About working with us
Are you a registered contractor?
Yes. OT Construction LLC is registered with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries under registration number OTCONCL809PA. State law requires construction contractors to be registered, bonded, and insured, and you can verify any contractor’s registration on the L&I website.
What areas do you serve?
We’re based in Federal Way and serve Pierce and South King County, including Edgewood, University Place, Tacoma, Kent, Auburn, and Renton. See our service areas page for the full list.
How do I get a quote?
Call 206-483-5334 or email us. Our quote page lists what to tell us. We’ll talk through your project and set up a time to see the site, since the ground, slope, and drainage change the plan and the price.
Do you take on light commercial work?
Yes. We build and repair concrete flatwork, retaining walls, and drainage for light commercial properties as well as homes.
What affects the price of a concrete project?
Size and thickness, how much base preparation the site needs, access for equipment, slope, reinforcement, the finish (broom, aggregate, stamped, colored), demolition and haul-off, drainage work, permits, and the season. We price each job after seeing the site.
Concrete basics
How long does concrete take to cure?
Concrete keeps gaining strength for weeks. Foot traffic is usually fine after a day or two and vehicles after about a week, with full design strength measured at 28 days. Cold weather slows all of it down.
Why does concrete crack?
All concrete shrinks as it dries, and cracking is normal. The goal is to control where it happens. A compacted base, reinforcement, and control joints let cracks form in straight, intentional lines. Wandering cracks usually point to base or drainage problems.
Can you pour concrete in the winter?
Yes, with the right preparation. Western Washington winters are more wet than frozen, and cold-weather practices let concrete gain strength safely. Read our step-by-step guide to winter concrete pours.
How should I care for new concrete?
Keep vehicles and heavy loads off until we tell you it’s ready. Keep de-icing salts off new concrete during its first winter. Seal it as recommended, and keep moss and algae off shaded areas.
Permits, walls, and water
Do I need a permit for my project?
It depends on the project and the city. As a general baseline, retaining walls over 4 feet (measured from the bottom of the footing), walls that carry a driveway or building, stairs and guards under the residential code, and any work in the public right-of-way typically require permits. We check your city’s rules before we quote.
What’s the difference between a French drain and basement waterproofing?
A French drain collects and carries away groundwater or runoff, and it’s often installed in a yard. Basement waterproofing deals with water at the foundation itself, with repairs, membranes, and footing drains. Many wet-basement problems need both, and an inspection tells you which.
Why do retaining walls fail?
Almost always because of water. Saturated soil pushes on a wall, and without a drain behind it, that pressure builds. A good wall has a proper footing, reinforcement, drain rock, and a drain with a working outlet.