When budgeting for a concrete project, the cost of concrete will fluctuate. Depending on the contractor you go with, they may lock in the price once you sign a contract with them. The price of concrete fluctuates because, just like any construction material, supply and demand changes. We’ll breakdown the cost of concrete and what factors matter the most for you.
There are several factors involved in the cost of concrete, here’s what they are:
Concrete itself will make up the bulk of the cost of concrete. Depending on how much you need, what type you use and the mix’s properties, you can pay a great deal per cubic yard. Concrete forms and finishing, the labor behind the project, will be the most costly part of using concrete. This will vary depending on the time of year and the company you go with.
Grading will also depend on the project and the land you’re using. If you need to clear land, you’ll need to invest in equipment, labor and time to get it done before laying the concrete itself. If you need sand, gravel or other fillers, the subbase will begin to add up, too. Subbase, like concrete, will vary on the cubic yards needed.
Reinforcement will be another cost, per square foot, that allows you to fill cracks and avoid them all together with everything from wire mesh to fiber. You want to invest in this to avoid cracks and make it easier to clean them up when they occur.
Depending on the scope of the project, the overall price you pay to complete it will change and vary. Everything from labor to how much concrete you need to any delays in the project will also change the overall cost of concrete. Remember: The cost of concrete is based on everything you need to finish the project, not just the concrete itself. Once you understand that, you’ll have a much better understanding of how much your concrete-based project will be.
Now that you understand the cost of concrete, you’ll be ready for the sticker shock the next project you do.
