Get matched with top decorative concrete pros in Salem, AR

Generally speaking, adding concrete landscaping features will cause your property taxes to increase. That’s because projects that involve a permanent concrete foundation require permits and permanently improve the land. Since taxes are based on improvements, your taxes will go up. Here are some projects that will likely have an impact on your taxes:

• Concrete pool decks

• Concrete patios

• Concrete walkways

• Concrete driveways

• Concrete steps

• Concrete foundations

Since most of these will only lead to a partial improvement, you can expect the bump in your taxes to be minimal, but this is still something to consider.

Yes, asphalt is less expensive than concrete. Asphalt prices range between $7 and $15 per square foot, whereas concrete costs $3 to $18 per square foot. When considering asphalt versus concrete driveways, you’ll want to weigh more than just the costs. While concrete costs more, it costs less to maintain. On the other hand, asphalt has the advantages of a quick installation and shorter drying time.

For homeowners, it’s better to dry grind concrete. Dry grinding is the method described above and can be done by experienced DIYers for smaller projects. Wet grinding requires a big volume of water, a way to collect the slurry created by the water and dust, and an environmentally-safe place to dispose of the slurry. In general, only professionals do wet grinding.  

It depends on whether you think it is worth it to make your own concrete. While you can save a lot of money making your own concrete and pouring your own concrete slab, it's an advanced DIY. Adding too much or too little water can offset the savings of skipping the professional, as the wrong mixture will not allow the concrete to cure properly for your unique project.