I'm having a new house built with a 10' x 10' patio, and we're considering extending it by 550 sq ft. Several companies have quoted us and are ready to pour the concrete right away. However, one company suggested that we should wait 1-2 years before pouring because the house is new and needs time to settle. They warned that pouring too soon might lead to cracks due to unsettled soil, while others seem eager to start right away. I'm looking for any advice or suggestions on this. Thanks!
3 Answers
In my experience after building a new home last year, I noticed significant settling, especially during seasonal changes. It's better to err on the side of caution and give it some time before you pour that concrete.
Definitely consider waiting! The area around new homes tends to settle, especially within a 5-10 ft radius from the foundation. I think you'll be safer if you hold off for at least a year or two before extending your patio.
If you're really worried about settling, going with pavers instead of concrete could be a good option. Pavers can handle slight ground shifts better, so you wouldn't have to wait as long before installing them!