All of the above.
In my experience, residential flatwork is the most problem-prone section of the concrete industry. For numerous reasons. In my opinion, the biggest reason is the fact that there are huge profits to be made, at the sacrifice of quality craftsmanship, with relatively no penalties/consequences to the contractor.
Small claims court to argue a $25k driveway? No contracts/specs/dwgs? Contractor blames ready mix. Homeowner is left to prove the contractor was negligent.
Testing/investigation work on poor concrete work can get to $10k+ pretty quick. . Cores, petrographics, expert witness. . Etc.
Most times, homeowner barely had enough money for the driveway itself, let alone the money to prove the contractor was at fault. That's why he hired the cheap guy.
I have done numerous residential flatwork investigations, never one was the fault of the home owner, or ready-mix. After investigation and testing, the smoking gun(s) always pointed back to the contractor. Not saying it doesn't happen. . But ultimately, the contractor is the one that is in control, and makes the decisions that affect the final product.
Volumes could be written on this topic, and they have.
My advice. Hire an engineer. Get specifications and drawings. Have a contract. Get it tested/inspected. Follow ACI guidelines. (4500psi for Flatwork exposed to deicing chemicals). Do your research on the contractor.
Overkill? Probably. But you need to cover your ***. You can bet the contractor will have his covered. Especially if he's been down this road before.
Under no circumstances should the homeowner ever buy the concrete for the contractor. Huge red flag.
Can't be home for the pour? Get a GoPro or some sort of video to record the activities. Excessive water addition, wire mesh being pulled up, etc.
In one instance, a customer of mine was getting ready for work as the contractor was installing the wire mesh for a driveway that was being replaced for a second time, due to over finishing defects, by the same contractor. On my advice, homeowner starts the video camera on the way out leaving for work. Later in the day, upon review of the video, Not 5 mins after he left, the contractor uninstalled the wire mesh and stacked it back on the truck. Contractor had 3 trucks back to back to back. . .screwed up the timing on the placing/finishing. Concrete was setting faster than he could get it down and screeded. Added excessive water to the 2nd and 3rd loads, and ended up using the homeowners garden hose to spray water on the still plastic concrete surface to get it to close up. All on video.
2 of the ready-mix companies in my area have been known to record video of their "problem" flatwork customers.
VERY difficult to dispute video evidence.
Not every Flatwork contractor is dishonest. There are very good ones out there. . There's a reason they aren't available on a weeks notice, and at the lowest cost. The true craftsmen can really do beautiful work with concrete. Do your research and find the right one!
Unfortunately, to call oneself a concrete contractor, one only needs credit at the bank or ready-mix supplier, and a low bid.
Do your due diligence. Find the good ones.
