Is it cheaper to make your own concrete from cement?

Question

I'm trying to cut cost building the slab foundation. Is it cheaper to make your own concrete from cement or just buy it outright?

how much cheaper?

Answer 1

In the past I have gone to a concrete company with my trailer and bought the dry mix from them. It's the same as what the trucks put in their mixers....except the water. You get gravel and concrete mixed to exact specs...then all you need to do is haul it back to your place...then shovel it into your mixer and add water. This is way less than half what bags would cost.

Answer 2

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Cement is not going to be cheaper. You will still have to put some kind of insulation (concrete will not be able to provide adequate insulation on it own) and then interior walls and finishes. Concrete itself is not cheaper as a material than wood, plus finding the skilled people to build complete walls and floors from concrete might be a challenge (depending on where you live). If that is not enough, think about laying electric and plumbing through the concrete. Trust me, they invented the stick-built (wooden frame) houses exactly for the reason of the lower construction costs, among other reasons.

Answer 3

Depends on how much your back is worth and how many really good, experienced friends you have to help you.
Really. If it's a smaller job then some tool rental stores supply cement premixed in mixers that you tow behind a pickup or consider doing the forming yourself and have the cement delivered.

Answer 4

With all due respect to you and certainly to others who answer; Concrete from Cement????????????

I get the question, and you might consider the size you intend, and the method you presume as a DIY; for not only grading the plot; adding mesh or rebar; Mixing, but equipment needed; framing, pouring; screeding; floating; labor; acquisition; etc.

I suggest you order it, giving the measurements; which will dictate what is delivered; allow that it will be poured; at the very least; and decide whether or not YOU; as a DIY; can create a viable slab.

Again; and with no offense meant "CHEAP" is such a relative word.

Steven Wolf

Answer 5

For doing a slab foundation i would never consider making your own concrete. The wonderful thing about ready mix is you can order 2-3 yards at once and the consistency and strength are superb. Its manufactured in a plant to guidelines and has quality control. Mix your own concrete has NO quality control. The first batch you make might be 18 mpa the next batch may be 22 and the 3 batch may be to slow cause you tired and it was coffee time and get a control crack. Especially if its on the foundation, the most important part of the house. You never cheap out the foundation as everything else is built on it and if it cracks, shifts and fails....you are screwed. There is no repairing it afterwards. And if you are building it for someone else you had better have a good lawyer. Pour your own concrete is for patch work, repairs, little outdor projects, not for major structural work.

Answer 6

I almost always mix my own, but I have access to a small cement mixer, wheel barrow, shovel's ect.. It is indeed cheaper to mix your own, if you have a couple of willing friends who wear size small hats and # 14 shoes that's a plus.

Answer 7

I need a slab 10 '+14' in a trailer park for a shed .Do you think i care if it is not going to last?I need to save money

Answer 8

the key is a consistent mix. It is also desirable to pour the structure in one uninterrupted pour. If you can achieve this mixing "manually" go for it. Just remember, what you save in money, you will spend many times over in labor.

Answer 9

to be accurate i would just buy it, u may end up with more cost later on if ur not careful