings; the Wichita-Sedgwick County code exempts walls up to 4 feet from bottom of footing to top unless they hold back a surcharge, and lists a 24-inch frost depth for footings (Wichita-Sedgwick County Unified Building and Trade Code (MABCD)). See concrete steps and retaining walls.

Crack repair and resurfacing

Repair scope depends on how much area is affected, whether the slab underneath is sound, and the repair method. NRMCA notes resurfacing material will not match the original color (NRMCA, CIP 2: Scaling Concrete Surfaces). When damage is widespread, replacement may make more sense. See repair and resurfacing.

Slab lifting and leveling

Lifting scope depends on the number and size of panels, how far they have dropped, the method used, and whether voids extend under adjoining slabs. Panels that are badly broken may not be candidates. See slab lifting and leveling.

Sealing

Sealing scope depends on area, cleaning needed, product type and joint or crack sealing added on. NRMCA recommends breathable silane or siloxane sealers for exterior slabs, ideally in late summer (NRMCA, CIP 2: Scaling Concrete Surfaces). See concrete sealing.

Garage floors, shop and foundation slabs

Slab scope rises with area, thickness, reinforcement, vapor retarder, thickened edges and the loads the floor must carry. NRMCA's slab-moisture guidance explains why a vapor retarder matters under heated or coated floors (NRMCA, CIP 28: Concrete Slab Moisture). Foundation slabs for buildings follow permits and plans. See garage floors and shop slabs.

Tear-out and replacement

Removal scope depends on area, thickness, reinforcement in the old slab, access for equipment and trucks, and disposal. Excavation needs locates first: K.S.A. 66-1804 requires notice at least two full working days and not more than 20 calendar days ahead (K.S.A. 66-1804, notice of intent of excavation). See concrete tear-out and replacement.

Reading written estimates side by side

• Same area, same thickness, same finish? If not, they describe different jobs.
• Is the base described, or just "prep"?
• Is the mix strength and air content listed?
• Where will joints go?
• Who handles permits, locates, haul-off and cleanup?

The Kansas Attorney General's consumer pages suggest at least three written estimates based on the same work (Kansas Attorney General, consumer protection: your home and car). The contract guide covers what else to look for.

Every service

• Concrete Driveways
• Sidewalks, Walkways & Drive Approaches
• Concrete Patios
• Stamped & Decorative Concrete
• Concrete Steps & Retaining Walls
• Concrete Repair & Resurfacing
• Sunken Slab Lifting & Leveling
• Concrete Sealing
• Garage Floors, Shop & Foundation Slabs
• Concrete Tear-Out & Replacement

Every town

• Wichita
• College Hill
• Riverside
• Delano
• Park City
• Valley Center
• Bel Aire
• Kechi
• Maize
• Colwich
• Goddard
• Cheney
• Clearwater
• Haysville
• Derby
• Mulvane
• Andover
• Rose Hill

Every guide

• Freeze-Thaw Cycles and Wichita Concrete
• Expansive Clay Soil and the Slabs That Sit on It
• City of Wichita Sidewalk and Drive Approach Rules
• Ice Melt, Salt and Concrete Scaling
• When to Pour Concrete in Kansas Weather
• A Year-Round Sealing Schedule for Kansas Concrete
• Cracks, Joints and Heaving in Wichita Concrete
• Call 811 Before Tearing Out or Digging for Concrete
• Reading a Concrete Estimate or Contract in Kansas
• Drainage Around Driveways and Patios