Cost of concrete?

Question

We are considering owner building in the near future, I am a little lost when it comes to pricing up material needed to do the job. So I will at least start at the bottom and work my way up to the top. So does anyone know or have a rough idea of how I can calculate the cost of concrete, I know it is charged per cube, what exactly is a cube?

Thanks

Answer 1

1 Cube = 1 Cubic Foot (12" x 12" x 12")

First of all, concrete prices are not set across the board. They will vary from locale to locale depending on going rates for materials and labor. Also, as with any major home improvement project, it's a good idea to contact several contractors in your area to compare rates.  All that being said, however, here is a baseline for what you can expect when you start researching what your concrete prices are going to run.

Grading: Before any work begins, you'll need to make sure the area where you plan to pour your concrete is level and ready for work. That means grading the area. The necessity of this step varies depending on your worksite and the size of your project, but if it is necessary to level things out you can expect to be charged about $45/hour to get it done.

Laying A Foundation: Any large concrete project is going to require you to put down a base to pour the concrete onto. Usually this means laying a gravel base before the pour. Expect gravel to run about $12 per cubic foot delivered to the work site.

Labor: Unless you're a sucker for back pain and sore muscles, and have a handful of very dedicated friends, you're going to have to pay someone to build the forms, work the pour, and perform the finishing work. Typical labor costs will run in the neighborhood of $1 per square foot.

Reinforcement: In order to ensure the longevity of your new concrete project, you'll need to install some reinforcement after the forms are built to prevent cracking and other damage later on when your concrete expands and contracts with the weather. Wire mesh, plastic mesh, and steel re-bar are all commonly used materials that cost about 10 cents per square foot. Your contractor will be able to advise you as to what is the best material for your particular project.

Concrete: Concrete prices will make up the bulk of your cost for any large concrete project. A good ballpark figure is $70 per cubic yard of concrete.

Figuring the Final Concrete Cost

These numbers should give you a good idea as to what each aspect of your concrete cost is going to end up being. If you're unsure about how much of each material you're going to need, measure out the square footage of the area you're planning to work with, and then call a concrete contractor in your area. They will be able to tell you about how much of each material will be required. After that, it's just a matter of doing the math to figure out total concrete prices. Also, keep in mind that these rates are for a basic, no frills job. If you're thinking about more decorative concrete work, including stamping, coloring, or other more detailed finishing projects, expect to pay extra for those services.

Best of luck to you!!

Answer 2

if you told us what country you live in it would help ...here in the UK it is sold as cubic metres ...that's 35 cubic feet ...the price varies from the size of load you need    a single cubic metre will cost a minimum of £150 ...and six metres may cost only £70 a metre ...all plus vat

Answer 3

Do a search on Owner Builder Network you are taking a big bite you will need help. These people help you be your own contractor. If you are a contractor you can get contractor pricing or maybe a little cut on your lumber and stuff it you buy the hole house at one place. You need lots of things to get started the first thing is a soil report then a architect to design a slab for your house that matches your soil report. We don't want it to fail now do we.

Answer 4

Well concrete in the USA is sold by the cubic yard.I poured a 3/8 mix yesterday and paid $98.50 a yard,3/4 is similarly priced.

Alot depends on where you live.Call a couple ready mix suppliers and they can price it at today's costs.I can tell you with 100% certainty you as a homeowner won't get contractor pricing.

Since your looking at DIY there are many hidden costs such as form rental,delivery and they charge for time.I do encourage anyone doing this to consider a ICF home.Although it has a little higher cost it is something the average person can do.

I just can't explain the advantages of building green.Energy costs are soring and the weathers tougher.Most ICF dealers have a excellent support network.

Good Luck

PS: I have been in the wall/flatwork bizz for alot of years and the above systems are by far very user friendly.

Answer 5

Concrete is sold by the cubic yard (the ready mix company will just call it a yard). Prices vary for different regions, and also vary by the amount of concrete you will order (generally more is cheaper, short loads of less then a truck's worth is more expensive and may carry a short load surcharge which brings the price up to a full loads cost). The avaerage price in my area of Texas is currently around $75/CY, but that is for a contractor who uses it often, your price may jump to closer to $80/CY.