We live in the Los Angeles area and recently replaced a 8' window with a french sliding door. Afterwards, we designed a step and landing to exit the new door. Unfortunately, we had some issues with the concrete work and must now seek advice on "damage control." 1) The concrete guy (I will not call him a "mason") failed to remove all the screws from the forms for the top step and it literally fell apart when he pulled out the forms. He hastily tried to re-hydrate the cement and put the forms back in place. The repair looked OK at first but after the cement dried we noticed several hairline cracks in the bullnose. They are very small cracks but we fear they will propagate if not addressed properly. The installer wanted to put cement in them but we thought that was pretty lame and told him not to do that. Does anyone have any informed suggestions on how to go about repairing the cracks? 2) The installer elected to "fix" a couple of other defects with what looks to be the same spec mix he used to grout the tiles. It's too dark and doesn't blend with the concrete. What can we do to make it blend in more? Is there some sort of paint or sealant we can use that will match the concrete? We appreciate any helpful advice you can offer. Thanks. Stephanie P.S. In case you're wondering, the PVC pipe showing in the photo is for an electrical connection to run LED rope light in a channel behind the bullnose on the top step.

I have below grade concrete poured foundation walls in my basement from 1928. I have no visible seepage through the walls but the concrete is deteriorating and flaking off. should I scrape away the loose stuff and stucco over the cavities with a portland sand mix, and if so can i then paint it and what should i use. I would like to finish the basement and do away with any dust factors etc. Or should i just leave it and frame and rock over it.

The post above carlos229 is not the OP. One thing I was going to point out about the difference in cost: If you divide the total cost by the proposed # of piers, you get $1600/pier for one contractor and $1700 for the other. So their rate per pier is not far off at all. I did the same thing with foam jacking my sinking driveway. Had estimates from $980 all the way to $2200. Each estimated an amount of foam plus a per-pound price if they went over. I calculated the cost if everyone used the same amount as the highest estimate, and the estimates came out within a couple hundred bucks of each other at that point. So I picked the guy I liked best. He wasn't the cheapest one but it didn't make that much difference. Question is how many piers you need, and I can't help with that. I liked the idea of hiring someone who has no stake in the game to tell you want you need.

My thoughts exactly - Although this board member seems to think a patch and cover job will suffice for both the flashing and the foundation sill. In my mind - we've got 55 years without major hassle and very little maintenance. It's time to upgrade, and nickel and diming is not the right approach when it comes to exterior water protection. :S