Built For Montana. Built Around You.

These are the questions we hear most from Helena-area homeowners about concrete, landscaping, excavation, estimates, and billing. If you don't see your question here, reach out and we'll be glad to help.

Landscaping

How much money should I budget for my Landscaped Project?

5-10% the value of your home

How Long does the average full landscape take?

Typically, 5-10 business days.

Does my landscape come with a warranty?

1 Year Warranty

Is it recommended to have a blueprint/design for my landscape project?

Yes, it really depends on the size and the complexity of the project. It gives added transparency to the homeowner, project manager, and the crew on site performing the work.

Does landscaping improve the value of your home?

Yes, roughly 5-13% improvement

Concrete

Can you pour concrete in the winter months?

Yes, if the ground and air temperatures are warm enough to keep the concrete from freezing before it reaches 500 PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch) strength, and the ground beneath the concrete is not frozen.

Can I seal my exterior concrete right away?

No, you can use chemicals that allow the concrete to cure, but you do not want to seal it right away, it needs to breathe.

Is stamped concrete worth the extra cost?

Yes, with multiple different designs of stamps, the shiny colored design is very pleasing to the eye for lounging and hangout areas.

Can I use salt on my concrete to melt ice?

You cannot use salt for the first year after it is poured, and after the first year it is recommended that you seal the concrete before the usage of salt on it.

What is better, concrete or pavers?

Concrete has a stronger initial psi rating, but pavers offer a unique, custom textured look that is only achievable with paver material. So, it depends on what is most preferable to you.

What kind of concrete finish do you recommend?

For interior concrete, a sealed/hard trowel finish is the most common and recommended. Exterior concrete is to have a broom or stamped finish to allow the concrete to expand/contract through freeze and thaw cycles.

Excavation

How much does a septic system cost, roughly?

$7,000 – $15,000

How much pit run or road base should you put down for a road or driveway?

We suggest 6 – 8 inches to provide a good base before you put your road mix or crushed gravel down. This helps to prevent excess mud ruts in the springtime when it is wet.

What is the proper depth that a water line should be buried?

You should bury your water line at 6ft. Because of frost in the ground in the winter, this depth prevents water lines from freezing especially if you will be driving over it.

Is it okay to drive over the drain field?

NO. You should not drive over your drain field because you could crush the chambers and cause your system to fail.

How deep are electric lines buried?

Code or standard for electric lines is 24 inches minimum.

Estimates & Bids

How long after a site visit can a client expect a construction estimate?

Two business days is the company standard. We pride ourselves on delivering a timely, accurate estimate within that 2-day period to maintain project focus and relationships with the client.

With a multi-faceted project, is everything included on one estimate?

Freedom Fabrication offers first-class concrete, excavation, and landscaping services. If a project includes work in more than one of these divisions, multiple estimates will be provided for each service. Additionally, each estimate will include work areas to give the client a chronological order in which the work is to be performed.

What is the typical workflow for receiving an estimate?

Once we receive an opportunity, Trey will schedule a site visit to collect preliminary information and references such as photos and measurements. Then, he takes that information back to the office to prepare an initial blueprint, quantity calculations and detail drawings if necessary. Within two days the client can expect an estimate for their project including pertinent drawings and information.

Billing & General

If I have questions about an invoice or payment, who do I need to contact?

You will want to first reach out to our financial administrator, Hailee White. She will help address all of your questions and concerns regarding your invoice or payment. You can call her directly at 406.431.8126 or send her an email at [email protected].

What payment methods are available for me to pay my invoice?

We encourage customers to send checks, but we understand that does not work for everyone, so we do have an option available to customers to make payments with their card over the phone. However, all card payments are subject to an additional 4% card processing fee. This means if you are paying a $1,500 invoice with a card you will be charged $1,560 ($1,500 * 4% = $60 + $1,500 = $1,560).

How long from the time I receive my invoice do I have to pay?

All payments are due 20 days after the customer has received their invoice. If you are unable to pay your invoice in full within that 20-day period, please contact our financial administrator.