[schun67]

Hi! I was wondering if anyone knew who I need to contact to cut through the garage concrete slab, which apparently had tension rods in them. I want to relocate my washer to the garage but I was told that they would need to do an ultrasound to find where the tension rods are then cut square around the rods for the washer drain-sewer line. Thanks!

[ma0641]

If this is a residential slab in a home, I assume you are talking about rebar. Post tensioning cables are placed in large span concrete floors, and are tightened after curing. Rebar strengthens concrete because concrete has little flexural strength. Cutting a floor drain box hole, 12X 12 should have little if any impact on the floor strength even if you cut the rebar. Any competent cutting company would use a wet saw and cut the hole. However, unless you are you sure there isn't power or water or drains under the slab, it would be better to locate whatever might be under the slab. You never know where someone brought in services.

[va_scubadiver]

It is possible that a residential slab has post-tensioned cables - they were used in Texas for sure for a while - especially on larger homes. If this is the case - you can usually see the ends of the cables or the patches over the cable ends around the perimeter of the slab.

As ma0641 said, any competent insured (get a copy and confirm it's paid up) cutting company can do this.

[spanky917]

VA is correct about the need to verify that insurance is current... never accept an insurance certificate from the contractor... find out what insurance company carries his/her insurance... contact that agent and have a certificate issued to you (In your name) and have the certificate state that you will be notified at least 30 days before any cancellation takes effect.

Also... make certain that workers comp, liability, etc limits are stated on the certificate.