Concrete pricing question

[Lone Sailor]

So just to confirm, the $4-5/sf is material and labor combined?

Using the calculator posted above, 400sf is 222 80lb bags. At retail price of $3.65/bag, total cost of concrete would be $810. That's full retail price at a big box store.

Lol. Ok first off you're never going to mix 222 bags of concrete by hand for this size of project, not gonna happen. Second, bagged concrete and concrete you get from an aggregate company are not equal mix designs. An aggregate company has a superior mix design. Not too mention it will be delivered in a truck where you can either dump right out the end or use a wheel barrow and quickly and easily dump into your prepped area.

[ZYouL8R]

Lol. Ok first off you're never going to mix 222 bags of concrete by hand for this size of project, not gonna happen. Second, bagged concrete and concrete you get from an aggregate company are not equal mix designs. An aggregate company has a superior mix design. Not too mention it will be delivered in a truck where you can either dump right out the end or use a wheel barrow and quickly and easily dump into your prepped area.

I realize no one is going to mix 222 bags. I was using it as a comparison to what the retail price would be if I just walked into Lowes and bought it myself. If I could get it for $810, then I'm guessing your random contractor should be able to get it for half of that from a truck.

[Lone Sailor]

Concrete pricing question

I realize no one is going to mix 222 bags. I was using it as a comparison to what the retail price would be if I just walked into Lowes and bought it myself. If I could get it for $810, then I'm guessing your random contractor should be able to get it for half of that from a truck.

You're talking maybe $2/yd cheaper via the contractor. Thats not going to make an impact on the overall cost for 5/sqyd.

[8mpg]

My math must suck... i come up with 14.81
400x12 = 4800 x 4" = 19,200 / 144 =133 / 9 = 14.81 ?

Your math does suck....
400sqft x .33 (1/3 of a foot or 4") = 132cuft
132cuft / 27 (cubit feet per yard) = 4.88


You are multiplying the beginning as if each sq ft was 1 foot thick. Then by 4" which should have been 1/3 of a foot. Then you divide by cubic inches (not sure why) then by 9? No idea.

[mstng86]

I dunno if you guys have ever seen 5 yards before but its a lot.

[8mpg]

I dunno if you guys have ever seen 5 yards before but its a lot.

half a truck... yep, I sure as hell wouldnt pour it.

Also, you are probably getting $7.5/ft because it is a small job.

[black2002ls]

I dunno if you guys have ever seen 5 yards before but its a lot.

lol. that is subjective! I am used to pouring 100-120 yds at a time

[mstng86]

lol. that is subjective! I am used to pouring 100-120 yds at a time

when you are by yourself, its a lot.

[Lone Sailor]

You will also need a place for the truck to washout.

[juiceweezl]

I realize no one is going to mix 222 bags. I was using it as a comparison to what the retail price would be if I just walked into Lowes and bought it myself. If I could get it for $810, then I'm guessing your random contractor should be able to get it for half of that from a truck.

You haven't accounted for rebar, forms, labor to do site prep, form work, and then the pour. Nor have you accounted for finishing and then saw cuts after the pour. Finally, someone alluded to the size of the job, but that could be a factor. If a contractor has the option of your job of 5 yards of concrete versus a job that is 20+ yards of concrete, he'll take the other because he can make more money...unless he can price your job high enough to make it worthwhile.

I know this because I'm looking for a contractor to pour a bunch of small blocks (12" x 12" x 6") for me right now for work.

[8mpg]

Prices are high because contractors make a shit ton of money. I had a company come out and quote some siding and soffits. One company quoted $6k and the other $!3k. The expensive company said that $6k will cover the materials their expenses. They wanted to make $7k on a job. The other company will make closer to $1k profit.

[ZYouL8R]

Well I've talked the guy down from $3700 to $3000 to $2300. It's getting better but it's still sitting at $6/sf. Considering he's basically cut 1/3 of the price off with very little negotiation leads me to believe he just kind of threw his initial number out to see what I'd say.

[8mpg]

Well I've talked the guy down from $3700 to $3000 to $2300. It's getting better but it's still sitting at $6/sf. Considering he's basically cut 1/3 of the price off with very little negotiation leads me to believe he just kind of threw his initial number out to see what I'd say.

$6/ft isnt a bad price. Its a small job. If he has some references or any way to check on his work, Id pay $6/ft. The problem with 5 yards is it is too much to mix by hand but not enough for a full concrete truck. The guy will have to pay a premium for the dump truck to come out with a 1/2 load.

Oh, and when my dad and I had a concrete truck out last time, they charge by the minute to sit there after X amount of time. Something like $1/min