People who think concrete contractors Albuquerque only pour new driveways or patios are missing most of what these crews really do. The reality is, the work covers everything from repairs and color upgrades to site grading and sealing.
If you have never worked with a concrete contractor Albuquerque or seen what concrete companies Albuquerque offer, here is what you may not know about the job scope.
New Installations: More Than Just Driveways
Yes, driveways and patios are the common jobs. But good Albuquerque concrete contractors do:
- Sidewalks
- Accessibility ramps
- Retaining walls
- Garage floors and parking pads
Some even do foundations for sheds or tiny homes.
What people often forget is the prep, the digging, base-compacting, and steel reinforcing. Most problems in Albuquerque slabs come from missing this groundwork.
Repairs and Upgrades
Concrete Repair Albuquerque may sound simple, patch a crack or two. But a real repair job sometimes means:
- Saw-cutting, demo, and haul-off of broken sections
- Leveling sunken areas
- Resurfacing with new overlay
- Adding color or slip-resistant finish
upkeep on new concrete matters just as much as patching the old.
Stamped and Stained Surfaces: Expanding Project Options
Not everyone thinks about color or pattern at first. But stamped concrete Albuquerque can be used for:
- Pool decks
- Outdoor kitchens
- Courtyard entries
- Porches
If you want color rather than pattern, concrete staining Albuquerque updates old gray slabs. I have seen patios totally renewed with just a careful acid stain.
Concrete can look a dozen different ways with the right crew. Boring, gray slabs are more a matter of habit than necessity.
Sealing, Maintenance, and Care
A forgotten part of the job. Good concrete contractors Albuquerque NM know to recommend sealing every couple of years, especially for stamped or stained jobs. This means less fading, fewer stains, and longer life.
Sealers vary. Some are glossy; others give a matte look. The goal is always the same: keep water, oil, and sun from damaging the slab.
Site Work and Drainage
Before pouring any slab, grading the site matters. Water must not flow toward your house, or puddle under new concrete. Bad drainage ruins slabs, and some repairs are preventable if the crew handles this up front.
Fixing drainage after pouring costs much more than doing it right at the start.
Retaining Walls and Steps
Some concrete companies Albuquerque also install retaining walls to manage slopes or steps for raised entryways. These projects demand knowledge of soil movement. Not every contractor is comfortable with walls, so always ask to see similar jobs before signing a contract.
Commercial Projects: More Heavy Duty, Less Curb Appeal
While most homeowners do not need parking lots or loading docks, some local concrete contractors Albuquerque NM focus on commercial work. That means:
- Thicker slabs
- Heavier reinforcement
- Accessibility upgrades (ADA ramps, sidewalk beds, etc.)
If your job is at home, find a crew that actually does residential work, not just commercial.
Who Are the Main Players?
Most local jobs end up with names like Concrete Contractors Albuquerque LLC or CCA Contractors LLC. The advantage is local knowledge and faster follow-up if you have any trouble.
Choosing a Crew: The Details Matter
Go beyond price. Ask about:
- How many projects like yours have they completed?
- What type of rebar or wire mesh do they use?
- Who seals the finished project?
- How long have their foremen worked with them?
It is sometimes awkward to ask. Still, repairs or rushed jobs waste more time and money than you expect.
Service Checklist for Concrete Jobs
Here is a quick checklist to see if a contractor covers the basics:
| Service | Included |
|---|---|
| Site Prep and Grading | Usually |
| Forming and Reinforcing | Yes |
| Pouring and Finishing | Always |
| Sealing | Should be |
| Cleanup | Ask about it |
Common Extras: Polishing, Troweling, and Custom Joints
Some homeowners ask for polished finishes (mainly for interiors) or special joints that control cracking. Check if that is included. Sometimes special tools or extra labor adds a little to bids from Albuquerque concrete contractors, but the finished result is worth it.
What If You Change Your Mind About the Finish?
Not everything is decided up front. Some people plan for plain and decide on staining later. Good crews allow for changes before mixing starts, but last minute requests are harder to fit in.
Never assume anything is included. Ask for details on finish, cleanup, and maintenance in writing.
Finishing Thoughts
Concrete contractors Albuquerque NM offer more than most people expect. Site prep, repairs, color, design, and even commercial work means there are teams that fit any job. Find ones who are used to your kind of project, and who will show you their real results. If you expect the job to last, look beyond the quote and get real about upkeep. Concrete is not as boring as people think, but every job takes real planning.