It’s not uncommon for property owners to think, ‘I can probably do that myself,’ when weighing the cost of installing a new upgrade on their property. From laying new flooring to applying new wallpaper, you can find DIY tutorials for plenty of home upgrade ideas. While a little bit of handiwork never hurts anyone, some things are best left to the professionals. This is especially true when it comes to concrete South East Suburbs Melbourne work.
Concrete is one of the strongest and most commonly used construction materials, but when concrete isn’t prepared properly, it’s obvious. It takes skill and experience to pour concrete properly. Let’s take a look at some of the risks of taking on DIY concrete work:
Wrong Water-to-Cement Ratio
A common mistake that many DIY concrete South East Suburbs Melbourne pourers make is to add too much water to cement when mixing concrete. Usually, they make this mistake because the runnier mixture seems easier to work with. But if the concrete mixture is too thick or runny, you can end up with problems in durability and appearance once it sets.
And if you run into durability problems with your concrete down the line, it can have significant consequences for your property or personal safety.
Unfavourable Weather Conditions
The type of weather can affect your concrete mix and the pouring process. Not to mention, it can continue to impact the concrete even days after you pour it. Many people fail to consider the weather and its effect on concrete South East Suburbs Melbourne.
Typically, professionals have to take specific measures by adjusting the concrete mix. It’s what allows them to ensure consistent results, even if the weather keeps changing. Keep in mind that there’s no quick beginner’s tutorial on how to mix concrete properly, as it requires considering various factors. It’s why the local professionals’ years of experience make them well-suited to get the job done.
Poor Site Preparation
Many DIYers assume that preparing the site for concrete pouring only requires digging it up and removing plants and debris. But that’s not all it takes. For a strong concrete foundation that won’t degrade, you need to level the surface, compact the soil, and add building frames.
At the same time, knowing the steps required doesn’t improve the chances of successful DIY concrete work. That’s because it takes extensive training, experience, and the right equipment to complete the aforementioned step before pouring concrete.
Lack of Specialised Equipment
This brings us to the next point: not having the right equipment. Installing anything made of concrete is a time-sensitive process because the material sets as soon as you pour it. This means you need the right tools and equipment on hand to complete any subsequent steps.
When you don’t have the right equipment, there’s a chance that the concrete will set without you taking any control measures. And what’s worse than not having a concrete patio? A poorly installed concrete patio. Needless to say, you’ll have to take on an expensive, if not time-consuming, removal process.
No Protective Measures
Of course, the biggest risk of DIY concrete work is related to your health and safety. Professional concreters take strict safety measures to comply with local regulations and to keep their teams safe. That’s because they’re trained to take these aspects of the job seriously. In an effort to get it done as soon as possible, DIYers may skip safety measures.
Even though concrete is safe to work with, you’ll need to take specific precautions like using eye and ear coverings or taking care while lifting heavy objects.
Why You Should Let Experts Handle The Job
Now that you’re aware of the risks that come with DIY concrete work, let’s take a look at why professionals are the right fit for the job.
- They’re licensed and insured, making them well-equipped to comply with local building regulations and safety codes.
- They use industry best practices, which allows them to deliver quality results while meeting budget and deadline requirements.
- They have the right equipment, which is necessary to get the job done efficiently and safely.
Get Quality Concrete South East Suburbs Melbourne Installation With Professional Concreters
Overall, there are many risks that come with attempting DIY concrete work, like failing to take appropriate safety measures and not having specialised equipment. Inexperienced DIYers also don’t know about how weather can impact concrete, which can lead to poor results if they fail to adjust their concrete mix. If you’re convinced that concrete work should be left to professionals, get in touch with our team today for more details about our services.