Renovating your home or business or constructing a building from “scratch” involves many moving parts — and costs. To budget for your project, you need to know essential factors such as the supplies needed, in what quantities, and the prices of each. But some materials, like concrete slabs, aren’t as simple to quantify and predict price.
The concrete slab is an integral part of nearly every construction project. You’ll find it usually sold per square foot or per cubic yard. However, how much yours will cost you depends on various factors. Here, we’ll “pour” over what’s involved in the price of concrete slab and how you can maximize your materials while optimizing expenses.
Concrete Slab By the Inch
Concrete may not seem like it should be pricey. After all, it’s mostly a mixture of cement, water, and sand and gravel. But turning it into a slab requires a lot more than mixing a paste.
Your slab’s final cost will depend on factors like the size, the labor involved in creating and transporting it, and any features you want on the finished piece.
The part that determines most of the cost, of course, is the size. The bigger the slab, the more material, effort, and resources are involved in its construction. This factor is why concrete slabs are typically sold by the measurement (square feet, cubic yard, etc.). So, the reason for your concrete requirements will dictate much of the expense. Concrete footings (as discussed in this article by FMP Construction) made of a floating concrete slab used as a foundation would be more expensive than a separate footing that supports the foundation.
Once the concrete slab is formed, other factors will add to the final price. The distance the manufacturing company must transport the slab to get to you matters, as does the price of materials in that location. You may find a cheaper slab by shopping close to home or waiting out an inflation spike.
Basic Versus Specialty?
Basic concrete is the cheapest way to go, but it isn’t always the best option. If the safety and longevity of your project are vital, you might consider specialty concrete slabs made from a high-strength mixture. Or, if aesthetics is a concern, stamped and decorative concrete is an option.
The costs of the finished concrete slab will depend on the complexity of the design and the material used to form the slab. For decorative concrete, labor costs may increase the cost by a few dollars per square foot.
Today’s concrete slabs also come with extra options that can add to the final price tag. Do you need your slab reinforced with rebar? Is there a particular finish that will enhance the project’s look? Are there climate-specific features, such as drainage systems, expansion foams, or heating elements, that you’ll need to include? These enhancements will impact the finished price significantly.
Getting Ready for Placement
Beyond the concrete slab piece costs, it’s also important to budget for the extra expenses involved in this type of construction. The most obvious cost is paying labor and contractors, but you might need a permit depending on your location. This step isn’t just about the cost, though. Receiving a permit for construction can take weeks or longer. Consider timing before investing in your concrete slab and having it shipped.
Another factor that impacts the slab’s cost and the project’s timeframe is the preparation. How much work is involved in clearing the site to make it ready for the slab? The larger the slab, the more expense involved, especially if there is a need for heavy machinery and transporting cleared earth to follow conservation regulations.
Reducing Your Concrete Slab Costs
The most straightforward way to get rock-bottom prices for your concrete slab is to go as basic as possible. Yet, that’s not always the most cost-effective option for your project.
While you’re early in the planning stages, make a note of the goals you have for the slab. If it’s going to be visible and a key aesthetic part of the finished structure, it may be worth the added expense to stylize the concrete. Or, if the climate and geography is questionable, adding features to reinforce the concrete slab’s safety, such as expansion foams, could be a non-negotiable expense.
Once you know the goals, the next question is whether you have the experience to do the job yourself. This can save you substantially on labor costs, but it isn’t the best choice unless you’re confident you have the knowledge and tools to do the job well.
Outsourcing the concrete slab to another company is usually the preferred option. In this case, ensure you receive multiple quotes and research each contractor to find out if they have a reputation for getting the job done timely and professionally. It’s often worth paying a little extra to work with a reputable contractor or waiting for the off-season to hire your preferred vendor.
Conclusion
When you’re ready to begin the researching stage of investing in a concrete slab, planning matters. Knowing the size of the slab, your ultimate goals for its placement, and what your non-negotiable requirements are will put you on the right step to figuring out your final costs.
