Concrete Trade – CSI Code 03 0500: Included Concrete Materials
The concrete finishing and decorative concrete industry is rapidly growing, making it one of the most dynamic sectors in the building trades. Let’s explore the concrete trade, the process of estimating concrete projects, and how Rocket Takeoff can support you in this journey. Concrete finishing companies typically offer a wide range of services, including slabs, footings, foundations, roads, curbs, concrete designs, formwork, reinforcing, shotcrete, and more. These companies are supported by skilled placing and finishing crews, along with laborers and cement masons.
Whether you’re aiming to start your own concrete finishing business or looking to expand your sales, this guide provides the essential details to help you succeed.
Concrete Finishing Trade
Starting and growing a concrete finishing business isn’t overly complicated, but it does require effort, especially given the level of competition. In addition to delivering excellent services, you need to actively promote your business through both print and online advertising.
Your work involves preparing and cleaning areas for concrete pouring, leveling, smoothing, and finishing surfaces for roads, curbs, floors, and sidewalks. Other areas of focus include countertops, walls, pool surrounds, and fireplace mantels. Additionally, related tasks may include creating expansion joints with a power saw and aligning formwork to achieve the desired shape and depth. Specialized concrete jobs can range from concrete countertops and stamped concrete floors to epoxy garage coatings, concrete resurfacing, concrete floor staining, and design work.
However, before you pick up that trowel, it’s important to develop a solid business strategy. Identify your target market, as different demographics may require different types of masonry and finishing services. Choose a specific market to focus on, and ensure you comply with all legal requirements, including licensing and insurance policies, in accordance with federal and state regulations.
Common Concrete Materials & Tools
The tools you need for a concrete finishing job will vary depending on the project’s scale. Common tools include a hammer, chisel, small broom, screed, rubber gloves, rubber boots, wheelbarrows, a portable mixer, bucket, laser level, level barrier, groove cutter, saws, plate compactor, vibrators, water pump, power hammers and drills, old boards, float, and formwork. You can start with basic tools, and as your business grows, you can invest in more versatile and advanced tools, such as a power shovel and power float.
It’s important to have the right tools on hand, as even a successful pour can quickly turn into a disaster without them. Investing in a complete set of tools can help you avoid rental fees and save time by eliminating the need to pick up and return equipment.
General Estimation Process
In concrete finishing projects, profit margins can be tight. Therefore, accurate estimates are crucial, as even a small error can significantly impact your bottom line. To succeed in this field, it’s essential to prepare precise material estimates.
For small to medium-sized jobs, you might not have drawings or blueprints to work from. In these cases, you’ll need to carefully assess the job site and determine the required materials on your own. Create a detailed list of necessary materials and take accurate measurements before finalizing quantities.
For larger commercial projects, you’ll need to thoroughly review the plans to understand the concrete work specifications. Estimating the area where concrete needs to be placed is critical. For square or rectangular areas, simply multiply the length by the width. For triangular areas, use the formula ½ x base x altitude. For irregularly shaped areas, you can divide them into smaller sections or use estimating software to assist.
How Can Planswift Software Help?
Estimating for concrete finishing jobs is a time-consuming process, but it’s crucial for the success of your business. For complex or commercial jobs, manual calculations and measurements may not be sufficient. This is where software like Planswift comes in handy. With Planswift, you can quickly and accurately calculate the required area, ensuring precision with just a few clicks.
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Concrete finishing is an exciting, fast-paced, and constantly evolving industry that offers great opportunities for those who are driven and passionate about their work. If you’re motivated and ready to get hands-on, the concrete finishing business has a lot to offer. However, if you’re concerned about the time and effort required for accurate estimation and takeoffs, we can assist you. Contact us today to discuss your project and how we can help meet your estimation needs.