Get matched with top concrete wall service pros in Wolverine, MI

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.

Any bowing in a basement wall indicates a problem that needs to be addressed by a professional. If your basement wall bows more than 1 inch, it's time for an inspection. Generally, a wall can bow up to 30% of its thickness (around 2.5 inches for an 8-inch-thick wall) before it becomes an urgent situation. Bowing of 2 to 4 inches is more straightforward to fix than bowing of more than 4 inches, which will require significant repairs. If the bowing is more than 6 inches, the wall will likely need to be replaced. The sooner you address the problem, the easier and less expensive the repair will be.

The actual moisture level that is acceptable for your concrete floor depends on what primer or flooring material you plan to install above it. For this reason, you should check the manufacturer’s instructions for the exact details.

Generally, the moisture levels should be 3.5% to 4.5%, although it does vary. Some products can handle higher levels of moisture, so you should always test your concrete before purchasing your flooring materials.

Aim for a concrete thickness of at least 4 inches for the walls of your above-ground storm shelter and 3.0 to 3.5 cubic yards of concrete for the base of your storm shelter. If you’re concerned about the thickness of your concrete while building a storm shelter, get in touch with a professional storm shelter builder to make sure your work is up to code and safe.