Why is concrete and concrete work so expensive? Many factors affect the cost of concrete and the project, including the type and amount of concrete used, the cost of labor by the concrete contractors, and the project’s duration. There are still other factors to be considered aside from those mentioned like the quality of the materials and the extent of the necessary concrete work. If your concrete requires cutting, that cost should be considered in the project costs. You will want to get an experienced professional like Safe2core to complete that part of the project.
Why is Concrete Expensive?
There are a lot of reasons why concrete is expensive. The first factor would be the type of concrete used. There are different types of concrete, and each has a different price point:
Ready-mixed concrete
This is the most popular form of concrete used. It is a mixture of cement, water, and aggregates. The price of ready-mixed concrete depends on the grade or strength of the mix, with higher grades costing more.
High-strength concrete
High-strength concrete is a type of concrete that has been reinforced with additional ingredients to increase its strength. This makes it more durable and resistant to weathering and wear. The cost of high-strength concrete is higher than that of regular ready-mixed concrete, as the additional ingredients used to reinforce it are more expensive.
Prestressed concrete
This type of concrete has been reinforced with steel or other high-strength materials. The reinforcement is placed under tension before the concrete is poured, giving the finished product greater strength and resistance to stress.
Prestressed concrete is more expensive than regular ready-mixed concrete, as the process of prestressing the reinforcement is more complex and time-consuming.
Reinforced concrete
Reinforced concrete is a type of concrete that has been strengthened with steel or other high-strength materials. The reinforcement is placed within the concrete before it is poured, giving the finished product greater strength and resistance to stress.
Amount of Concrete Needed
The amount of concrete is also a factor. Whether you buy pre-mixed or other types of concrete, you must determine how much concrete you need for your project. The pour size, thickness, and surface area all affect the amount of concrete you’ll need to buy.
For example, a cubic yard of concrete (27 cubic feet) will cover 81 square feet with a thickness of four inches. You’ll have to purchase more concrete if you need to cover a larger area or want a thicker layer.
Of course, the cost of concrete work is also affected by the project itself. If you’re having a new driveway poured, the price will be different than if you have a patio or sidewalk installed. The size of the project, as well as any special features or designs, will affect how much the contractor charges for their services.
Labor costs
Another factor to consider when budgeting for your concrete project are the costs of concrete contractors. Concrete work is very labor-intensive, and the price of labor will make up a large portion of the total cost. The number of workers needed and the length of time it will take to complete the project will affect how much you’ll ultimately pay for your concrete work.
The steps of the actual concrete work are the following:
- Site preparation
- Concrete forming
- Concrete placement
- Early Finishing
- Troweling
- Final finish
- Curing
How to save money on Concrete Projects?
- Do your research and know what type of concrete you need.
- Know how much concrete you actually need.
- Get multiple bids from qualified concrete contractors and compare them.
- Get a written estimate and the timeline of the project.
- Be wary of low-ball estimates. They may use low-quality material which will cost you more in the future.
- Choose a contractor you trust and who has a good reputation.
Concrete materials and concrete work are expensive, so you have to be prepared financially if you plan to have any concrete project done. However, you can save money on the cost of concrete work by researching and being mindful of the different factors that affect the pricing.
You can always ask your friends, families, or even your trusted local concrete contractors for advice so you will be sure that you’re making the best decision for your concrete project. By understanding all these factors, hopefully, you can make a more informed decision regarding your own concrete project.
