Gather these five details
- Property ZIP and private slab or public-sidewalk location
- Wide views of the settled area and affected joints
- Approximate panel dimensions and height differences from a safe position
- Standing water, drainage direction and previous repairs
- Vehicle access, nearby structures and dates the area can be closed
Public resources for your property
Identify whether the affected concrete is a private drive or patio, or a public sidewalk. Des Moines has separate public-sidewalk requirements; do not assume a private slab-lifting proposal resolves a city notice.
- Des Moines sidewalk ordinance
The city’s sidewalk provisions concern public sidewalks. Ask the city about its requirements before accepting lifting as a solution for a public walk.
- Iowa contractor registration
Review DIAL’s construction-contractor registration information and match the chosen business. Registration is not an endorsement of a lifting method.
Five questions for the written proposal
Open a topic for the question to ask and what to compare.
Suitability
Ask: Which panels are suitable for lifting, and why?
Ask which damaged areas require replacement or a separate assessment.
Boundary
Ask: Which panels and adjacent transitions are included?
Mark the boundary so two prices cover the same area.
Result
Ask: What elevation and drainage result is agreed?
A lifted joint and a drainage correction are different objectives.
Finishing
Ask: Are holes, joints and cracks addressed?
Record patching and any separately quoted joint or crack work.
Terms
Ask: What limitations and return-to-use terms apply?
Keep settlement exclusions and actual warranty terms in the proposal.