You can lower the cost of pouring a concrete foundation with some strategic planning and a few inside tips. Each year, construction costs are on the rise. Prices are increasing for several reasons.
For example, the cost of goods needed to complete a project is increasing, including prices for construction equipment, fuel, heavy machinery, and raw materials. Also, labor costs are increasing.
These rising costs are making construction projects more expensive. Accordingly, you must find ways to cut costs without cutting quality. Read on to learn a few amazing contractor tips for lowering concrete foundation costs.
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Try an Eco-Friendly Approach to Cost Savings
One way to cut down on concrete foundation pricing is to use cheaper materials. However, this doesn’t mean that you should use lower-quality materials.
When you’re planning a project, you should consider alternatives to traditional building materials that can save you money.
You may not want to use recycled or reclaimed materials. That’s fine. Some homeowners prefer to use all new building materials. Nevertheless, reclaimed and recycled materials are a better option in many instances.
Often, refined or reused materials are structurally sound. They last just as long as unused materials. You can reuse or repurpose a range of materials, including concrete, wood, and plastic.
Alternatively, you may consider ways to use existing materials. For instance, you may have an uneven slab walkway. Think about lifting it, rather than hiring a contractor to tear it up and lay a new one when they pour your new foundation.
Concrete lifting involves lifting uneven concrete by altering its foundation. For this project, your contractor might use poly foam lifting, mudjacking, or other methods.
Alternatively, you can use a slab pier system to restore the walkway. For example, Rhino Foundation Systems uses a poly foam lifting solution that enables them to restore uneven concrete without the need to lay a whole new slab.
This method is better for the environment – and your wallet.
Average Concrete Foundation Costs
There is no single average price for a new foundation. The cost of pouring a concrete foundation depends on several variables.
For instance, the size of your home can affect the cost of a new foundation. For a typical 1,600 to 1,800 square-foot home, a new foundation may cost $7,000 to $16,000. For a larger home that’s about 3,000 to 4,500 square feet, a new foundation may cost $13,000 to $40,000 or higher.
Also, local zoning regulations can affect the cost of your foundation. Additionally, you may want extra features such as insulation or termite treatment included with the pour. These features will also increase the cost of your new foundation.
On the other hand, you may want a full basement. A full basement for a 1,600 to 1,800 square-foot home may cost $13,000 to $30,000, depending on the height and the width of the walls. A full basement could cost even more if you want utilities, windows, or other features.
If you need a foundation for an existing home, this is an entirely different project. For a contractor to pour a new foundation for an existing home, they’ll need to lift the house several feet and excavate to the footers. This project can cost from $20,000 to over $100,000.
Know Your Contractor
You must choose the right contractor. For a big project such as pouring a foundation, the general contractor may also serve as a project manager, coordinating the work of other contractors and managing contracting service costs to see that the job gets done.
Hiring a contractor that’s reliable and trustworthy is the most critical part of planning a successful foundation pour.
If you don’t choose your contractor carefully, you could expose yourself to a variety of problems, setbacks, and expenses. In a worst-case scenario, an incompetent contractor can expose you to a lawsuit.
Start your search for the right contractor by gathering information. For instance, you can begin by visiting the Better Business Bureau website to check for a history of complaints about a potential contractor.
Also, do a Google search with the contractor’s name or their company name followed by words such as “complaint,” “review,” “rip-off,” or “scam.” If a potential contractor has a poor track record, you’ll find complaints about them using these keywords.
Once you find a few good contractor candidates, ask them if they do a background check on employees. Also, ask the contractors if they train and certify their personnel.
Finally, ask for local references. If a contractor cannot give you references, find another one. If possible, ask the referrals if you can take a look at the contractor’s work.
Keep an Eye on Costs
You can save money on your new foundation by monitoring costs continually. Time passes through different project stages, such as conceptualization, estimating, pulling the permits, and doing the job.
As time passes, the price of various resources will change. Market changes may increase or decrease the cost of materials.
By agreeing to prices early in the project, you may overpay. At the very least, talk to your contractor right before the project begins to make sure both you and the contractor are getting a fair deal.
Play It Smart to Save on Construction Costs
With a little extra work and planning, you can reduce concrete foundation costs considerably. One of the best ways of reducing the cost of your new foundation is by asking the contractor to use refined or recycle materials whenever possible.
Also, keep an open line of communication. By working with your contractor, you can improve efficiency and the outcome of the project – and save some coin in the process.
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