Buying a Home? Check the Concrete

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Buying a new home can be exciting and stressful. We’ve gathered concrete-related resources that you’ll find helpful while shopping for a house or after purchasing a property.

PROBLEMS TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A HOUSE

When viewing potential homes you’ll need to have a keen eye. Some red flags might be deal breakers, depending on how much hassle and expense you are willing to take on when buying a home. When you find a house you love, make sure to have it inspected by a professional who will give it a thorough once-over.

When it comes to concrete, here’s what to watch out for:

• Foundation Problems
  This can be one of the scariest issues when buying a house. The condition of the foundation can make or break the structural integrity of the entire home. Check out this information about spotting foundation issues when buying a home.
• Patio Drainage Issues
  Bad drainage can lead to standing water, flooding inside the home or basement or water damage on the home’s exterior. Here is information about driveway drainage problems as well.
• A Damp Basement
  Moisture in your basement can cause odors, ruin flooring, cause structural damage or lead to toxic mold growth. If a home you are considering purchasing has moisture issues in the basement, you’ll need to consider waterproofing methods to remedy the problem.
• Sunken Concrete
  If the ground beneath a concrete driveway or other surface settles, the concrete can crack and become uneven. This can be unsightly and a safety issue. Slabjacking is a technique that can be used to lift sunken concrete.
• Mold on Concrete
  Mold indoors can be a major issue when buying a home because of the health risks. If you suspect indoor mold a remediation specialist will need to come out with special equipment. However, outdoors mold is not as concerning and can be cleaned with bleach.

Need professional help? Find a concrete contractor near me.

MAINTAINING THE CONCRETE AT YOUR NEW HOME

Bought a house with stamped concrete or concrete floors? Does the concrete at your new home need a deep cleaning?

Here’s cleaning and maintenance information that will keep it looking good for years:

• Cleaning Concrete Floors
• Cleaning Stamped Concrete
• Concrete Patio Maintenance
• Removing Oil Stains

RENOVATING WITH CONCRETE

Bought a fixer upper? Wish your new house had a bigger patio? Whether you want to upgrade dated finishes one-by-one or remodel the entire home, concrete can play a role indoors and out. Check out 6 Reasons to Remodel With Concrete.

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Have dated or cracked concrete resurfaced

If your new house has a discolored patio or a driveway with cracks, resurfacing can often be a better solution than tear out and replacement. Concrete resurfacing is also good for getting a fresh look since overlays can be stamped, colored or finished with other decorative treatments.

Related:
Pool deck resurfacing
Driveway resurfacing
Patio resurfacing

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Update kitchens and bathrooms

Customize your new kitchen with concrete countertops that offer more design freedom than granite, marble or quartz. Concrete can also be used to update bathroom counters or vanities.

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Improve front yard curb appeal

In addition to getting your landscaping looking good, consider staining your driveway or adding a new walkway that leads to your front door.

Related:
Front Yard Landscape Ideas

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Make the switch to concrete floors

If your new home has dirty carpet or dated tile, consider making the switch to concrete floors. Concrete floors look great, provide healthier air-quality and are easy to clean. Your floors can be stained, resurfaced with an overlay or polished. Check out these FAQs to find out if residential concrete floors are the right option for your home.

Plus, concrete is also a great option for flooring in basements and garages.

How much will these home improvements and repairs cost?

Use these resources to get an idea of what you’ll spend on these projects:

• Foundation Repair Cost
  The national average is about $5,857
• Cost of Concrete Countertops
  Starting a $65 per square foot
• Concrete Driveway Cost
  Starting at $8 per square foot
• Walkway Cost
  Starting at $6 per square foot
• Stained Concrete Cost
  Starting at $2 per square foot
• Concrete Floor Cost
  Starting at $2 per square foot

Related: Concrete Work to do Before Selling Your Home