Frequently Asked Questions

General & Getting Started

What areas do you serve in the Capital Regional District (CRD)?

Victoria Concrete serves Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, View Royal, Colwood, Langford, Sidney, Central Saanich, North Saanich, and nearby communities. For projects outside the CRD, we assess feasibility and travel requirements. Contact us directly for more information.

How do I request a quote from Victoria Concrete?

Share your address, photos, approximate dimensions (m² and thickness), preferred service (stamped, flatwork, structural, blocks, poured retaining wall), and timeline. We schedule a site visit and issue a clear, fixed-price quote with scope, inclusions, and milestones.

What is your end‑to‑end process?

Discovery call → on‑site assessment → fixed quote → BC One Call utility locates (when digging) → permits/engineering if required → sub‑base and formwork → reinforcement and pour → finishing and curing → cleanup and client walkthrough.

Do you visit the site before quoting?

Yes. A site inspection validates sub‑base, access, drainage, grades, and any engineering or permitting triggers so your quote is accurate and change orders are minimized.

How quickly can you start my project?

Start dates depend on crew availability, approvals, and weather. Smaller flatwork may start within 1–3 weeks after acceptance; engineered or complex projects schedule after permits and inspections are confirmed.

Stamped Concrete

What is stamped concrete and where is it used?

Stamped concrete is coloured and patterned concrete that mimics stone, pavers, or wood. It’s ideal for patios, walkways, pool decks, and entries where you want a premium look with durable performance.

How do you colour and seal stamped concrete?

We use integral colour and/or hardeners, apply a release, stamp the pattern, wash, and seal with high‑quality sealers suitable for coastal climates. Sealing enhances colour and provides stain and moisture resistance.

How long does a stamped concrete project take?

Most residential projects (50–120 m²) take 3–5 site days for form, pour, stamping, and clean‑up, plus 1–2 days for colour detailing and sealing, subject to weather and curing conditions.

Will stamped concrete be slippery?

We use textures, anti‑slip additives, and correct sealer choice to achieve traction. For pool decks and slopes, we specify additional slip resistance.

How does stamped concrete compare with pavers?

Stamped provides continuous reinforcement and fewer joints, reducing weed growth and settlement. Pavers offer easy spot repairs but require joint maintenance. We’ll outline lifecycle costs so you can choose confidently.

How do you maintain stamped concrete in Victoria’s climate?

Clean periodically, avoid de‑icers in winter, and reseal every 2–3 years (usage/weather dependent). We provide a care schedule with each project.

Concrete Flatwork (Driveways, Patios, Walkways, Steps)

What finishes do you offer for flatwork?

Broom, smooth, exposed aggregate, light sandblast, and decorative saw‑cuts. We recommend finishes based on traction, aesthetics, and maintenance preferences.

What thickness and reinforcement do you use for driveways?

Typical residential driveways are 100–125 mm thick with reinforcement (rebar/mesh/fibres) per design and sub‑base conditions. Jointing is planned to control cracking.

How long before I can use my new driveway or patio?

Light foot traffic: 24–48 hours. Vehicles/furniture: 7–10 days depending on weather and mix. Full design strength develops at ~28 days.

Can you replace only a section of a cracked slab?

Yes, but colour/texture variations can be noticeable. We advise on matching feasibility and when full replacement is more economical.

Do you pour stairs and landings?

Yes. We form and pour concrete steps and landings with consistent risers/treads, integrated nosing, and optional lighting or handrail sleeves.

Structural Concrete (Footings, Walls, Slabs, Grade Beams)

Do you provide engineered structural concrete?

Yes. We coordinate with your engineer or refer one. Our crews place footings, grade beams, structural walls, and slabs to stamped drawings and inspection requirements.

How do you ensure structural quality?

We follow engineer details for rebar size/spacing, cover, anchorage, and consolidation. Where specified, we arrange concrete testing and inspection sign‑offs.

What is your approach to vapour barriers and insulation?

For interior slabs and heated spaces, we install vapour barriers and insulation to code or engineer spec, improving durability and energy performance.

Can you pour suspended slabs?

Yes, with appropriate shoring/formwork, rebar placement, and inspection scheduling. We coordinate crane/boom access as needed.

Do you build poured concrete retaining walls?

Yes. We form, reinforce, drain (footing drains/weep holes), waterproof where required, and finish to specification. Engineering and permits are coordinated when triggered by height or loads.

Concrete Blocks / CMU

When is a CMU wall preferable to cast‑in‑place?

CMU is efficient for straight, repeatable walls, utility rooms, and structures requiring modular speed. Cast‑in‑place suits curves, narrow footprints, and high lateral loads.

Do CMU walls need a footing?

Yes. Reinforced concrete footings sized to soil conditions and loads are standard. Vertical bars and grout cells are installed per engineered design.

Can CMU be finished decoratively?

Yes. Options include split‑face block, paint/coatings, parging, stucco, or adhered stone/brick veneers for architectural appeal.

Pricing, Quotes & Contracts

What impacts the price of a concrete project?

Scope (m² and thickness), finish, reinforcement, site access, excavation/disposal, drainage, engineering/permits, and weather risk. Your quote itemizes inclusions and allowances to avoid surprises.

Do you offer fixed‑price quotes?

Yes. After the site visit, we issue a fixed, written quote with defined scope, assumptions, exclusions, and milestone schedule.

What are your payment terms?

Typically a deposit to schedule, a progress payment at form/rebar approval, and a final payment upon completion and walkthrough. Exact percentages are listed in your contract.

Do you finance projects?

We do not directly finance but can phase scopes or refer third‑party financing providers. Ask during your quote review.

How do change orders work?

Any client‑requested changes or site conditions differing from the quote are documented, priced, and approved in writing before work proceeds.

Permits, Engineering & Inspections (CRD)

Do I need a permit for my project?

Permits may be required for structural work, significant grading/drainage changes, or retaining walls above threshold heights. We advise on municipal rules and assist with submissions.

Who handles BC One Call utility locates?

We request BC One Call when excavation is part of the scope to ensure safe digging and compliance.

Will you coordinate inspections?

Yes. We schedule required municipal and engineering inspections and incorporate them into the project timeline.

Scheduling & Timelines

How do you schedule around weather?

We plan pours around rain/wind temperatures, use curing/cover strategies, and maintain contingency days. If conditions risk quality, we reschedule proactively and keep you updated.

Can you work in winter?

Yes, case‑by‑case. We use cold‑weather measures (heaters, blankets, accelerators) when effective. Some decorative finishes are weather‑sensitive and may be deferred for best results.

What happens if my availability changes?

Notify us as early as possible. We’ll adjust sequencing and truck bookings to minimize delays or re‑mobilization costs.

Materials & Mix Design

What concrete mix do you use?

Mixes are selected for strength, exposure class, and finish (e.g., air‑entrained for freeze–thaw). We specify slump, aggregate size, and admixtures to match site and performance needs.

Do you use fibre reinforcement?

Yes, where appropriate. Fibres supplement rebar/mesh for shrinkage control and impact resistance, especially in slabs‑on‑grade.

Can you provide eco‑conscious options?

We can request mixes with supplementary cementitious materials (e.g., fly ash, slag) and propose designs that reduce waste and truck trips.

Site Access, Protection & Neighbours

How do you protect my property?

We use ground‑protection mats, protect edges and landscaping, control dust/noise, and maintain clean access routes. Daily cleanup is standard.

What if access is limited?

We plan compact equipment, staged deliveries, or hand methods. Limited access may affect cost/timeline; we’ll outline this in your quote.

Will you coordinate with neighbours or strata?

Yes. We communicate schedules, traffic control, and site rules as needed to keep the project smooth.

Curing, Joints & Aftercare

How do you control cracking?

By ensuring sub‑base compaction, correct reinforcement, joint spacing/layout, proper slump and placement, and managed curing. Control joints are cut or tooled at calculated intervals.

What curing methods do you use?

Curing compounds, wet curing, blankets, or combinations depending on finish and weather. Proper curing significantly increases durability and appearance.

When do you cut control joints?

Typically within 6–24 hours of the pour (weather dependent) to pre‑determine crack locations and relieve shrinkage stresses.

What aftercare do you recommend?

Avoid de‑icers in the first winter, reseal decorative surfaces periodically, keep drains clear, and avoid point loads at slab edges. We provide a written care guide.

Warranty & Service

What is your workmanship warranty?

We provide a written workmanship warranty (term defined in your contract) and pass through manufacturer warranties on materials/sealers.

What is not covered by warranty?

Abnormal ground movement, flooding, vehicle impact, chemical damage (de‑icers/solvents), unapproved modifications, or neglected maintenance.

Do you offer post‑project inspections?

Yes. Optional seasonal inspections help maintain drainage, check joints/sealers, and catch small issues early.

Weather, Safety & Compliance

How do you manage safety on site?

We follow WorkSafeBC practices, conduct daily tailgate talks, use PPE, and secure work zones. Concrete washout and materials are handled per environmental standards.

How do you handle rain on pour day?

If rain threatens quality or finish, we pause or reschedule. Where feasible, we use covers and adjust finishing techniques to protect the slab.

Do you guarantee exact colour matches?

Natural variation is inherent in cement products. We batch plan and provide samples, but minor variation is expected. Repairs may not match perfectly.

Repairs & Troubleshooting

Can you repair spalling or surface scaling?

Light scaling may be addressed with patching or overlays; severe cases often warrant replacement. We will advise after inspection.

What if hairline cracks appear?

Hairline cracks are common and typically non‑structural. Proper jointing and curing reduce their visibility. We review any concerns during the walkthrough.

Do you level or mudjack existing slabs?

We focus on new construction and replacement. For lifting/levelling, we can refer specialized contractors where appropriate.

Commercial & Strata Projects

Do you work with builders and property managers?

Yes. We provide schedule‑driven delivery, safety documentation, and coordinated staging for commercial and strata sites across the CRD.

Can you meet tender or spec requirements?

We bid to plans/specs, submit mix designs and shop drawings where required, and provide close‑out documentation.

Do you offer maintenance programs for strata properties?

Yes—periodic inspections, crack/joint sealing, and resealing programs to extend service life and maintain appearance.

Accessibility & Design Considerations

Can you build accessible ramps and entrances?

Yes. We form accessible slopes, landings, and tactile warnings per applicable standards. Handrail sleeves and edge protection can be integrated.

Do you handle drainage solutions?

We plan positive slopes, place catch basins and drains where needed, and coordinate with landscapers to manage runoff away from structures.

Can you integrate lighting or conduits?

Yes. We can place sleeves/conduits for future lighting, snow‑melt lines, or irrigation during formwork.

Sustainability & Environmental Practices

How do you minimize environmental impact?

We optimize truck trips, manage washout, recycle demolition materials where possible, and recommend durable designs that reduce long‑term replacements.

Do you recycle demolished concrete?

Where feasible, removed concrete is hauled to approved recycling facilities for aggregate reuse. We include disposal plans in your quote.

Can you suggest low‑maintenance designs?

We propose finishes and details—like exposed aggregate or broom with sealed edges—that balance aesthetics, traction, and low upkeep.

Contact & Next Steps

What documents should I prepare before our visit?

Site photos, approximate measurements, preferred finishes, any surveys or plans, and notes on access or timelines. This speeds design and reduces revisions.

How soon will I receive my quote after the site visit?

Typically within 1–3 business days for standard scopes; larger engineered projects may require additional coordination before pricing is finalized.

How do I proceed once I approve the quote?

Sign the agreement, submit the deposit, and we’ll lock in your start window, initiate BC One Call, and file permits if required. A milestone schedule will be shared so you can plan with confidence.