TIPS
Considering new concrete and wondering how much concrete you'll need for the job?
This simple form will calculate the amount of concrete needed for flat work; patios, sidewalks, driveways, etc.
Notice that length and width are measured in feet, thickness is measured in inches.
It is customary when ordering redi-mix concrete to round up to the next 1/4 cubic yard to allow for variation in the grade.
NOTE:
Use also to calculate the amount of fill needed to create the grade under the concrete in cubic yards.
Multiple your answer by 1.5 to get tons needed.
After hail storms in 2004 and 2026 we saw a significant increase in "outside" workers in the area. This has become increasingly common.
Some of these will set up a phone number, others will approach local contractors to lease their name or reputation. Either of these actions leaves the homeowner with no real idea of who you are hiring or what their real reputation is.
In addition to the basic principles to keep in mind when hiring a contractor, 5J Construction LLC would like to state our position clearly.
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You should and will know who performs the repairs.
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We use air compressors and pneumatic tools and automate where reasonable to do so.
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We know of no benefit of "always hand nailing" shingles, other than perhaps detracting from our previous point.
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The entire job site is sealed against weather and cleaned up at the end of each day.
A bit about AI
AI is in just about everything these days. Most people are involved with it, often unknowingly. And in some situations this is fine.
But when looking for a contractor, don't spend your time viewing AI-generated images. There is no benefit from, and no point in, viewing images that do not represent the actual work the contractor is providing. At best it's a smoke screen, designed to catch your attention without offering any substance. Rather like trying to get a drink from an empty well.
At 5J Construction, we DO share a bit of AI imagery. But when we do, it's clear that the image is not a representation of our work or our position. An example would be the clearly AI postcard used for our snow removal service.
This is clearly a cartoonish portrayal of a service we provide and is not intended to represent the actual work performed or any claim that was or is an actual photo (though it was generated from a picture of one of our trucks).
Short version: When comparing contractors, NOthing says "see what my work DOESN'T look like" as much as a good AI-generated post.
We've all seen the ads proclaiming "licensed, bonded, insured" contractors. What are they licensed to do, and what does the insurance cover?
Licensing requirements vary greatly and, in some areas, there are few or no requirements to become "licensed", making anyone with a hammer and a ladder a "contractor". In Iowa, there is no "license" for contractors, though they are required to register with the State of Iowa and, in the case of Blackhawk County, with the county as well.
When considering consulting a contractor:
Check with local officials.
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See what a license requires and hire accordingly.
Check insurance.
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Ask for a copy of the liability insurance certificate. If they have employees they must also carry workmen's compensation coverage. A reputable contractor will not object to your request.
Check references.
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Do not assume that a list of names means anything; CHECK the references.
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If possible, look at some of the work listed.
Get everything in writing.
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What are you getting, and what are you paying?
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Who pays for permits? Who pays material suppliers?
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When will work begin? When will it be finished?
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Who will do the work?
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Will subcontractors be used?
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WIll they provide lien waivers?
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Is there a warranty on materials and/or their workmanship?
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If subcontractors are on the site, who is providing the insurance coverage for them? Who is responsible if one of them is injured?
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