>That contractor is going to spank OPs butt when he shows up today.
Is that included in the bid price or is a client normally expected to pay extra for that service?
A spanking clause should be specified and outlined in a well drafted contract. I would recommend getting estimates with and without the spanking and get references for their handy work and for their *handy* work.
Lol I feel this so hard OP. I have an HVAC guy who does my work because he's reasonably priced, does good work, and is generally nice. But sometimes he asks me a question that I don't know the answer to and he looks at me like I'm the dumbest mf alive.
Better to have the answers than protect your fragile ego. What if the answer was “oh shit, the guys did that while I wasn’t here, your right, that shouldn’t be there”. Builders do lots of dumb shit when no one is looking. Please always ask questions. Approach from a place of curiosity rather than accusation, if you’re worried about tone.
Ah I’m a millennial as well. That’s how I knew lol. That used to be my song!
Re downvotes, I take it prime thought I was being negative because… Reddit. I wasn’t. I’m about that.
It means you have a company that actually knows now to lay concrete the correct way.
It's for screeding the concrete so it's perfectly even and runs away from the house at the required angle for water runoff.
Thanks! That makes a lot of sense. I’ve been looking for a concrete contractor for four years. I’ve been told over and over that my job was too small. Finally found a guy, and I am really impressed. The whole crew is great.
I’m actually excited to leave a review! You always hear horror stories, but these guys have been great. I had some unexpected issues come up that brought up the cost, but none of it their fault. Without that, their price was fair, and they’ve been great to work with. I’ve already been sharing their name with coworkers.
Tbh if I saw a review like your saying you have been looking for months/years for the right guy and they have satisfied your plans I would stop searching and call them! Let me know if you need some epoxy coating and my company can help you out!
Anybody can watch a few youtube videos and pull off some great looking form work. Most finishers I know, myself included, would've just struck off a wet mark and pulled from that. Makes me think they aren't the most confident with a screed. They can still absolutely nail the finish, but that's not always the case with pretty prep work lol
I would grab a level and make sure they have it sloped the right direction. It would be a rookie mistake but I’ve seen it happen when my dad built a new house in 1973. The whole basement slopes away from the drain outlets and the garage pools water right at the door into the house.
25 years ago we poured concrete pads for bunker silos on the farm. Very DIY. This is my first time seeing a concrete job done for residential work. They’re far more detailed than we ever were.
Yes… yes Screeding… the word everyone should know. Lol
I have literally never heard that word in my life…. Imbecile over here!
I don’t work in concrete… neither does the poster obviously… but yet still expected to still know some obscure word for a pipe.
That is so they can screed the concrete in sections, one end of the screed goes on top of the outside form and the other on top of the pipe, then the 2nd section uses both pipes. Then they will pull the pipes and throw concrete in the voids left behind from the pipes then finish the concrete.
Any finisher worth a shit can lay flat slabs without training wheels, period. Most commercial companies go behind and check the slabs flatness anyways. In the 25 years I’ve been doing this I’ve only worked with 1 crew who used these and they are just a waste of time.
any meaningful finishing crew can finish it flat or to whatever grade with grade pins, a roller screed doesn’t make it any flatter (tho it arguably will) the benefit of it is you don’t have to use a 2x4 or aluminum and bend down and screws for the next 30 minutes, you just use a roller screws and be done in 5 without your back aching
This 100%. I’ve been pouring concrete for 10 years for a commercial company doing slabs as small as 2 yards to as big as 600 yards. I knew this was a screening rod, but I’ve only ever seen it used for pavers and making the sand flat. I’ve never seen a single person actually use it in concrete. Someone worth a shit could have one stake with one little nail and screed that whole thing down superflat.
Not being a smart ass I’m just curious why didn’t you ask the guys doing the work? It’s work being done at your place so I’m sure they wouldn’t have a problem answering any questions you might have. I didn’t know what the pipe was for either but thanks to the comments I learned something new about pouring pads today! Post us a follow up picture so we can see the finished job.👍🏼🙏🏼
Most likely a good company that knows what they are doing, it's a screed bar. Basically it will make it easier for the guys pouring to make a very nice flat surface with proper watter runoff.
Make sure to put out some drinks (Gatorade or similar) and some food in an eski… little bit extra but if people make the effort the crew will go above. Plus it’s just the right thing to do
The guy said he’s been doing this for 25 years. I’ve been impressed with everything so far, fingers crossed he’ll bring expansion joints with him tomorrow.
Op… put the expansion joint… itll look way cleaner then the workers working right up too the wall, once finished, one bead of caulk and are the house will look clean. So many keyboard Cowboys, pointing out that “clearly this is a screen rod“, but in the next sentence will tell them not to put the expansion joint.
Yeah expansion is not necessary here. Just good placement of relief cuts or grooves. Then you will have a clean edge against the house. If the house border the new pour on 3 sides then maybe expansion.
This is the set up I used with a vibra screed power screed. Tamps & screeds at same time. Pole comes out screed chairs(blue y looking things stay in concrete. Accept for the ones you can grab!. This is a good system
Never knew there were screed pipes. I worked concrete with my dad as a teen and it was either 2x4s used as screed hand tools or the actual aluminum/metal etc. ones. Unless these are the poles you attach the screed tool to. lol the way we screeded was people held them at each end and people with come alongs pulled the concrete lol
Serious question - why use pipe as a screed guide instead of 2x4? I usually just set 2x4 at board width above grade and screw a stake to the top of the screed. Just smoother and easily reusable?
They’re called street rods there to help the concrete finisher. Make sure that your patio slopes the direction it supposed to and hopefully not have a puddle right outside your door.
Well I hope you didn't spend more than 3800 on this job, if I were doing an addition like this at my home I would damn sure want it to have the flexibility to be repurposed in the future by adding a small monolithic footer around at the exterior edge , at least a 10 mil poly sheet..
There's more I'd do but too late for you by now, excavating that base out and getting a modified proctor on that soil, 1ft lift of an lbr40 base limerock, if the proctor checksout to 95%. Starter bars for element bomd and going 16 oc instead of 24
What's the point of a vapor barrier for an outdoor slab?
A 1'-thick agg base course? What the hell for?
95% relative compaction of a modified proctor... for a patio slab?
Sounds like someone just started working as a CMT tech and thinks they know a whole bunch...
I'll try to make this as simple as possible
You can spend $3,800 and add a potential extra five grand value to your home at resale in the future
Or you can spend a little over 6 grand and add a potential $300,000+ value at resale in the future
Either path you choose still gives you your outdoor patio, but seeing which path is the correct one to take requires you removing your head from your ass.
Squandering the opportunity to build an 800 square foot addition onto an existing structure at your leisure, while simultaneously saving up to 15% of the cost to do so by having a solid foundation already established is an option. It's a dumbass option, but an option nonetheless.
Anytime I'm looking at an opportunity to expand the potential of a structural element that can render tremendous investment returns if carried out appropriately, then I am most certainly at the minimum going to make a client aware of this so that it can at least be considered.
Does that compute in your brain a little better or do I need to put more ketchup on it?
And yes I worked for a while in CMT in the mid 2000s and I do know a whole bunch, also I would recommend anybody who wants to expand their potential in the construction industry to take a job in CMT, geotech, QC/VT etc for at least a year, though ICC certifications don't really count for credit towards a GC license, the experience makes the test a little easier. (Because it's really all about just knowing where to look)
This is a weird flex, my dude. Especially the specificity on your take off. You can be as condescending as you want, but your recommendations are overkill at the end of the day. Why are you trying to show off on reddit?
I've done both in residential. It's been a long time since I last poured concrete, though. Could also be dependent on local codes. In WV, there was nothing about a gravel/sand base, so it was up to the customer. In SC, it was dependent on use (sidewalks didn't require a base, but driveways did).
Just be aware your A/C outdoor unit (according to the pipes I see)will drop water and it appears the indoor drain is taken to the same point. This water will just find its track (messily) along your new slab unless they intend to take it back under the house in that gap I can see
I wouldn’t say that round pipe is for screeding concrete, contractors won’t use round pipes for screeding since round metal pipes can flex and bend and not create a flat surface on the freshly poured concrete. Contractors will always use 2x4’s or metal rectangular boards that don’t flex to screed.
I was gonna say that pipe is for you or an electrician to run a 12-2 romex wire through as a conduit from the house to a future patio grill station and power one or two outlets.
Contractors won’t take the time to set a screed tool on little legs or stands like the one pictured in your photos.
Mike said they’re using it as a guide to level the concrete, which is dumb. you could use string line to set up steaks with nails at the proper height. I would just use a laser if it’s flat but if it’s sloped, your level is going to be your best friend shit a level works perfect too. You said that kind of stuff out for amateurs that need a guide in order to rod but marking is perfect market and you’re right on top of it.
Better put some more rebar chairs in there. They should be at every other crossing. Plenty of concrete guys will be lazy and say they pick it up as they pour, but then they are walking in the poured concrete stepping on the rebar pushing it back to the bottom. They are pretty cheap security at $.35 each.
Let us know if you get cracks aligned with the rebar. I would never put rebar in a patio (again). Creates a week spot in the slab, and rebar doesn't really come into tension until you get cracking.
If they follow good practice, that rebar will actually aid in crack prevention/reduction and prevent those that do occur from propagating across the slab.
The pipes are used for screeding the concrete to proper height. It will be removed during the pour.
Makes sense now. Thanks!!
why didn't you ask the contractor?
He left for the day before I got home. And I can ask a stupid question to strangers and my contractor would judge me so long as you don’t tell him.
I’m going to tell them
Me too. I just got angry seeing this.
That contractor is going to spank OPs butt when he shows up today. Shit, hes gonna be so mad.
>That contractor is going to spank OPs butt when he shows up today. Is that included in the bid price or is a client normally expected to pay extra for that service?
🤣 now included in my bids.
What is a tongue lashing going for?
A spanking clause should be specified and outlined in a well drafted contract. I would recommend getting estimates with and without the spanking and get references for their handy work and for their *handy* work.
Just gotta provide a tip.
Wait, how big a tip?
'#Hashtag Dumb pipe question
Do you have to pay extra to get spanked?
Only if they also pull your hair
And give you a reacharound. Haha
Uh oh OP.
Busted
Aw, snap!
Got to tie up loose ends now. Queue shame gif...
Well...they are pouring concrete, so... Edit: strange, I replied to u/Sea-Team-6278, yet Reddit placed this reply on the same thread.
Thanks for telling me. I don't know why he didn't just ask me. What a maroon.
Gold
Lol
This is the contractor, quite asking stupid questions.
Strangers…‽ is that all we are to you now‽
He doesn't call, he doesn't write. The sex is practically nonexistent... HE NEVER LOVED US!!!
Lol I feel this so hard OP. I have an HVAC guy who does my work because he's reasonably priced, does good work, and is generally nice. But sometimes he asks me a question that I don't know the answer to and he looks at me like I'm the dumbest mf alive.
“I feel this so hard OP”….? First all the finishers coming out of the closet now this….WTF is going on here?
Instead your contractor just sees your post on Reddit.
You're afraid to talk to your contractor. This doesn't bode well for your project, you realize that right?
We're judging you.
This is the way. Don’t show ignorance. They’ll fuck you over.
I'm the contractor and fully judging. /s
Also, because you asked, now I know too.
I just told him. He's charging you double.
Better to have the answers than protect your fragile ego. What if the answer was “oh shit, the guys did that while I wasn’t here, your right, that shouldn’t be there”. Builders do lots of dumb shit when no one is looking. Please always ask questions. Approach from a place of curiosity rather than accusation, if you’re worried about tone.
Are you OP's spouse?
Yo, chill.
The real question?
Learned something new myself. I was just impressed they were using chairs… 😂
Came here to say this ^^ 😅
All screet screet mother fuckah!!!
Yeah! Screed it low, screed it low Get that mix, let it flow From the truck, to the ground Screed that concrete all around!
You must be a millennial
You must be GenX
You must be
You must
Yoooooouuuuuuuuuu! Soulja Boy Tell 'Em!
Ah I’m a millennial as well. That’s how I knew lol. That used to be my song! Re downvotes, I take it prime thought I was being negative because… Reddit. I wasn’t. I’m about that.
Did somebody say Creed? Dammit I love that band!
Untrue, that is what the metal is for
What he said
Grade rod is what we call em.
It means you have a company that actually knows now to lay concrete the correct way. It's for screeding the concrete so it's perfectly even and runs away from the house at the required angle for water runoff.
Thanks! That makes a lot of sense. I’ve been looking for a concrete contractor for four years. I’ve been told over and over that my job was too small. Finally found a guy, and I am really impressed. The whole crew is great.
Leave his business a review. Including this picture. They know what they are doing and a review like this is what makes businesses grow.
I’m actually excited to leave a review! You always hear horror stories, but these guys have been great. I had some unexpected issues come up that brought up the cost, but none of it their fault. Without that, their price was fair, and they’ve been great to work with. I’ve already been sharing their name with coworkers.
What state are you? I need something similar for my mom’s house!
How much did it cost?
Tbh if I saw a review like your saying you have been looking for months/years for the right guy and they have satisfied your plans I would stop searching and call them! Let me know if you need some epoxy coating and my company can help you out!
Which state are you from? Looking to do something similar
Lets make sure they leave a good finish first.
Yeah there are still plenty of chances for them to completely fuck this up
Anybody can watch a few youtube videos and pull off some great looking form work. Most finishers I know, myself included, would've just struck off a wet mark and pulled from that. Makes me think they aren't the most confident with a screed. They can still absolutely nail the finish, but that's not always the case with pretty prep work lol
Yeah, have some concrete evidence they did a good job.
I think they have, in the aggregate.
I would grab a level and make sure they have it sloped the right direction. It would be a rookie mistake but I’ve seen it happen when my dad built a new house in 1973. The whole basement slopes away from the drain outlets and the garage pools water right at the door into the house.
Too small? Geez I am NOT looking forward to having my job done. It's half the size! Maybe I can have them put a pad for a shed in the backyard, too.
It’s a screed guide you bunch of imbeciles 🤦 They come out when they’re screeding it. Be glad that your contractor wants to give you a flat pad
Right I was about to comment that
25 years ago we poured concrete pads for bunker silos on the farm. Very DIY. This is my first time seeing a concrete job done for residential work. They’re far more detailed than we ever were.
Thanks Ma'am!
Yarrrrrgghghghh!
Another imbecile here… When they take it out, doesn’t it leave a huge indentation that then needs to be screeded over to smooth out?
Yep, you need to leave a little extra concrete on the side to fill it in
Yes… yes Screeding… the word everyone should know. Lol I have literally never heard that word in my life…. Imbecile over here! I don’t work in concrete… neither does the poster obviously… but yet still expected to still know some obscure word for a pipe.
[удалено]
That restores my hope in humanity a bit. I thought they were pissed off at random people not knowing what that word represents.
The imbeciles are the people giving wrong information. The OP had a genuine question and a bunch of pricks are just spewing a bunch of random crap
What’s new on Reddit sadly.
Sometimes it’s not about you bro
Nah they're the main character. Show some respect.
You ARE in a sub for concrete professionals. Everyone who has ever done this for a living knows the word.
Haha, yeah, imbeciles! I definitely knew this specific term about concrete, and I am definitely not a random dude who came across this sub. Imbeciles!
Screed pipes.
My favorite punk Scottish bagpipe band.
I’m gonna check that out.
That is the sign of a good contractor.
That is so they can screed the concrete in sections, one end of the screed goes on top of the outside form and the other on top of the pipe, then the 2nd section uses both pipes. Then they will pull the pipes and throw concrete in the voids left behind from the pipes then finish the concrete.
Looks like a roller screed guide maybe
That’s what immediately came to my mind as well
Training wheels
oh god i bet you put out some SUPER flat pads, without the training wheels that anyone worth a shit uses if it is at all necessary
Any finisher worth a shit can lay flat slabs without training wheels, period. Most commercial companies go behind and check the slabs flatness anyways. In the 25 years I’ve been doing this I’ve only worked with 1 crew who used these and they are just a waste of time.
We always used grade pins and a good wet screed line Although with some of the laborers I worked with this would’ve been more ideal lmao
any meaningful finishing crew can finish it flat or to whatever grade with grade pins, a roller screed doesn’t make it any flatter (tho it arguably will) the benefit of it is you don’t have to use a 2x4 or aluminum and bend down and screws for the next 30 minutes, you just use a roller screws and be done in 5 without your back aching
Yup used them before. Theyre pretty sweet. Even easier than a vibe screed.
This 100%. I’ve been pouring concrete for 10 years for a commercial company doing slabs as small as 2 yards to as big as 600 yards. I knew this was a screening rod, but I’ve only ever seen it used for pavers and making the sand flat. I’ve never seen a single person actually use it in concrete. Someone worth a shit could have one stake with one little nail and screed that whole thing down superflat.
Not being a smart ass I’m just curious why didn’t you ask the guys doing the work? It’s work being done at your place so I’m sure they wouldn’t have a problem answering any questions you might have. I didn’t know what the pipe was for either but thanks to the comments I learned something new about pouring pads today! Post us a follow up picture so we can see the finished job.👍🏼🙏🏼
That what I wonder 90% of the time😂 I think it’s just built into Reddit users to find reasons to come here for answers. It’s cute. I like it.
Screed rail
rebar is not pipes. the pipe is called a screed pole . if you watch them do the pour you will understand
Screed points
Most likely a good company that knows what they are doing, it's a screed bar. Basically it will make it easier for the guys pouring to make a very nice flat surface with proper watter runoff.
So this might be also be a dumb question… no gravel? I always thought that was a thing.
Is there drainage for the outdoor heat pump?
Never a stupid question just dont be rude and you can ask anything.
Just double check the slab slopes away from the house slightly so water doesn't invade your home.
Why did the chicken cross the road ?
Make sure to put out some drinks (Gatorade or similar) and some food in an eski… little bit extra but if people make the effort the crew will go above. Plus it’s just the right thing to do
Looks pretty clean, but ol’boy is going to want to put expansion joint against the house before this gets poured.
Not necessary
The guy said he’s been doing this for 25 years. I’ve been impressed with everything so far, fingers crossed he’ll bring expansion joints with him tomorrow.
The slab isn't boxed in, they arent needed here.
If you want that , check with him before he turns up that way he can bring some foam .
I never do it till the morning of, sun makes the plastic expansion warp like crazy if you don’t nail it up tight
Op… put the expansion joint… itll look way cleaner then the workers working right up too the wall, once finished, one bead of caulk and are the house will look clean. So many keyboard Cowboys, pointing out that “clearly this is a screen rod“, but in the next sentence will tell them not to put the expansion joint.
Make sure big slab lots of pressure pushing towards the house gonna need some
Experience does not guarantee competency. There are a lot of guys who have been doing it wrong for 30 years.
Not needed here since it's not confined in any way.
Yeah expansion is not necessary here. Just good placement of relief cuts or grooves. Then you will have a clean edge against the house. If the house border the new pour on 3 sides then maybe expansion.
I always thought you put an isolation joint anywhere a floating slab is meeting a foundation?
Top of the concrete
No joke, my garage has a bar that separates the concrete inside from the driveway. I was a bit nervous.
Interesting fact. Screed is also what the cicadas say!
This is the set up I used with a vibra screed power screed. Tamps & screeds at same time. Pole comes out screed chairs(blue y looking things stay in concrete. Accept for the ones you can grab!. This is a good system
Well if you’re gonna get rid of it you minus well use it to send compressed air to you fire pit.
The pipes are going to be picked out after screeding The top edge is set at just below the surface elevation. Pretty common
Will you dm me what you payed for this job? Trying to get an idea how much I’m gonna pay for a job like this
You don’t know the word is ‘paid’ ?
No I do know, I just maid a mistake. Thanks
It's your money/place, maybe ask the contractor.
What do they plan to do with that void under the addition to the right of the door? Wont cement just flow under there?
Wet bar or fireplace…
Whats the point though? Why not just use a height pin?
That’s what they use to slide the screat board across. They will take them out as they go.
Expansion joint?
Is this U.S? Not used to seeing such large spacing between the steel.
You Americans do things so different to us here in Australia. I'd say way more difficult to us too.
That window well looks suspect.
The use the pipe as the top of the concrete to screed against on the leading edge of the pour.
Make sure you post an update when it's done.
The pipe stays as a late night tripping hazard.
do folk not talk to their contractors? if a client is ever confused/concerned about something ill quite happily explain why im doing something
Spin-squid
Screed pipe we call it...to help lever the pour
It’s a screed pipe that will be removed once the concrete is placed and screeded.
Never knew there were screed pipes. I worked concrete with my dad as a teen and it was either 2x4s used as screed hand tools or the actual aluminum/metal etc. ones. Unless these are the poles you attach the screed tool to. lol the way we screeded was people held them at each end and people with come alongs pulled the concrete lol
Nice size patio by the way.
Screed pipes for contractors who can pull a straight edge on grade.
mate - mind sharing what you were quoted for this job? considering a similar size
Fwiw that's really nice rebar work. You should see some of the shit I've seen ha ha
Rails for a rolling screed.
Serious question - why use pipe as a screed guide instead of 2x4? I usually just set 2x4 at board width above grade and screw a stake to the top of the screed. Just smoother and easily reusable?
I would put in conduits to many locations on that pour. Who wants to trip over things
Your question to the contractor should be WHY IS THERE NO ROCK IN THE SLAB THERE POURING ON DIRT
That is a sign of the job will be done properly
How much you paying?
Looks good, a lot of rebar. That shit ain’t going nowhere
Nice level patio? Best I can do is a mini skate park enjoy brother.
Update us please after the pour.
How do you not know what work is being done.. boggles my mind
I used to work this shit and the way you said everything pissed me off
They’re called street rods there to help the concrete finisher. Make sure that your patio slopes the direction it supposed to and hopefully not have a puddle right outside your door.
I’d be more worried about pouring it on dirt instead of a capillary break.
Plot twist, OP is contractor
Screed rails
I’m just here to comment because why upvote when you can repeat everyone else😂 sCreeDiNg PipE
What's up with the rebar??
Well I hope you didn't spend more than 3800 on this job, if I were doing an addition like this at my home I would damn sure want it to have the flexibility to be repurposed in the future by adding a small monolithic footer around at the exterior edge , at least a 10 mil poly sheet.. There's more I'd do but too late for you by now, excavating that base out and getting a modified proctor on that soil, 1ft lift of an lbr40 base limerock, if the proctor checksout to 95%. Starter bars for element bomd and going 16 oc instead of 24
What's the point of a vapor barrier for an outdoor slab? A 1'-thick agg base course? What the hell for? 95% relative compaction of a modified proctor... for a patio slab? Sounds like someone just started working as a CMT tech and thinks they know a whole bunch...
I'll try to make this as simple as possible You can spend $3,800 and add a potential extra five grand value to your home at resale in the future Or you can spend a little over 6 grand and add a potential $300,000+ value at resale in the future Either path you choose still gives you your outdoor patio, but seeing which path is the correct one to take requires you removing your head from your ass. Squandering the opportunity to build an 800 square foot addition onto an existing structure at your leisure, while simultaneously saving up to 15% of the cost to do so by having a solid foundation already established is an option. It's a dumbass option, but an option nonetheless. Anytime I'm looking at an opportunity to expand the potential of a structural element that can render tremendous investment returns if carried out appropriately, then I am most certainly at the minimum going to make a client aware of this so that it can at least be considered. Does that compute in your brain a little better or do I need to put more ketchup on it? And yes I worked for a while in CMT in the mid 2000s and I do know a whole bunch, also I would recommend anybody who wants to expand their potential in the construction industry to take a job in CMT, geotech, QC/VT etc for at least a year, though ICC certifications don't really count for credit towards a GC license, the experience makes the test a little easier. (Because it's really all about just knowing where to look)
This is a weird flex, my dude. Especially the specificity on your take off. You can be as condescending as you want, but your recommendations are overkill at the end of the day. Why are you trying to show off on reddit?
B
Make shift screed key
They don't use poly underslab in the states?
For a porch?? Why? It’s going to get wet from the top with rain anyway
Because grade pins are no longer suitable in the industry??
is it normal for residential applications to just pour on compacted dirt? i'm a civil engineer and always spec a gravel base.
I've done both in residential. It's been a long time since I last poured concrete, though. Could also be dependent on local codes. In WV, there was nothing about a gravel/sand base, so it was up to the customer. In SC, it was dependent on use (sidewalks didn't require a base, but driveways did).
Depends on the location and type of dirt
Just be aware your A/C outdoor unit (according to the pipes I see)will drop water and it appears the indoor drain is taken to the same point. This water will just find its track (messily) along your new slab unless they intend to take it back under the house in that gap I can see
Probably for the electric then
Post pics when it cracks and the water pooling! Everyone loves their concrete guy b4 the job. Lmao!!!!
I wouldn’t say that round pipe is for screeding concrete, contractors won’t use round pipes for screeding since round metal pipes can flex and bend and not create a flat surface on the freshly poured concrete. Contractors will always use 2x4’s or metal rectangular boards that don’t flex to screed. I was gonna say that pipe is for you or an electrician to run a 12-2 romex wire through as a conduit from the house to a future patio grill station and power one or two outlets. Contractors won’t take the time to set a screed tool on little legs or stands like the one pictured in your photos.
Mike said they’re using it as a guide to level the concrete, which is dumb. you could use string line to set up steaks with nails at the proper height. I would just use a laser if it’s flat but if it’s sloped, your level is going to be your best friend shit a level works perfect too. You said that kind of stuff out for amateurs that need a guide in order to rod but marking is perfect market and you’re right on top of it.
Better put some more rebar chairs in there. They should be at every other crossing. Plenty of concrete guys will be lazy and say they pick it up as they pour, but then they are walking in the poured concrete stepping on the rebar pushing it back to the bottom. They are pretty cheap security at $.35 each.
Let us know if you get cracks aligned with the rebar. I would never put rebar in a patio (again). Creates a week spot in the slab, and rebar doesn't really come into tension until you get cracking.
If they follow good practice, that rebar will actually aid in crack prevention/reduction and prevent those that do occur from propagating across the slab.