"Highly recommended! I contracted with Brick Solutions owner, Joe Walls, to have a badly damaged concrete driveway replaced with brick pavers. I had previously gotten estimates for replacing the driveway with new concrete but I was concerned about damaging the roots of a very old tulip poplar tree adjacent to the driveway. When the concrete contractor informed me if he didn?t cut the roots he couldn?t guarantee the concrete but if he did cut the roots he could not guarantee the tree would survive, I decided to go with brick. Joe said he could do the driveway without damaging the roots. He broke up the old concrete with a jackhammer rather than bringing in heavy equipment. We consulted with an arborist who told Joe what could or could not be cut. When our plan to save a portion of the old concrete did not work out because it was too cracked Joe volunteered to break it up and replace it with brick at no extra charge. He worked carefully, followed all out suggestions, and managed to give us a smooth brick driveway that looks much better than what we had before. In short, Brick Solutions did a great job for a reasonable price and it was pleasure to work with Joe.
"It was good. There were certain things that weren't covered under the plan. I'm not sure if they cut the bushes down in the back around the fence. I had to pay extra for that. They should try get me to know the schedule so I know when they're coming and when they're not coming. Other than that, it takes time to get the workers together. I like Patrick and he's the owner. The thing in the firepit was included with the mulch but he said I had to pay for the materials."
"It went well. I was pleased with the services that they provided and the plan that they came up with. I had no trouble submitting it to the city in order to obtain a permit. They were easy to work with, even coming out on Saturday or Sunday, or the evenings - whatever worked with my schedule. They are really friendly, helpful and easy to get along with. It was a great experience and I plan to go to them for some additional work that I am planning on doing."
"We are very pleased with Sky Home Improvements/Ben Meffley's work and communication. The work was done at a rental home so we really appreciate Ben's great communication and keeping us updated. Ben sent before and after pictures. There were a couple of things that Ben noticed on the roof that would become problems in the future. He called explained the situation and sent pictures. He was very straight forward and honest and sent pictures of the items he noticed. It was nice to be able to see (from the pictures) what needed to be done for ourselves. In the future if there is anymore work that needs to be done we would definitely call Sky Home Improvements. "
Professional metal fabricators typically charge around $70 per hour, but the total cost of your project will depend on several factors. The largest cost drivers are the size, complexity, and design of the project, as well as the price and type of metal used. A good way to estimate the total cost is to multiply the cost of raw materials by four; typically, one-quarter of the total goes toward materials and three-quarters toward labor. Your geographic location can also influence costs, as labor and material prices vary by region.
There are a few things you can ask welders before you hire them to get an idea of their experience and ability levels:
Are you licensed and certified?
How long have you been in the welding business?
Do you commonly do the type of welding I need?
Do you offer any kind of warranty for your work?
Do you charge by the hour or by the project?
How long do you expect my welding project to take?
What steps do you take to minimize errors in your work?
Yes, but you’ll need reliable steel-cutting tools and safety gear to get started. Shipping containers are typically around ¾ inch thick, so it’s entirely possible to cut through them, but experience and the right equipment are very important. When possible, try to get a container as close to the size you want it as possible.
Welders use a variety of methods in their trade. Different types of welding are better suited for different purposes and contexts. For example, stick welding is a versatile form suitable for most metals and alloys.
The most common types of welding include:
Stick welding: $100–$1,000
Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding: $250 and up
Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding: $250 and up
Gas welding: $150 and up
Forge welding: $15–$25 per hour
The average cost for a welding project is about $300, with typical costs ranging from $125 to $490. However, prices can be as low as $125 for very small jobs or exceed $1,200 for large or complex projects. Welders typically charge an hourly rate between $65 and $150, depending on their experience, and many charge a minimum fee to cover overhead and travel expenses. The total cost is influenced by several factors, including labor, the cost of materials like metal rods and shielding gas, the type of metal being welded, the project's size and complexity, and your geographic location. For a precise quote, it's best to ask a local welder for an estimate based on your specific project.
The Fries, VA homeowners’ guide to concrete cutting services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Time to get rid of that old chipped and crumbling walkway? Concrete removal costs can add up, but you have options to simplify the process. Learn more here.