Planning concrete work in Augusta, GA

Define the footprint and the problem

Describe how you will use the concrete: vehicle parking, outdoor seating, walking, or entrance access. Give bidders approximate dimensions and photographs, then arrange a site visit before accepting a final price. Mark whether you want to keep the existing footprint or expand it. For a driveway, describe the vehicles you expect to park there.

Walk the site with each bidder. Point out puddles, cracks, uneven edges, downspouts, nearby trees, and transitions at doors or the garage. Request a sketch showing the proposed footprint and where the contractor intends to direct water. For repairs, have the bidder identify which areas they would retain and explain the limits of their proposed work.

Resolve permits before agreeing on dates

Augusta's published rule requires a permit when project materials cost over $500 or the work requires an inspection under its adopted construction codes. The city also lists new construction, renovations, and additions as building permit categories. Describe your exact concrete project to License and Inspection at 706-312-5050 and ask which permit and inspections apply. [1]

Give the office enough detail to distinguish a patio replacement, driveway widening, new steps, or a slab intended for a building. Include the proposed dimensions and materials estimate. Augusta requires applicable permits before work begins. Put the responsible applicant, permit fees, and inspection arrangements in the contract before scheduling demolition. [1]

Check the stormwater effect of added pavement

Augusta calculates its stormwater fee using impervious surface area, including roofs and pavement. Its FAQ publishes a single-family residential charge of $6.40 per month for up to 4,400 square feet of impervious area and $12.80 per month above that threshold. Consider the whole property's counted area when discussing a larger driveway or new patio. [2]

Augusta already counts gravel and crush and run as impervious surfaces because of their compaction and intended use for vehicle travel. Before replacing a gravel parking area, ask the city how much of that area it records. Use that answer when discussing whether your proposed project could change the fee. [2]

Use the city's lookup instructions to search by address or parcel number and view the mapped stormwater charge. Record the existing charge, then ask Augusta 311 about the proposed area. The city cautions that yellow residential parcels showing $0 usually represent new construction and may receive an updated fee; treat that display as a reason to confirm the record. [3]

Augusta describes stormwater runoff as rainwater flowing over the ground into its drainage system or local waterways. During the site visit, discuss where water goes now and where it would go after the work. Have the contractor explain the proposed transitions to the yard, garage, and adjoining pavement before you approve the footprint. [2]

Compare scope, price, and responsibility

Obtain itemized quotes for your site and ask each bidder to price the same scope. Request descriptions of demolition and disposal, excavation, base preparation, dimensions and thickness, reinforcement, joints, finish, and drainage work. Have each contractor identify exclusions and explain any design differences before you compare totals.

Ask who will restore disturbed lawn or landscaping and how the contractor will handle concealed conditions. Require written approval for extra work before the crew performs it. Request insurance documentation, references for similar projects, and written warranty terms. For repair options, ask which problems the contractor proposes to address and what would remain.

Arrange access and return to use

Before agreeing on dates, establish where trucks and equipment will enter, where the crew will stage materials, and how you will reach the house. Discuss parking arrangements and any entrance you need to keep available. Put cleanup responsibilities and payment stages in writing.

Request a weather contingency plan and written curing instructions for the proposed concrete. Have the contractor specify when you can walk on it, park vehicles, and return furniture. Plan those activities around the contractor's instructions for your project, and agree on who will communicate a schedule change.

Augusta's published single-family stormwater fee bands

Resolve these questions before choosing a quote

Your hiring checklist

1. Photograph the site and mark the desired footprint, problem areas, and equipment access.
2. Confirm applicable permits and inspections with the permitting office.
3. Check the parcel's stormwater charge and discuss proposed added area with the city.
4. Request matching itemized scopes, including base preparation and drainage.
5. Review insurance documentation, similar-project references, and written warranty terms.
6. Agree on access, landscape restoration, cleanup, payment stages, and extra-work approval.
7. Get written curing and use instructions before arranging the return of vehicles or furniture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a concrete driveway or patio?

Augusta publishes a general permit requirement for projects with materials costing over $500 or work requiring code inspections. Describe your replacement, expansion, or new installation to License and Inspection at 706-312-5050. Confirm the applicable requirements and assign permit responsibility in the contract. [1]

Could a new patio change my stormwater bill?

Ask the city whether the addition would change your property's impervious-area band. Augusta publishes $6.40 per month for single-family properties with up to 4,400 square feet and $12.80 above that amount. Check the parcel record before approving the final size. [2] [3]

Does Augusta count gravel driveways as impervious?

Yes. Augusta considers gravel and crush and run impervious because they form compacted surfaces intended for vehicle travel. Confirm how the city records your existing driveway when planning to replace gravel or expand the parking area. [2]

How should I compare repair and replacement quotes?

Have each bidder explain the cause of the problem, the proposed correction, and the defects you would retain. Compare the affected area, preparation, drainage work, finish, cleanup, warranty terms, and access arrangements. Request separate options if a contractor recommends replacing more concrete than you expected.