Concrete estimate

[kw22614]

Am considering hiring a contractor to frame, supply/pour and broom finish a 480sq ft (40' X 12') with 2 or 3 control joints, 4"-5" thick, 4000 psi concrete patio to the back of the house. I figure about 9 or 10 yards. Have plenty of access for mixer(s) & equipment. I'll do the ground prep myself. I'm in Northern Va area. Anybody know what the square footage rate is? I've gotten 1 estimate so far that absolutely took my breath away, and he told me he was the cheapest around! I used to do some concrete work years ago but the market was very reasonable back then and I just don't have the back or hips for it anymore, just wondering if it's even worth getting anymore estimates. Thanks, KW

 

[vtsnowedin]

I have no idea what the rates are in VA but I get it as 7.4 yards and order 8.0. Up here that would run you a couple of grand on a well prepared easy to get at base. It will be interesting to see what other members closer to you have to say.

 

[newbury]

I seem to remember last year I was getting over the phone quotes of about $150/yard for concrete delivered for northern Virginia. It was the other costs that ran fairly high.

Remember unemployment (at least in Fairfax) is about 4% and the building season is just starting, labor is likely to be tight and dear. The more work you can do yourself the better.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Around here concrete is $100 per yard. We poured 4 Yds yesterday. Finished only is $.75 per sq ft. To do the whole job, prep, frame, pour, finish it's about $6 per sq ft. That includes materials.

Chris

 

[Egon]

Have you considered pavers?

 

[ace10]

As was said previously, it's Spring in NoVA. Labor is scarce. Expect to see crazy quotes.

Two years ago I hired our a small-ish job similar in size to yours and was shocked at the price my neighbor gave me. There was profit, but the materials were basically at cost.

I'm guessing the first price you saw was something like $3000 or higher. Just a total guess, though.

A few jobs back, one of my other local guys was bringing in laborers from OH to do flatwork.

 

[newbury]

OP -
Whatever you get done please post here. I'm looking to get a driveway (10?x60?) and small garage (24?x20?) pad poured. All details will be welcome.

/edit -
Which brings up a point - when in general is it the least expensive to get concrete work done?

 

[LD1]

Alot of the price depends on what concrete cost in your area. IT seems to be a regional thing, and how far from a plant you are.

In my area, $100/yd deliverd and taxed is about normal.

At 4" I am figuring just under 6 yds. @ 5" its 7.4 yds. So my prices would be ~600-$750 for material.

Also, is ground prep done? Or do they need to do that.

Since it is just a broom finish, have you considered doing it yourself. Get some buddies and a few cases of beer? And if so, the ~$45 rental of a power screed is well worth the money.

I have always done my own concrete work, but have been told by others that either have it done or are in the business, that finishing it = price of concrete. And prepping (forms) and spreading = cost of concrete.

So based on that, if no site prep is required other than forms, I'd say a turn-key job would be in the 1800-2150 range. Maybe a little less on the finish since your just getting it broomed.

What was the quote BTW?

 

[newbury]

IF you are doing it yourself and will be doing other "jobs" like it in the future you might be able to get the wood for the forms from dismantled decks. I replaced most of my deck about 6 years or so ago and still haven't used up ALL the 2x6's I tore off.

BUT if you have to go out and buy all new lumber and throw it away after the job that could add up to a $1/sq ft by itself.

 

[vtsnowedin]

OP -

Which brings up a point - when in general is it the least expensive to get concrete work done?

It varies with the climate. The construction season in Florida is a lot different then it is in New England.
For Virginia I'd think late spring would be the cheapest as the plants have their drivers in hand but big construction jobs are still digging holes. Late summer and fall is bad as your not going to get one load shipped to you when they need fifty loads for a bridge deck with no break in deliveries.