Concrete Construction Built on Experience
Concrete construction for Carmichael homes and properties, backed by hands-on experience in site preparation, drainage, hardscape, and complete outdoor construction.
BUILT FOR CARMICHAEL PROPERTIES
Carmichael properties can vary considerably—from established homes surrounded by mature trees and landscaping to larger lots, custom properties, and newer homes with outdoor spaces still taking shape.
That means concrete shouldn't be approached as simply choosing a finish and deciding where to pour.
At an established property, existing concrete, drainage, elevations, landscaping, structures, utilities, and access may all influence what makes sense for the new work. Sometimes the right solution is straightforward replacement. Other times, removing old concrete creates an opportunity to improve the layout, correct drainage concerns, change elevations, or better connect different areas of the property.
For newer or more open backyards, we can consider the concrete alongside future pools, structures, landscaping, outdoor kitchens, drainage, and other improvements before the space is built out.
The finished surface matters, but so does everything that has to be considered before the concrete ever arrives.
Additional Concrete Services & Finishes Available Upon Request
THE DETAILS BEHIND QUALITY CONCRETE
01 Removing existing concrete isn't always about replacing exactly what was there. On established Carmichael properties, demolition can create an opportunity to reconsider the layout, correct problem areas, improve drainage or elevations, and determine whether the existing hardscape still makes sense for the way the property is used today.
02 Concrete changes how water moves across a property. Before construction, we consider how the new concrete relates to the home, surrounding landscaping, structures, existing hardscape, drainage systems, and adjoining elevations. The goal is to think about where water needs to go before the finished surface determines where it can go.
03 The part of a concrete project homeowners see every day is the finished surface. The preparation beneath it matters just as much. Excavation, grading, base preparation, reinforcement, forming, drainage considerations, concrete placement, and finishing all contribute to the completed project. Quality concrete starts long before the finish is applied.
04 Established properties can introduce conditions that aren't always obvious when you're first discussing a new patio, driveway, walkway, or pool deck. Existing improvements, mature landscaping, access limitations, drainage, utilities, and previous construction all need to be considered based on the individual property. We plan the concrete around the property rather than assuming every site should be approached the same way.
Concrete has been part of Colton's construction background long before CJR became the company it is today.
That hands-on experience matters because concrete work involves much more than what you see after the forms are removed.
Site preparation, excavation, grading, drainage, reinforcement, elevations, structures, access, and the improvements surrounding the concrete can all affect how the project should be approached.
Today, CJR holds a C-8 Concrete license, and that concrete experience remains a major part of how we plan and build complete outdoor projects.
Whether we're constructing a driveway, patio, pool deck, steps, slab, foundation, sport court, or concrete that is part of a much larger backyard project, we approach the work from a construction perspective first.
Learn More About Our Company
THOUGHTFUL CONCRETE DESIGN
Concrete can serve a practical purpose without feeling disconnected from the rest of the home.
The layout, finish, borders, transitions, steps, elevations, and relationship to surrounding landscaping and structures can all influence how the finished hardscape feels.
On an established Carmichael property, that may mean introducing new concrete without losing the character created by mature landscaping and existing features.
On a newer property, it may mean establishing the hardscape that future landscaping, structures, pools, and outdoor living areas will eventually build around.
The goal is concrete that works for the property and feels intentional once the entire space comes together.
Explore recent CJR concrete projects, from pool decks and patios to driveways, steps, slabs, hardscape, and larger outdoor construction.
Outdoor projects become much easier to manage when the company planning them understands more than one trade. Here's what sets the CJR experience apart.
We design and build pools, concrete, hardscape, outdoor living, landscape, drainage, and more—so every element works together from the beginning.
CJR is a family-owned and owner-operated company. You work directly with owner Colton Ray from the initial consultation through construction—there isn't a salesperson between you and the person responsible for the work.
Our background in concrete, excavation, pools, and complete outdoor construction helps us anticipate challenges, plan properly, and consider how each part of the project affects the next.
We want our clients to understand what they are building, what is included, how the project will be approached, and who is accountable for bringing it together.
Carmichael's established homes can come with mature landscaping, existing hardscape, older improvements, and site conditions that require more thought than starting from a blank property. Our construction-first approach helps us evaluate how the new concrete should work with what's already there—and what may need to change.
Our focus is thoughtful planning, proper preparation, quality craftsmanship, and doing the work correctly—not taking shortcuts to move a project along.
Colton and his team were EXCEPTIONAL in their work at our home. We had a big backyard of flat dirt and he helped turn it into a beautiful resort like feel.
— Heather A. · CJR client, via Google
The Details That Matter
Concrete pricing depends on much more than square footage.
Demolition, access, excavation, grading, base preparation, reinforcement, concrete thickness, drainage, elevations, finish selection, steps, walls, site conditions, and the complexity of the layout can all affect the scope and investment.
For larger outdoor projects, we also discuss your targeted comfort zone of investment so we're making decisions with an understanding of the overall project—not designing each piece independently of the budget.
Yes.
Concrete demolition and replacement are part of our capabilities, but we don't automatically assume the new concrete should duplicate the old layout.
If the existing hardscape has drainage problems, awkward transitions, elevations that could be improved, or simply no longer works for the way you use the property, demolition gives us an opportunity to evaluate those issues before rebuilding.
Sometimes replacement makes sense. Sometimes redesign makes more sense.
Because the finished concrete is only as good as the construction supporting it.
Proper excavation, grading, base preparation, reinforcement, forming, drainage planning, concrete placement, and finishing all play a role in the completed project.
These are not the most visually exciting parts of a concrete project, but they are some of the most important decisions being made before you ever see the finished surface.
Yes.
Concrete changes how water moves through a property, which is why drainage and elevations should be considered as part of planning—not after the concrete has already been installed.
We evaluate how the new hardscape relates to the home, landscaping, structures, adjoining concrete, surrounding grades, and applicable drainage systems.
Compare the scope of work, not only the total price.
Look at demolition, excavation, preparation, base material, reinforcement, concrete specifications, drainage, finish, access, disposal, forming, steps or transitions, and exactly what is included or excluded.
Two proposals with different prices may not be proposing the same construction.
A lower number isn't necessarily the same project for less money if the scopes aren't actually equivalent.
Yes. This is one of the advantages of working with CJR.
Concrete can be coordinated with a pool, drainage, hardscape, outdoor kitchen, pavilion, fire feature, artificial turf, lighting, retaining walls, landscape installations, irrigation, and other outdoor improvements included in a larger project.
That allows us to make concrete decisions while understanding what is going beside it, above it, through it, and around it.
Yes.
CJR's concrete capabilities include foundations, footings, concrete slabs, garage and shop slabs, and ADU foundations and slabs, depending on the individual project and applicable construction requirements.
These projects benefit from the same construction-first approach we bring to our decorative and outdoor concrete work.
Your initial project consultation is directly with CJR owner Colton Ray, not a salesperson.
Colton can walk the property with you, understand what you're hoping to build, evaluate existing conditions, discuss your priorities and targeted comfort zone of investment, and bring his hands-on concrete and construction experience into the conversation from the beginning.
There isn't a salesperson between you and the person responsible for the work.
Planning an outdoor project comes with a lot of questions. We’re here to help you understand your options, what may make sense for your property, and the right next step.
More than just your average concrete contractor. We specialize in complete outdoor construction, including decorative concrete, structural concrete foundations, landscape installations, artificial turf, outdoor living, and more. One point of contact. One seamless experience thoughtfully designed and built by one experienced team.
Explore All ServicesBuilding your dream backyard may be more attainable than you think. Through our trusted financing partners, Lyon Financial and HFS Financial, we offer flexible financing options for custom pools and outdoor living projects. Get pre-approved today with a soft credit inquiry and explore financing that fits your budget and goals.
Explore FinancingTrusted Partners & Suppliers
Take a look at a few of the trusted suppliers and local businesses we rely on for quality products and professional services.
Local Suppliers & Partners →CJR's Local Picks
A Carmichael coffee shop with a personality all its own. Fast Cat combines specialty coffee and gourmet grilled cheese with a vintage motorsports-inspired atmosphere. A fun local stop when you’re looking for coffee, breakfast, lunch, or somewhere a little different from the usual coffee shop.
Visit
Located in Carmichael’s Crestview Village Shopping Center, Twisted Mac puts a fun spin on familiar comfort food with customizable mac and cheese, gourmet subs, and brick-oven pizzas. It’s an easy local pick for a casual lunch or dinner when comfort food sounds just right.
Visit
The Char Market is a locally owned Carmichael restaurant known for its MexaCali-style menu, grilled meats, tacos, and especially its bone marrow dishes. It has earned attention well beyond Carmichael while still feeling like the kind of neighborhood spot locals are lucky to have nearby.
Visit
Tell us a little about your property, what you're looking to build, and what you would like the finished space to accomplish.
We'll start with a conversation about your project, property, priorities, and targeted comfort zone of investment to determine the right next step.
