Concrete Contractors · Bonita, Chula Vista, CA
Concrete Driveway Replacement — Chula Vista
The Project
A Bonita homeowner had a 780 sq ft concrete driveway from 1985 with significant cracking, settling, and trip hazards near the garage apron. Three previous contractors had quoted overlay-only solutions; the homeowner wanted full tear-out and replacement.
Why this matters in Chula Vista
Driveway replacement is one of the highest-leverage curb-appeal investments a San Diego County homeowner can make, but it's also one of the most over-promised. Overlay-only solutions (a thin layer of new concrete over old) typically fail within 3–5 years because the underlying cracks telegraph through. Wire-mesh reinforcement spaced incorrectly does roughly nothing for slab strength. Subgrade compaction below 90% guarantees future settling. The right approach for a residential driveway is full tear-out, 95% subgrade compaction, 4" of 3,500 PSI concrete with #4 rebar, and sawcut control joints at 10' max spacing. Done this way, a driveway lasts 30+ years with no structural intervention.
Scope of Work
- ✓Sawcut and demo existing 780 sq ft concrete driveway
- ✓Haul away ~14 tons of broken concrete to recycling facility
- ✓Compact subgrade to 95% relative compaction
- ✓Install 4" thick 3,500 PSI slab with #4 rebar 18" o.c. each way
- ✓Control joints sawcut at 10' max spacing
- ✓Standard broom finish with chamfered edges
- ✓Cure for 7 days before vehicle loading
How Subworkit Contracting Delivered
Subworkit Contracting used 3,500 PSI mix with #4 rebar (vs. the more common wire mesh) for long-term durability. Sawcut control joints prevent random cracking. Project sequenced so tear-out happened Monday, base prep Tuesday, pour Wednesday morning, finishing Wednesday afternoon, cure starting Thursday.
Materials & Specifications
Specific brands, products, and engineering specs used on this project. We document materials so the homeowner has a complete record for warranty claims and future maintenance.
- Concrete mix
- 3,500 PSI standard residential mix from local SD plant, 5" slump
- Rebar
- #4 (1/2") rebar, 18" o.c. each way, chaired up to mid-slab depth
- Subgrade
- Compacted to 95% relative compaction, verified before pour
- Control joints
- Sawcut to 1/4 slab depth at 10' max spacing within 12 hours of finish
- Finish
- Standard medium-broom finish for traction; chamfered edges for durability
- Curing
- 7-day moisture cure with curing compound applied immediately after finish
Project Timeline & Process
4 days from start to final inspection. Each phase below shows what happened on-site, when, and why — the same level of detail you'll get on your project status update.
- 1
Sawcut + demo
Day 1Sawcut perimeter, demo existing 780 sq ft driveway, haul 14 tons of concrete to recycling facility.
- 2
Subgrade prep
Day 2Grade, compact to 95%, verify with proctor density. Set forms.
- 3
Pour + finish
Day 3Place rebar on chairs, pour concrete, screed, bull float, edge, broom finish, sawcut control joints.
- 4
Cure
Days 4–107-day moisture cure. Vehicle traffic permitted on day 7+.
Outcome
Total project: $9,400, completed in 4 working days on schedule. Homeowner received 5-year workmanship warranty. Driveway opened to vehicle traffic 7 days after pour.
Permits: City of Chula Vista — driveway replacement (no encroachment permit required, existing footprint).
Related services we offer
Most concrete contractors projects in Chula Vista touch one or more of the trades below. Subworkit Contracting handles them all in-house under a single CA Lic #945572.
Also serving nearby cities
This project was completed in Chula Vista, but Subworkit Contracting takes concrete contractors jobs throughout San Diego County, including:
San Diego · National City · Imperial Beach · Eastlake
Ready to Start Your Project?
Subworkit Contracting (CA Lic #945572) delivers transparent pricing, fixed schedules, and in-house crews across San Diego County. Free estimates.