"Greg and his team provided a great quote for a poured concrete driveway and stamped concrete patio well below other quotes we received. He was very responsive as to the work dates due to rain and the job was done quickly. Greg was able resolve an issue with the concrete color and we get compliments from all our neighbors on how great the job looks."
"The inspector came out and looked at leaking wall and other walls with signs of moisture. He explained in easy terms for me to understand about the project."
"They are professional and thorough, but there is really no wiggle room if you would like something differently done. Choices in booklet are pretty basic, not a lot of options (for flooring types, door style, trim) This company is like the Anderson Windows of basements. (No doubt they spend a lot on advertising; There is a reason they are the top result when searching!) Expect to pay quite a bit more than you planned, but I knew if I chose them it would be done and warrantied for everything. Sometimes you just want to sign and not worry, and I would definitely pick Finished basements plus if you are in that situation and have the budget."
"We have a crack in our basement wall & need to stable it before it gets worse. Andy Hess spent almost two hours walking me through each option. When he left I felt I had enough knowledge of the problem and had a few different options for a solution."
Big Rods proudly provides concrete repair, masonry restoration, and structural solutions throughout Wayne County, MI. Since 2017, we have built our reputation by treating each property with respect and delivering workmanship that stands up to the elements and everyday use. Our team supports both homeowners and local businesses with services that prioritize proper preparation, safe execution, and lasting performance.\n\nIn addition to concrete contractor services, we offer skilled masonry contractor solutions such as tuck pointing, brick waterproofing, basement waterproofing, glass block work, fireplace repair or replacement, and gutter drain tile systems that help protect your structure over time. We believe customers deserve honest recommendations, clear expectations, and results that improve both function and curb appeal. When you need a concrete contractor who shows up prepared and a masonry contractor who stands behind the work, Big Rods is ready to help.
"They showed up on time. I'd requested the owner be onsite, as I wasn't present for the quote and wanted to talk through a few more items. I actually added the front walkway to the project that morning. The crew was quick, neat and professional. They answered my questions when I had them, and took time to explain. "
"They were very good, and were the most affordable. Tony was very knowledgeable, and did a very nice job sealing it because they also had to seal the concrete against my brick wall, and actually did it beveled so it'd look nice."
"We selected Arbor Brickworks based primarily on their high rating on Angie's list. Their estimate of the rather extensive work to be done on our three story chimney and rebuild of the courtyard walls and adding limestone caps to both seemed very reasonable. They performed all the work as detailed to us in a highly professional and timely manner and within budget. We give them our highest recommendation because we believe you will experience the same total satisfaction with their work. "
"They had some concrete left over and they didn't know what to do with it. On the side of our property is a road and it was like breaking off. They were very kind to go over there and dump their stuff and they scraped it really nice. It really helped for the neighbors. They still had a bit more leftover and they asked me if there's some place I would want them to place it so I had them put it underneath my shed. They went to the back of my yard and dumped it underneath there. They just didn't dump it but also scraped it. They were professional and their price was reasonable.
They were just very respectful. I was trying to clean my basement out and I was dragging heavy bags to the garbage and these men would stop and run and put the bags over there. They went beyond the call of duty and the work was phenomenal so I'm happy. I got three bids and everybody else was way over them."
It's safe to assume that all exterior walls are load-bearing, or at least have load-bearing characteristics. Some older homes feature porches or bump-outs that don't rest on the home's foundation. However, they still must carry the weight of the roof section they support. Walls containing floor-to-ceiling glass or other non-structural elements must use post and beam configurations to meet load-bearing criteria.
In most cases, yes, masons can build concrete forms and pour concrete for a variety of home improvement projects, including foundation pouring. Some masons may prefer to focus on more aesthetic and artistic masonry work, like building retaining walls, crafting custom fireplaces, tiling, or installing stucco siding, but most also have experience pouring concrete. You can always ask your masonry contractor if they also handle poured concrete projects.
Costs range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on size, material, and design complexity.
While fumigation chemicals cannot pass through solid objects, they will seep into any openings in walls, doors, or other closed spaces. This allows them to get into tight places where pests may be hiding and causing damage, like termites ruining the foundation of your home. It also means that your home needs to ventilate for 48 hours before returning to ensure that no harmful chemicals remain in your space.
In most cases, you will need a building permit for cement work on your property. You need a permit for any project that adds a permanent foundation on your property—which, in most cases, includes even a flat slab of concrete poured directly on the ground. Building permits for concrete projects usually cost between $100 and $500, although this can get higher for larger projects. You can always ask your cement company if a permit is necessary for your project, and the expert will typically pull the permit for you to save you time and energy.
The Wayne, MI homeowners’ guide to concrete wall construction
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Whether you're pouring a new driveway or adding a patio to your outdoor space, use this guide to determine the cost to pour a new concrete slab in Detroit, MI.