Why are Concrete Contractors in Vancouver Always Busier in the Spring?

When the first signs of spring show up in Vancouver, most people rush outdoors to finally enjoy a little sunshine. But not concrete contractors; they are preparing for the seasonal rush.

Spring and summer are generally the busiest times of year for concrete contractors in Vancouver, with customers who have been waiting for better weather to get their driveways, walkways, patios, and pool decks poured or repaired racing to book services.

But while spring and summer are great for pouring concrete, scheduling a great concrete contractor can be a little more challenging. To help avoid the rush, here are some tips to try.

Why Spring and Summer are Best for Concrete Work

You might be surprised to learn that concrete contractors work year-round in all types of weather. However, cold, damp weather makes the process a little more complicated. Traditional concrete mixes do best at temperatures between 10°C and 25°C. There are specialty cold-weather mixes that can be poured in the winter, but the overall process requires more planning and prep work to avoid freezing or slow-curing. There is also the potential for cold weather to impact the strength and quality of your concrete, which nobody wants.

Spring and summer offer Vancouver area contractors and their customers ideal concrete pouring conditions: not too cold, not too wet, and longer daylight hours to get the job done. The warmer temperatures also help concrete cure faster and more evenly, which means better long-term results and shorter turnaround times.

Tips on How to Avoid the Rush

If you have an upcoming project, the best way to avoid the spring and summer rush is to book as early as possible and be flexible with your dates. If your project isn’t urgent, you might even consider waiting until fall, which is another great time for most concrete work in Vancouver.

However, if you need a concrete contractor this spring, here are a few tips to help ensure you get your project scheduled in time.

Start Planning Early

Even if you don’t want to start your concrete project in the winter, it’s a great time to get the details of your plan in place. Whether that’s choosing a design, having the right permits pulled, or taking care of site cleanup, the more work you can do before the warmer weather rolls in, the faster you’ll be able to have your project completed.

Gather Quotes

It’s a good idea to talk to a few concrete contractors before booking, especially for larger-scale projects like driveways, pool decks, or hardscaping. Not only will this give you a chance to compare prices, but it will also allow you to go over the details of your plans with various contractors to find the best fit for your project.

Just remember, the cheapest quote might not always be the best one. Part of evaluating contractor quotes is asking questions and researching your potential hires to make sure they are licensed, experienced, and have good reviews from past customers.

Schedule Your Contractor

It’s never too early to book your concrete contractor. Booking early not only guarantees your spot but also helps your contractor organize their schedules and order materials in advance. Another benefit to booking in advance? Flexibility on dates! Freshly poured concrete needs at least 24-48 hours before it can be walked on and as much as 7-10 days before you’ll want to drive on it. If you have a busy household with pets and kids, scheduling your concrete pour for a time when you’re away or have fewer activities planned can reduce the hassle of not being able to use your driveway, patio, or walkway.

The key takeaway: As soon as you’ve narrowed down your preferred contractor, book your service. While it’s never too late to schedule concrete work, you will have more options for contractors and availability the sooner you book.