FAQ
Concrete Questions, Answered
Straight answers on costs, permits, soil, curing and hiring for concrete contractors in Sacramento and the surrounding cities.
Cost
Q01What does a concrete driveway cost per square foot?
Typical national installed ranges run about $6 to $12 per sq ft for a plain broom-finish driveway. Stamped concrete runs about $12 to $25 per sq ft. Sacramento pricing comes from local quotes. See concrete cost in Sacramento.
Q02What does it cost to pour a concrete slab?
National guides put a basic slab at about $4 to $12 per sq ft installed, depending on thickness, reinforcement, base prep and access. See concrete slab cost.
Q03What does it cost to remove old concrete?
Removal typically runs about $2 to $6 per sq ft nationally, with rebar-reinforced concrete at the high end. It is quoted on top of the new pour.
Q04How much can a contractor ask up front?
California caps a home improvement down payment at $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less.
Permits
Q01Do I need a permit for a concrete driveway or patio?
The California building code exempts sidewalks and driveways no more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route. Roseville and Citrus Heights publish that exemption. Confirm with your own city or county before work starts.
Q02What about the part of the driveway at the street?
Work in the public right-of-way, such as the driveway approach, curb cut or public sidewalk, needs a separate permit. In the City of Sacramento a new or modified driveway that needs a curb cut needs a Driveway Permit; in unincorporated Sacramento County, SacDOT issues an encroachment permit.
Q03When does a retaining wall need a permit?
Under the California building code, walls over 4 feet from the bottom of the footing to the top, or any wall supporting a surcharge, need a permit. Unincorporated Sacramento County may be stricter, so check before you build. See retaining walls.
Building It Right
Q01How thick should a driveway be?
Four inches is the usual minimum for a residential driveway carrying passenger vehicles. Heavier loads call for more; your contractor sets the spec for the site.
Q02How far apart should control joints be?
A common rule is 24 to 36 times the slab thickness in inches, so 8 to 12 feet on a 4-inch slab, cut at least a quarter of the slab depth.
Q03Does Sacramento's soil matter?
Yes. Sacramento County soils commonly have clay layers and a cemented hardpan a few feet down, and some soil series have high shrink-swell potential. Subgrade prep matters more than the finish.
Q04How do contractors cure concrete in summer heat?
Sacramento's normal July high is about 93 to 94°F, with 20-plus days a year at 100°F or more. Keeping new concrete moist for about seven days and shielding it from sun and wind helps it reach strength.
Hiring a Contractor
Q01Who actually does the work?
An independent, licensed concrete contractor. Sacramento Crest Concrete is a referral service: we pass your request to the contractor, who contracts with you directly and is responsible for the work, permits, pricing and warranty.
Q02What license should a concrete contractor have?
The CSLB C-8 Concrete classification covers forming, pouring and finishing flatwork and other concrete. C-12 (Earthwork and Paving), C-29 (Masonry, for block walls) and A or B general contractors also take some concrete jobs. Verify any license at cslb.ca.gov.
Q03Can I cancel after signing?
California gives you 3 business days to cancel a home improvement contract, or 5 if you are 65 or older, with limited exceptions.
Request · no cost
Get connected with a licensed local concrete contractor
Tell us your city, the job (driveway, patio, slab, repair) and a rough size. We pass it to an independent, CSLB-licensed concrete contractor who serves your area. They contact you to look at the site and give you a written quote; you contract with them directly.
- 01Your request goes to a contractor who serves your city.
- 02They call or email to see the site and quote in writing.
- 03You decide. Contract and pay the contractor directly.