My concrete porch is completely screwed. Instead of paying a contractor, I'm going to press gang some friends and relatives into my crew, do the work myself and cut the price more than half.
Project is scheduled for April 8th, 9th and 10th, so any tips, tricks or advice will be greatly appreciated.
The concrete is VERY thin, maybe only an inch, so I don't forsee any problems cutting it or breaking it with a sledgehammer.
Pics are attached.
A couple of questions:
1. At the point where the new concrete will butt up against the old concrete, will I need to put an expansion joint or some other doodad to prevent future cracks?
2. Are there any special precautions I should be taking to keep the concrete from leaking out the front? My plan is to brace plywood against the front, but I'm worried it won't seal well enough and the concrete will leak out.
3. Will I be able to put a fresh layer of concrete over top of the existing concrete steps? I want them to look really good for potential home buyers but I'm concerned a new layer will start cracking and flaking very quickly.
The list of tools I'm planning on (feel free to add any additional that you think are necessary):
Sledgehammer
Circular saw w/Diamond blade
Mitre Saw&Table saw (for cutting forms and supports)
Claw hammer
Chisel
6' pry bar
Shorter pry bar
Rounded edger trowel
Straight joint groove trowel
Metal hoe
Shovel
Wooden float/trowel
Finishing trowel
Tamper
Drill
Level
Wheel barrow