FAQ
Do You Have A Question?
As concrete contractors serving the East Kootenays, we get a lot of questions — and we’re always happy to answer them. Whether it’s about our process, your existing concrete, or a new slab you’re planning, this FAQ covers the most common things homeowners and contractors ask us.
If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out — we’re here to help.
Project Planning
Planning Your Concrete Project
How Do I Get An Estimate?
Getting an estimate with Bulldog Concrete is easy. You can:
- Fill out our estimate form
- Text us at 250.581.0714
We’ll typically ask for:
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The type of project (driveway, patio, shop floor, etc.)
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The approximate size or dimensions
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Photos or site location (if available)
From there, we’ll review the details and provide you with a clear, no-obligation estimate — usually within a few business days.
How Much Is My Concrete Pour Going To Cost?
The cost of your concrete pour depends on several factors, including:
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Project size and thickness
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Type of finish (broom, exposed, stamped, etc.)
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Site conditions (access, slope, prep work)
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Rebar and material requirements
On average, most concrete pours in the East Kootenays range from $15 to $25 per square foot.
Basic finishes fall on the lower end, while decorative or more complex pours increase the price.
We offer free estimates and will walk you through all the options to make sure your pour meets your needs and your budget.
If you’d like a more detailed estimate please fill out our estimate form or text us at 250.581.0714
How Long Will My Project Take?
Project timelines vary depending on the size, complexity, site conditions, and weather — but most standard concrete jobs (like driveways, patios, or shop floors) take 2 to 3 days to complete.
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Day 1: Site prep, formwork, and rebar installation
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Day 2: Concrete pour and finish
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Day 3 (if needed): Final cleanup or sealing prep
We’ll provide you with a clear schedule before we begin and keep you informed every step of the way. Larger or more complex projects may require additional time, but we always aim to complete work efficiently without compromising quality.
Are You Licensed and Insured?
Yes — Bulldog Concrete is fully licensed and insured.
We carry both liability insurance and WCB coverage to protect our team, your property, and your project. Hiring a properly insured contractor ensures peace of mind and protects you from unnecessary risk.
If you’d like to see proof of insurance or licensing, we’re happy to provide documentation upon request.
Do I Have To Order The Concrete?
No — we handle all of that for you.
Bulldog Concrete takes care of ordering and coordinating with the ready-mix supplier to ensure the correct mix design, delivery time, and volume for your project. You won’t need to make any calls or guess at quantities — we manage the entire process so everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
What Are Your Payment Terms?
Our standard payment terms are as follows:
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50% deposit due upon booking to secure your project in our schedule
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50% balance due within 24 hours of project completion
We accept e-transfers, credit cards, and cash.
Payment details will be included on your invoice, and we’re always happy to answer any questions about billing or scheduling.
Game Time
Prep, Place and Concrete Finishing
Do You Do The Ground Prep?
Bulldog Concrete does not currently perform ground prep or excavation in-house, but we work closely with a trusted local subcontractor to provide this service when needed.
If your site requires grading, excavation, or base material installation, we can coordinate those services on your behalf to ensure everything is properly prepared before we pour. Already have someone doing your prep? No problem — we’re happy to work with your contractor or builder to keep things running smoothly.
Do You Set Up The Forms?
Yes — we handle all the formwork required for your concrete project.
Proper form setup is essential for clean edges, correct elevations, and a smooth final finish. Whether it’s a basic slab or a more complex layout, we ensure all forms are accurately placed and securely set before any concrete is poured.
If you’re managing your own excavation or prep, we’re still happy to come in and complete the formwork as part of our scope.
Do You Tie The Rebar?
Yes — we supply, place, and tie all required rebar as part of our concrete services.
Properly installed rebar is critical for reinforcing your concrete and helping prevent cracking or shifting over time. We ensure all rebar is tied securely and spaced correctly, following industry standards for strength and durability.
Whether it’s a standard grid or something more complex, we handle it from start to finish so your project is built to last.
How Thick Will My Concrete Be?
Most standard concrete slabs are poured at 4 inches thick, which is ideal for cars, SUVs, foot traffic, and light trucks.
For areas that will support heavier vehicles like RVs, trailers, or work trucks, we typically recommend a 6-inch slab for added strength and durability.
We’ll assess your specific project needs and recommend the appropriate thickness to ensure your concrete performs well for years to come.
How Will You Get The Concrete To The Installation Area?
It depends on the access to your site. Whenever possible, we’ll back the concrete truck directly to the pour area to place the concrete efficiently. If access is limited or the truck can’t get close enough, we’ll use alternative methods such as:
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Concrete buggies or power wheelbarrows
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Pump trucks for longer distances or tight spaces
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Chutes and extensions if minimal reach is needed
Before the project begins, we’ll assess your site and plan the best and most efficient way to get the concrete exactly where it needs to go — safely and without damaging your property.
How Do You Prevent Concrete From Cracking?
Concrete is a rigid material, and some cracking is inevitable — no matter who does the work. However, we take every professional step possible to minimize and control cracking, including:
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Proper base preparation to prevent settling and movement
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Tied rebar reinforcement to hold the slab together
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Strategically placed control joints to guide cracking in a straight, intentional line
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Using the correct mix design for your specific project and conditions
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Careful finishing and curing practices based on weather and time of year
While we use industry best practices to reduce the risk, it’s important to understand that concrete can and often will crack over time, especially in a freeze-thaw climate like the East Kootenays.
Our goal is to ensure that any cracking that does occur is cosmetic, not structural.
Do I Need To Be Home When You're Pouring My Concrete?
Not necessarily.
As long as we’ve confirmed all the project details — including layout, finish type, access, and any special instructions — you don’t need to be on-site during the pour.
However, if you’d prefer to be there or have questions during the process, you’re more than welcome to be present. We’ll communicate with you in advance to make sure everything is clear before we get started.
Our goal is to make the process smooth, stress-free, and done right — with or without you on-site.
Project Completion
Your Concrete Is Complete, Now What?
Will My Concrete Crack?
Yes — all concrete has the potential to crack. It’s a natural part of the curing and aging process, especially in climates like the East Kootenays with frequent freeze-thaw cycles.
At Bulldog Concrete, we take every possible step to minimize and control cracking, including:
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Proper base prep and compaction
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Rebar reinforcement
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Strategically placed control joints
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Correct mix design and placement techniques
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Industry-standard curing practices
These steps greatly reduce the risk of uncontrolled or structural cracks, but it’s important to understand that no contractor can guarantee crack-free concrete. Minor surface or hairline cracks are common and typically cosmetic — not structural.
Our goal is to ensure your concrete performs well, looks great, and stands the test of time.
Do I Need To Seal My Concrete?
Sealing your concrete is highly recommended — especially in a climate like the East Kootenays. Sealer protects your driveway or slab from moisture, salt, staining, surface wear, and freeze-thaw damage.
At Bulldog Concrete, sealing is not included by default, but we offer it as an optional add-on after curing is complete. If you choose not to have us seal it, we’ll provide recommendations on when and how to do it yourself — typically after the concrete has cured for at least 28 days.
We recommend resealing every 2–3 years to keep your concrete looking great and performing at its best.
Can I Use Salt On My New Concrete?
No — we strongly recommend avoiding salt or any de-icing chemicals on your new concrete, especially during the first winter.
Salt accelerates the freeze-thaw cycle and can lead to surface scaling, flaking, and premature deterioration, even on properly finished concrete.
If traction is needed in icy conditions, we recommend using:
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Clean sand
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Non-corrosive, concrete-safe de-icers (look for products labeled safe for use on new concrete)
Protecting your surface during the first year is especially important — and we’ll provide specific aftercare tips to help you maintain the strength and appearance of your concrete.
How Long Do I Need To Stay Off My New Concrete?
To ensure your concrete cures properly and reaches its full strength, we recommend the following guidelines:
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Foot traffic: Wait at least 24–48 hours before walking on the surface
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Vehicle traffic (light use): Wait a minimum of 14 days if absolutely necessary
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Parking or heavy use: Wait the full 28 days to allow the concrete to fully cure
Following these timelines helps prevent surface damage, cracking, and long-term wear. We’ll provide you with specific instructions based on your project and conditions to help protect your investment.
Should I Keep My Concrete Wet While It's Curing?
Yes — keeping your concrete moist during the early curing period helps reduce cracking and improves long-term strength. However, our crew does not remain on-site to water the concrete after finishing.
We offer two options:
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Cure & Seal: For an added cost, we can apply a commercial-grade curing and sealing compound after finishing to lock in moisture and protect the surface.
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Homeowner Watering: If you choose not to add Cure & Seal, we’ll provide you with simple instructions for keeping the surface damp over the next few days — usually by light watering 1–2 times per day, especially during hot or dry weather.
Proper curing is critical to the durability of your concrete, and we’re happy to guide you through whichever method you choose.