Planning a Concrete Project? 7 Mistakes to Avoid Before You Pour

Thinking about upgrading your outdoor space with a new patio, driveway, or sidewalk? Pouring concrete might look straightforward—but there’s more to it than meets the eye. A few simple missteps can lead to cracking, water issues, or worse—having to rip it all up and start over.

At Image Landscaping, we’ve worked on dozens of concrete projects across the Lower Mainland. We've seen firsthand how the right choices early on save homeowners a ton of stress—and money—down the road.

So before you pour, here are 7 mistakes to steer clear of (and how to do it right).

1. Not Bringing in a Pro Early On

Let’s be honest—it’s tempting to take on a concrete project yourself or go with the cheapest quote. But without a solid plan and expert input, things can go sideways quickly. We’ve seen patios slope toward homes instead of away, or driveways crack within a year. The right contractor will not only handle the heavy lifting, but also make sure your concrete is built to last—designed for the Lower Mainland’s rainy, shifting climate. Our team offers free consultations to help you get started on the right foot.

2. Forgetting About Drainage

Concrete that holds water? Big red flag. Water pooling on your patio or near your home’s foundation can cause serious damage over time—not to mention icy patches in the winter. Good drainage isn’t optional here. Before we pour anything, we carefully grade the ground so water flows away from your home, not toward it. That little detail can save you from costly repairs later.

3. Choosing the Wrong Materials

Here’s a common one: using whatever concrete mix is cheapest or easiest to find. But not all concrete is created equal. In fact, some mixes just can’t handle our local weather or wear and tear. That’s why we use high-quality concrete suited to the Lower Mainland’s conditions—so you don’t end up with crumbling edges or a patio that looks tired after just a few seasons.

Read Also: What is the Best Material for Driveways?

4. Skipping Reinforcement

You might not see it, but what’s underneath your concrete matters just as much as what’s on top. Without proper reinforcement like rebar or mesh, your concrete can crack under pressure—especially if it’s going to support vehicles or heavy furniture. We tailor reinforcement based on how the space will be used, ensuring your slab stays solid and strong for the long haul.

5. Not Prepping the Ground Properly

Here’s where many projects go wrong: the sub-base. It’s easy to overlook, but if the ground beneath your concrete isn’t compacted right, your slab can settle unevenly or crack over time. At Image Landscaping, we take the time to dig, level, and pack the base the right way. It might not be the flashy part of the job, but it’s the part that holds everything up—literally.

6. Rushing the Curing Process

Concrete needs time to set and strengthen. We get it—you’re excited to use your new patio or driveway. But if the concrete dries too quickly or isn’t cured properly, it can end up brittle or cracked. We follow proper curing steps and adjust our timing based on the weather. That way, your concrete comes out looking great and standing strong.

7. Overlooking Permits and Local Rules

No one likes paperwork, but skipping permits or ignoring local building codes can really come back to bite you. We've heard of homeowners being forced to tear up newly poured driveways just because they didn’t have the right approvals. Our team knows what’s required in each Lower Mainland city, and we’ll take care of the permits and inspections for you. No guesswork, no headaches.

Let’s Make Sure It’s Done Right

Every concrete project be it a patio or driveway; is a big investment. The goal isn’t just to make it look good today—but to make sure it holds up for years to come.

As leading concrete contractors in the Lower Mainland, we handle concrete projects from start to finish: planning, permits, prep, pouring, and clean-up. And we do it all with care, communication, and local expertise.

If you’re thinking about pouring concrete, get in touch with us today. We’d love to help you avoid the common pitfalls—and build something you’ll be proud of.

FAQs

1. Do I really need a permit for a concrete driveway?

‍Yes, many cities in the Lower Mainland require it. We’ll take care of the paperwork so you don’t have to worry.

2. How long does it take to install a concrete patio or driveway?

‍Most jobs take 3–5 days, depending on size and weather. We’ll give you a clear timeline before we start.

3. Will my concrete crack?

‍Some small cracks are normal, but proper reinforcement and curing help minimize them. We also place control joints to manage where cracks happen.

4. Can I customize the finish or colour?

‍ Absolutely. We offer a variety of textures, patterns, and tints to match your style.

5. What if I already have a damaged slab—can you fix it?

Yes! We offer both repair and full replacement services, depending on the condition of the concrete.

6. Do you offer financing?

Yes, we offer financing for all our project through FinanceIt