Get to Know Your Contractor

Part of the homework a construction customer or client will want to complete is getting to know the contractor who will perform the work required (including compliance with codes and regulations) and the work desired (the wishes and dreams of the property owner). You will want to know how easy it is to communicate with the contractor, how reliable the contractor is, and how competent the contractor is.

With that in mind, we like to introduce ourselves:
Karen Anderson is the principal owner and manager of Outdoor Construction, Inc. She manages the office, including phone messages, paperwork, marketing, strategic planning, official communication and reporting. Karen is a teacher who worked in construction management and materials procurement during the summers in New Mexico. In 1996 she assisted Lans with the upstart of Outdoor Enterprises, a sole-proprietorship, in Kansas. In 1998 the company was incorporated as Outdoor Construction, Inc. (Karen is the old person with gray hair. She enjoys working with the guys,and they keep her laughing and hustling.)

Lanson (Lans) Hotchkiss is the president and secondary owner of the company. He is the lead estimator (bidder) and welder, the senior equipment operator, master concrete finisher, field supervisor, and overall trouble-shooter and problem-solver. He has 16 years of experience in the field, and his input into strategic management has been essential to the success of our business. (Lans is the short guy wearing boots no matter the weather.)

Corey Springer is the lead electrician and foreman with 7 years of experience in the construction industry. Corey does some welding and operating, as well. His customer service focus is an asset to our business. (Corey is the tall guy wearing athletic shoes and blocking the clouds.)

We do our best to maintain a good sense of humor and a strong sense of service in a competitive industry. Let us assist you on your next project (913.492.3881).

Preserving Your New Concrete

Curb appeal, safety, and property value are a few good reasons to tear out and replace old concrete or to add new concrete construction. Stamping and staining are creative techniques to provide design and color options for floors, driveways, patios, and sidewalks. Whatever you choose and for whatever reason you choose it, a few tips will help you enjoy your concrete.

How to Enjoy and Maintain your Concrete:

1. Make sure the installers meet city building codes for strength, slump, and slope and American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance specifications for applicable concrete installation. The amount and size of rebar, dimensions for approaches, preparation of ground, and forming--all these details lead to successful placement of your concrete.
2. Indentations or saw-cuts are necessary every few feet to control cracking as the concrete cures. Expansion joints can help, too.
3. Let concrete cure for two days before walking on it and five days before parking or driving on it. Movement and weight can disturb and scar the concrete before it can settle and strengthen.
4. If cement (the powdered additive) or wet concrete (cement added to aggregate, sand, and water) get on your skin, wash well with soap and water. Also, vinegar can neutalize a burning sensation.
5. Rinse wet concrete off of areas such as shoes, clothing, tools, toys, or other items to avoid encrusted and ruined things.
6. Typically, the drier the concrete mix, the stronger the concrete construction. So, wind, rain, humidity, and temperatures can affect the drying and curing time. Sometimes, chemicals can be added to compensate for the conditions, and sometimes tarps should be used to protect the new concrete. Professionals know when to install concrete and when to wait.
7. Avoid getting fertilizer or ice-melt mixes on the concrete surface. These chemicals will cause the surface to spall (meaning, the top surface pops off!).