Mitch Horvat: Owner
skidsteerguy@yahoo.com
Cell Phone: (715) 829-6215
FAQs
Many clients have questions about how our business operates and what sorts of specialized services we offer. Although we are in the process of a major update, check back to this page in the future and we will have a helpful collection of all the questions we are most frequently asked. In the mean time, if you have any specific questions, be sure to email me, I will post them as soon as possible with the answer!
Q. Do I need to use geo grid when constructing a retaining wall?
A. If your wall is under 4' in height typically you don't. Now if your wall is 3' high and holding up a parking stall you will need grid and should consult an engineer to make sure your wall is built to withstand the pressure it will face.
Q. We have gotten several quotes but the prices are all over the board, why is this, anything to look for?
A. Absolutely! When regarding brick pavers and retaining walls, there are many things you need to look for. The retaining wall has to have a drain tile behind it, 3/4" fractured rock is highly recommended, not pea gravel. The base row needs to be sitting on at least 6" of base coarse, not sand. Compaction is number one, hand tampers do not cut it, it needs to put down enough force to compact to 95% proctor. With brick pavers, you need at least 6" of base coars, 12"-15" if it is a driveway. An inch of sand or less is industry standards. Here again compaction is key.
Q. Why hire a contractor, it looks easy to do.
A. It is easy, if you know what you're doing. At Skid Steer Guy we have a 20' cargo trailer just devoted to retaining walls and brick pavers. You in no way need all the tools we carry, but there isn't a tool for walls or pavers that we don't have in there. You'll need a masonry saw, different kinds are best suited for different cuts. Compactors, the bigger the better for compaction. To get the professional image you will need a splitter for half blocks or caps, or you can use a brick hammer and chisel. For example, in our cargo trailer we carry 2 hand held saws, two table saws, two grinders with diamond blades, on average two jumping jacks, two plate compactors, and tons of misc hammers, chisels, and other tools.
Q. How do we best choose our contractor?
A. Like any contractor, we like to get the majority of the jobs we quote, but the most important thing for you is to pick someone you trust. You will be spending money on the project you are doing, and you want a contractor that will answer when you call, explain everything and not proceed until you truly understand the answers to your questions, and shows a professional image while dealing with problems. Like I said, I would love to receive every job I bid, but I know it doesn't work that way, there are several very fine contractors that I respect in the area, and would be glad to know you picked the one you felt the most comfortable with.
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