Variables to Cost of Concrete

Concrete is a known quantity to engineers and builders. Construction techniques have been refined over time and are well understood, unlike new materials or systems which could compromise health and safety. The structural integrity of concrete provides added protection against earthquakes and hurricanes. Thanks to solid construction and the benefits of thermal mass, concrete provides superior protection against the effects of outdoor temperature swings, which means a draft-free interior environment and consistent room temperatures, year-round. There are quite a few factors in to the final cost of concrete, which is why it can be tough to predict exactly how much your required mix might be. If you only look at the concrete prices and forget the credibility, then you may soon be in trouble during the build phase of the construction. Always ask people around you where they got their supplies from and always do a thorough review check of the supplier’s reputation before setting a deal. If the quality of the concrete mix is cheap and not disclosed to you from the start, the construction phase of your project will fall into many setbacks and delays. Once you’re sure that there are no negative reviews against the supplier, then you should go for it. Final concrete prices will be determined by the amount of concrete you require, not just its strength but the quantity and the mix. You can also go for different aggregates, or to reduce the surface area as much as possible without compromising too heavily on strength. This can help reduce the price of your mix but you will need careful planning and coordination with your supplier to ensure the final mix meets your needs.

Concrete prices play with suppliers quoting vastly different prices for the same product and these are the things that determine what a concrete supplier will charge you:

1. Distance from the supplier
2. Quantity of concrete you're ordering
3. Early mornings are the busiest for suppliers, some will charge a discount if you pour in the afternoon
4. Some plants are always more expensive because they have to haul cement a long distance

Your quoted price of your mix is typically calculated by volume where it is displayed in ‘per cubic meter’. Factors such as competition and distance from quarry will already be taken into account for the concrete prices. However, the delivery time, strength of the concrete and pump hire will be factored in during the subsequent ordering stage. If you need any additives in your concrete mix, then it will also have an effect on concrete prices. Stronger mixes are typically more expensive especially if you include any additives to increase that strength. Type of concrete is also important; ready-mix concrete has a more predictable pricing structure than volumetric concrete, for instance. If your project can be served proficiently with a strong ready-mix concrete delivery, then this could save you money. A thorough discussion with your concrete supplier is the best way to get an idea of your expenses and the fix concrete prices.