Building Your Dream Outdoor Space with Concrete: A 2025 Guide by 1776 Contractors

Concrete is a versatile, durable material for various outdoor and structural projects in the Uncompahgre Valley’s unique climate. Creating a durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space starts with a solid foundation. 1776 Contractors has a dedicated team of experts specializing in high-quality concrete pads, house foundations, garage floors, sidewalks, driveways, patios, and more. 

Why Choose Concrete?

Concrete is a top choice for homeowners in Colorado due to its unmatched durability, low maintenance, versatility in design, and ability to withstand our state’s extreme weather fluctuations—from freezing winters to hot summers and heavy snow and (sometimes) rain. It’s cost-effective over time, locally sourced, and customizable with finishes like stamping, staining, or polishing to mimic stone. Popular reasons for opting for concrete include its longevity (often 30-50+ years with proper installation and maintenance), resistance to pests, rot, and UV damage, and it will increase property value through improved curb appeal and functionality. 

Why do people choose concrete patios instead of wood or composite decking?

• Homeowners often select concrete patios as a low-maintenance alternative to wood, and even composite decks, which tend to warp, rot, and/or require frequent staining and other maintenance over time. Concrete pads provide a flat and clean area for outdoor furniture, grills, or hot tubs, and can be customized with stamped patterns (mimicking brick or stone) or stained colors for a stylish look. They’re ideal for entertaining, as they create seamless extensions of indoor living spaces. Additionally, we have seen deck prices steadily increase over the last few years. Don’t get us wrong, concrete has too, but the cost increases are more prevalent in decks than patios, due to climbing labor costs. Concrete has become a desirable solution for spaces that once were dominated by decks. 

• ROI Insights: We have seen concrete patios yield upwards of 100%+ ROI, recouping the full investment and more through increased home value. This high return comes from enhancing outdoor usability, appealing to buyers seeking low-maintenance spaces. A few factors would play into the ROI. The 100% mark would be for adding a standard patio if an outdoor living space is not already present.     

• Other Popular Reasons: Concrete has exceptional weather resistance (no freezing/thawing damage with proper sealing) and versatility in shapes/sizes, making it an excellent choice for our climate. It’s also pest-resistant and easy to clean, saving time and money on ongoing maintenance compared to the maintenance costs of a wood deck.

What to expect when budgeting:

• For flat work (pads, driveways, sidewalks, etc.), we generally see prices between $15 and $30 per square foot. However, variables such as the thickness of the concrete, concrete additives, finish details, design complexity, etc., must always be considered. Premium finishes like stamped, stained, or polished concrete will increase costs.

• Let's look at a 20x20 concrete patio, for example -- a basic design could cost between $6,000 and $12,000. This price is generalized based on previous jobs.

• House foundations: On a standard 2,000-square-foot home, stem wall foundations run from $15,000 to $29,000, but can go higher. Factors include the complexity of the design (more corners = more labor), the use of ICF blocks, which generally increases the cost, water-proofing options, the distance from the concrete plant, the thickness and height of walls, and the number of pony walls needed, etc. 

• Full basements will cost more, and will still have the same factors that drive the costs as the stem-wall foundations. A good starting point is to figure twice the price of stem walls, plus the flat-work, as outlined above.

• ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) blocks have become popular over the years and are a good alternative to traditional forms for crawl space and/or basement insulation. They also serve as a sound moisture barrier when you finish the inside of your basement. Most legitimate concrete companies have their own “traditional” forms, so installing ICF blocks would typically include an additional cost vs. the contractor's price for using their forms. If ICF forms are your preference, expect to pay more.

• Be cautious about choosing the “cheapest” bid. Our local soils move quite a bit, so you want a team on your side to ensure your investment is up to the test of time, and this is often not the case when choosing the cheapest Contractor. So, while some will give you a “deal,” they are likely cutting corners somewhere. A foundation is not a good place to cut corners. 

What to consider when choosing a contractor:

1. Make sure the contractor is trustworthy and reliable. The company's longevity in the community will tell you a lot about its customer service.  Unethical contractors typically don’t last long in our small community. This can be a red flag if you can’t find much information on the contractor. Also, it is essential to note that a contractor who routinely answers phone calls and stays in communication is key when evaluating reliability.

2. Visit their website and read reviews. Reviews and references provide information on the dependability, professionalism, and quality of work the contractor offers. A website adds legitimacy to a company.

3. Evaluate the amount of experience the contractor offers. Experience is key to making sure your project turns out great. In many construction projects, there are unforeseen obstacles to overcome. An experienced contractor offers security that any obstacles can be adequately addressed. Inquire about the potential for unforeseeable issues and how the contractor handles these obstacles. 

4. Make sure the contractor is qualified for your project. Navigating the regulations in the Uncompahgre Valley differs from one municipality to another. Protocols differ greatly between Delta, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel counties. A qualified contractor can explain these regulations and the permitting process for your specific municipality. 

5. Make sure they are insured. Contractors should have liability insurance that covers the type of work they do and workmen’s compensation insurance for their employees. 

6. Sign a written contract. A signed contract protects both parties. A contract should accompany a budget and scope of work, so you know exactly who is responsible for what. 

Plan for Excavation:

When reaching out to a concrete contractor, be sure you also have an experienced excavator who knows how to properly prepare the ground for the application. Our engineered plans often call for a 2’ over excavation on sites, but some call for a much larger excavation with specific structural lift details. If you are looking for an experienced excavation crew that works in the dirt day in and day out to prepare the ground for concrete, we have one of the best around. They work hand in hand with our concrete crew to provide you with the best possible end product. 

Ready to get started?

Here’s what the 1776 Contractors Concrete Team specializes in:

• Concrete Patios

• House Foundations

• Garage and Shop Floors

• Sidewalks

• Driveways

• Retaining Walls 

• Fire Pit Pads

• Decorative Walkways

We pour concrete in the Western Colorado Municipalities of Montrose, Delta, Ouray, Olathe, Paonia, Log Hill, Cedaredge, Placerville, and Ridgway; as well as Delta County, Montrose County (except the West End), Ouray County, and San-Miguel County.

We know houses inside and out. Our specialty teams are the best in the valley regarding Remodels, Additions, Roofing, Decks, Concrete, Excavation, and New Homes. Our customer support and craftsmanship set us apart. See for yourself by exploring our website, 1776remodels.com.

We look forward to being your Contractor.