What should be reviewed before changing the surface?

Map what the water actually does

Photograph the full concrete area and the places water enters, crosses or leaves it after a known event. Note downspouts, irrigation, drains, walls, planters, curbs, joints and low-looking areas without assigning cause from appearance alone. Include doors, garage openings and neighboring paving that could be affected by a new elevation. A useful scope distinguishes an observed wet area from a verified drainage path and states whether drainage work is included, excluded or still needs field review.

Review every retained transition

Mark where new or repaired concrete meets an existing slab, asphalt, pavers, tile, steps, walls, thresholds, drains, landscape or the public edge. Record which surface remains and what use crosses the transition: walking, vehicles, carts, gates or doors. The proposal should explain the intended meeting point and any limit that still depends on measurements or removal. A smooth-looking drawing does not prove the actual grades, ownership limits or conditions beneath retained work.

Compare scope options by water effect

A localized patch may preserve nearly all existing elevations. Replacing one panel creates new edges and an opportunity to review its surface relationship to adjoining work. A broader replacement changes more of the area and can affect more transitions. For each option, ask what elevations are being changed, what drainage feature is retained, what observation supports the approach and what outcome is not promised. Avoid treating new concrete as an automatic solution for water coming from an unverified source.

Write a decision point for field findings

The scope should identify the information expected before placement and who decides if exposed conditions or measurements differ. A drain elevation, hidden edge, base condition, utility conflict or adjoining slab may change the practical boundary. Record the finding with a wide photo and the proposed effect on removal, transition, finish, schedule and price. This gives the customer a clear choice without asking them to design slopes or diagnose site drainage.

Prepare the site review

Bring dated photos after known rain or irrigation events, earlier drainage or concrete scopes, and a simple map of doors, drains, downspouts, planters and adjoining surfaces. Mark the area that must remain usable. Ask the field review to return a measured repair boundary, included drainage work, retained transitions, open questions and the approval needed if actual elevations change the plan.

Before approval

• Water observations
• Doors and thresholds
• Drains and edges
• Adjoining grades
• Retained surfaces
• Unknown conditions