Concrete estimate

[ace10]

... So far the 1 est I got was -get this- $9 sq ft.- that's $4,320.00...

Not surprised.

At this time of year, it's not a question of a contractor figuring a price based on some markup (overhead and profit) on materials and labor, it comes down to them figuring out how much money they can ask for. It's as simple as that... and everybody wants to hit a home run. You don't come across many who are ashamed of swinging for the fences on every single swing.

Good luck.

 

[6sunset6]

I am just about to do a 31.5 x 20' x 5.5" slab just under 11cy. I tore out the old slab ( talk about crushing later) graded, formed and laid out #4 rebar 2' centers on chairs. Placing 11 cy is not something I do myself. Got one price $1300 for concrete and $1200 to place and broom finish. I do the control cracks a couple days later with a diamond blade in a skill saw. Sounded ok to me I used to pay for placing about the price of material. Since I have a wife I had to get a second price. Guy came same deal told me $10 /sq ft . I had to get the zeros straight $6300 Amazing. I guess there are people who pay that. The only trouble I have seems to be getting the first guy to show up. He was here this morning and said Monday or Thursday. I hope. Now back to Crushing maybe a new thread.

Well the guy was a no show. Another guy I called never called back. This morning I called the concrete mix co and asked them for a guy who was dependable and did good work. They gave me a name and a cell. Called him. He called back in 5 min and said could I call his office as he forgets what is on his cell. So I did. I expect hope a call back tonight. Turns out he lives about 10 min from where I am. Maybe he will be interested in the job.

 

[kw22614]

Update; Other 2 estimates I was waiting on were both no-shows. One guy called me back 2 times rescheduling twice then never showed either time and the other one only once a no-show. Maybe I need to go by 7-11 to pick up some "day-labor" and crack the whip to make sure it gets done right. Wifey hates that prospect, having strange day-labor come to 'case out' our house. Between material, day-labor, and me doing the most of it it'd cost near $9 sq ft anyway, and I just don't have the funds. I need to come up with something though. Anyone know anything about asphalt millings? Does it make a nice patio? Cost effective?

 

[J F]

Find the "expensive" guy that does it right. :confused3:

 

[vtsnowedin]

Update; Other 2 estimates I was waiting on were both no-shows. One guy called me back 2 times rescheduling twice then never showed either time and the other one only once a no-show. Maybe I need to go by 7-11 to pick up some "day-labor" and crack the whip to make sure it gets done right. Wifey hates that prospect, having strange day-labor come to 'case out' our house. Between material, day-labor, and me doing the most of it it'd cost near $9 sq ft anyway, and I just don't have the funds. I need to come up with something though. Anyone know anything about asphalt millings? Does it make a nice patio? Cost effective?

Millings have there uses but for a patio NO.!!

 

[J F]

Millings have there uses but for a patio NO.!!

 

[vtsnowedin]

What is confusing about no they don't work for a patio? ( My opinion only of course but I do have considerable experience working with them).

 

[dodge man]

Yeah killings would make a crappy patio, better than gravel but not much.

 

[6sunset6]

Good things come to those who are frustrated. After ridiculous prices and no shows I called the ready mix guy and asked if they knew someone reliable who did good work. They gave me a name. I called the guy. He called right back said he was working and asked me to call his office no and leave a message so he would not forget. Did that He called in the evening and came out today to look right on time. We talked about the finish and he thought bull float a couple or times would do it. . We decided that if I wanted a broom finish I could do it myself in the afternoon . I will cut control cracks myself as soon as I can walk on it probably the next day . Double insulated skill saw with a diamond blade, a little water , and plugged into a gfi outlet. I cut 2" bluestone like that ,works great. Anyway place and bull float $325 and I pay for the concrete.
Sounded like a really good deal to me , I said done. It will be Monday 8am. Nice guy.

 

[Underdog57]

Make sure you cut it the very next day or it could crack where you don't want it to, and the concrete is still relatively "soft". Also make sure you cut at least 1/3 of the slabs thickness deep. A lot of people don't cut the control joints deep enough and it will crack where you don't want it to. Two things about concrete: 1. It will get hard and 2. It will crack! I would have the contractor edge it & broom it for you ( shouldn't cost much extra ). Good luck with the project and post some pics please.