Reduce the size of the project.
One way to reduce the cost of a poured concrete project is to reduce the size of the project. You may not be able to eliminate features, but you can focus on the core of the project and leave out unnecessary extras. For example, consider leaving out decorative designs like stamped concrete or exposed aggregate.
If you can’t reduce the size of your project, then maybe you can reduce how many projects there are. For example, instead of building a separate deck and patio area for your backyard, combine them into one patio that will work for both purposes.
If you aren’t ready to give up on some features but still want to save money, then one option is to do some basic labor yourself. If you have experience with carpentry or construction it is probably best if you do some preliminary preparation and leave pouring concrete in the hands of an expert crew like us at Majestic Concrete Contracting Inc..
Avoid adding extra add-ons.
You can avoid adding extra add-ons by being aware of the common things that cost extra. These include:
- Sweeping and cleaning up on a daily basis
- Cleaning gutters and downspouts
- Clearing snow away from the project area
- Installation of lighting features (like LED lights in walkways)
Research companies and find the best deal.
Research companies and find the best deal. The most important thing you can do to control the cost of your project is to get at least three quotes so you can compare them. Start by calling around to a few companies and asking for an estimate. While they’re on the phone, ask some other questions:
- Are they licensed? If you live in an area where licensing isn’t required, this may not be as important as it would be elsewhere. But if there are local laws that require licensing, don’t hire anyone who doesn’t have one.
- Do they have references? They should be able to provide you with at least a couple of references from satisfied clients. It may help if you ask for references from recent projects similar to yours in size and scope.
- What’s their experience? How long has the company been installing concrete projects like yours? If they’re inexperienced, moving forward with them could mean taking unnecessary risks with your project—and your wallet.
- What’s their reputation? Are they well known in their industry or community? Have any of your neighbors used them before or know someone who has? Reputation is everything when it comes to working with concrete contractors; always make sure you work with a reputable one!
Use this list to compare average prices for each type of concrete project.
To better understand the cost of concrete, you can compare average prices for different types of concrete projects.
Below is a list of some of the most popular concrete projects and their average price. Use this list to get an idea for which type of project you want to do and how much it will cost.
- Patios: $9-$12 per square foot
- Driveways: $8-$10 per square foot
- Garage Floors: $5-$8 per square foot
- Concrete Slabs: $5-$7 per square foot
You can reduce the price of your concrete construction project by being strategic about your contractor, size, and amenities.
- Use the right contractor.
You and your contractor should be a perfect fit. You will want to find a concrete contracting company that has experience with the type of project you are looking to complete, whether it’s building a foundation, a slab-on-grade, or another structure.
The most important thing to understand about contractors is that they have different pricing models. Some companies base their quotes on the total amount of time that they’ll need to complete the job; some base it on materials and labor costs; others will separate labor and materials and give you two line-item estimates for each.
The best way to figure out which concrete contractor is right for you is to get several estimates from local contractors in your area. Make sure each contractor understands exactly what needs to be done before they visit your home or business so their quotes are as accurate as possible.
The next step is research—and lots of it! Look into reviews of potential contractors both online and through word of mouth at places like Angie’s List, Home Advisor, Yelp!, or even by asking friends, neighbors, or relatives if they’ve had any work done recently that was up to snuff. Look at completed samples of their work whenever possible so you can make sure the quality matches the price tag.Reduce the size of the project.
One way to reduce the cost of a poured concrete project is to reduce the size of the project. You may not be able to eliminate features, but you can focus on the core of the project and leave out unnecessary extras. For example, consider leaving out decorative designs like stamped concrete or exposed aggregate.
If you can’t reduce the size of your project, then maybe you can reduce how many projects there are. For example, instead of building a separate deck and patio area for your backyard, combine them into one patio that will work for both purposes.
If you aren’t ready to give up on some features but still want to save money, then one option is to do some basic labor yourself. If you have experience with carpentry or construction it is probably best if you do some preliminary preparation and leave pouring concrete in the hands of an expert crew like us at Majestic Concrete Contracting Inc..
Avoid adding extra add-ons.
You can avoid adding extra add-ons by being aware of the common things that cost extra. These include:
Sweeping and cleaning up on a daily basis
Cleaning gutters and downspouts
Clearing snow away from the project area
Installation of lighting features (like LED lights in walkways)
Research companies and find the best deal.
Research companies and find the best deal. The most important thing you can do to control the cost of your project is to get at least three quotes so you can compare them. Start by calling around to a few companies and asking for an estimate. While they’re on the phone, ask some other questions:
Are they licensed? If you live in an area where licensing isn’t required, this may not be as important as it would be elsewhere. But if there are local laws that require licensing, don’t hire anyone who doesn’t have one.
Do they have references? They should be able to provide you with at least a couple of references from satisfied clients. It may help if you ask for references from recent projects similar to yours in size and scope.
What’s their experience? How long has the company been installing concrete projects like yours? If they’re inexperienced, moving forward with them could mean taking unnecessary risks with your project—and your wallet.
What’s their reputation? Are they well known in their industry or community? Have any of your neighbors used them before or know someone who has? Reputation is everything when it comes to working with concrete contractors; always make sure you work with a reputable one!
Use this list to compare average prices for each type of concrete project.
To better understand the cost of concrete, you can compare average prices for different types of concrete projects.
Below is a list of some of the most popular concrete projects and their average price. Use this list to get an idea for which type of project you want to do and how much it will cost.
Patios: $9-$12 per square foot
Driveways: $8-$10 per square foot
Garage Floors: $5-$8 per square foot
Concrete Slabs: $5-$7 per square foot
You can reduce the price of your concrete construction project by being strategic about your contractor, size, and amenities.
Use the right contractor.
You and your contractor should be a perfect fit. You will want to find a concrete contracting company that has experience with the type of project you are looking to complete, whether it’s building a foundation, a slab-on-grade, or another structure.
The most important thing to understand about contractors is that they have different pricing models. Some companies base their quotes on the total amount of time that they’ll need to complete the job; some base it on materials and labor costs; others will separate labor and materials and give you two line-item estimates for each.
The best way to figure out which concrete contractor is right for you is to get several estimates from local contractors in your area. Make sure each contractor understands exactly what needs to be done before they visit your home or business so their quotes are as accurate as possible.
The next step is research—and lots of it! Look into reviews of potential contractors both online and through word of mouth at places like Angie’s List, Home Advisor, Yelp!, or even by asking friends, neighbors, or relatives if they’ve had any work done recently that was up to snuff. Look at completed samples of their work whenever possible so you can make sure the quality matches the price tag.