Get 3 quotes - put them beside each other, throw out the highest and the lowest and you have the best choice, right? WRONG!  The problem is that most homeowners and many builders don't know the questions to ask when reviewing a quote, and are often disappointed with the finishing product. Worse yet, is that often to fix their walls they call in a sacking crew, and end up paying more that if they would have gone with us in the beginning.

When reading an architectural concrete quote you need to know you are comparing apples to apples. There are the obvious ones; does it include form ply & materials, concrete & pump, placing, finishing. Any architectural forming company should give you the option to include placing and finishing - thereby holding themselves responsible for the finished product. Should our client choose to go with a different company, we remind them that we cannot standby the finish. Which we would argue is almost as important as the formwork itself. We are the ONLY forming company I am aware that will guarantee your walls don't need parged or sacked.*

​Remember NO ARCHITECTURAL WALLS should NEED to be sacked and parged when new. #stoptheparge 

Here are some "not so obvious" questions that will impact he cost and quality of your architectural concrete walls: 

1. Are you using new formply? Reusing formply is great for the planet - but not so great for your finished product. Its fine if you are ok with recycled material - you will simply get a rougher finish. Just check to make sure - its a great way to undercut the price of materials. We give clients the option to include or exclude materials we they can be confident we are not taking advantage of them. 
2. Single or double waler? This refers to the forming style and is significant if your walls are over 2' high. Single waler is quicker - but not recommended for architectural concrete forming as some deflection can be expected. 
3. Chamfer edge or square? Many people think that chamfer is standard because they see it on commercial buildings. 90% of our residential projects DO NOT want chamfer. If a chambered look is your preference make sure you request it. But if not, be ensure your edge style is clear. Chamfer is cheaper and much quicker because the top of each sheet does not need to be cut to height. Typically an architecturally designed, residential concrete wall will have square edges, which gives a much more refined look. 

Let us know your thoughts below - and look us up for help on your new project. 

*Call for conditions of guarantee

Scott finishing up a concrete table top for our friends at Aloe Designs, you can see for yourself at Vancouver IDS 2016. We are excited about a new concrete product that allow us to make planters, tables, fire tables etc that are about half the weight and can be moved around your yard.

Our crew led by Manuel building some great stairs in Vancouver with Nexus Construction. It will take a few pours - but wait til you see them finished! #beautifulconcrete

We are just about finished this fun little project with Aloe Designs in Vancouver. This is why we love making #beautifulconcrete  Yes we do custom pavers :) 

Some simple forming details can take a plain driveway from good to great.

Scott making the hearth just perfect on what will be a gorgeous outdoor fireplace at gorgeous South Surrey home. 191' of architectural wall in the background will close in the space nicely.

Ask us how to make you a custom backyard fire table in a cost efficient way.

Work has begun on this project in Abbotsford. We are excited to partner with Mierau Contractors. This project consists of 31 low-barrier units of Supportive Housing for men. The building will be operated by Abbotsford Community Services (ACS), which will work with Fraser Health and other service providers, to provide assistance to residents.

We are excited to be underway on a new project with JSN in Richmond. A gorgeous townhouse development on No. 2 Road. 

Great little project, some stairs and a wall in Richmond on a beautiful modern home by Dakota Custom Home Builders. Yes, we take pride in the small things. 

Taking the time to build the forms on this project means that we can guarantee the outcome of these architectural stairs. Choosing the right company for this type of work is crucial. We'd love to do more of this, it is our specialty.