Estimating concrete jobs may seem tricky at first, but it’s simple when you break it down. Knowing how much concrete you need and the costs involved helps you avoid unexpected costs.
In this guide, we’ll describe the estimated cost of concrete used in different jobs. We’ll also estimate labor costs. You’ll also get insight into some software that can help you estimate concrete jobs. You can use these programs and some tips to estimate the cost of your concrete job efficiently.
What is Concrete?
Concrete is a strong and sturdy material that is used in construction. It is a mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and water. When these materials are combined, they form a material that gets hard over time. Concrete is used in many domestic or industrial construction jobs. The best thing is that it can be molded into any shape. So it is used indoors as well as outdoors.
Concrete jobs including the construction of the following areas:
- Driveways and sidewalks
- Foundations for houses and buildings
- Walls and floors
- Patios and decks
- Bridges and highways
- Parking lots and garages
- Dams and tunnels
- Retaining walls
- Swimming pools
- Decorative features like planters or benches
Calculating Concrete Volume
To figure out how much concrete you need, you can use a simple formula:
Length × Width × Height.
This gives you the volume in cubic feet. For example, if you’re pouring a concrete slab that is 10 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 0.5 feet thick, you would multiply 10 × 5 × 0.5 = 25 cubic feet.
Since concrete is usually measured in cubic yards, you’ll need to convert the number from cubic feet.
To do this, divide by 27 (because 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet). So, for 25 cubic feet: 25 ÷ 27 = 0.93 cubic yards. That’s the amount of concrete you’ll need for your project!
Concrete Prices
The average cost of concrete is $119 to $147 per cubic yard. It includes delivery up to 20 miles. The longer the distance, the higher will be the price. Pouring plain concrete costs $5 to $10 per square foot.
Concrete Prices for Different Jobs
Project |
Cubic Yards |
Concrete Cost + Delivery |
| 4’ x 20’ Sidewalk | 1.48 | $255 |
| 10’ x 10’ Shed | 1.85 | $320 |
| 12’ x 12’ Patio | 2.66 | $460 |
| 20’ x 24’ Driveway | 8.88 | $1,060 |
| 24’ x 24’ Garage | 10.66 | $1,270 |
Colored Concrete
Color |
Added Per Cubic Yard |
| Tan, Brown, Gray, or Beige | $31 |
| Green | $56 |
| Blue | $170 |
| White Concrete Pigment | $43 |
Stamped Concrete
Design |
Cost Per Square Foot |
| Ordinary Stamped Designs | $8 – $12 |
| More Distinguished Designs | $12 – $18 |
| Basic Stains | $2 – $5 |
| Multiple Stains, Stenciling, Designs | $15+ |
Labor Costs
Now, when you have the costs of concrete along with delivery. You have to calculate the cost of labor that will help you to pour your concrete according to the project. Labor costs can vary depending on the type of project and the time it will take. Most concrete jobs require skilled laborers for pouring, leveling, and finishing the concrete.
Additionally, concrete is delivered in two ways. If you buy ready-mix concrete, it will require less labor for pouring and finishing. It will cost you around $119 to $147 per cubic yard. If you buy concrete and hire laborers to mix it on the site, it will require more labor and time. It will cost between $100 to $300 including mixing, pouring, and finishing.
Labor costs are usually charged by the hour. You’ll need to know the hourly rate for concrete workers in your area.
For example, if the average rate is $50 per hour and the job takes 8 hours with 3 workers, the labor cost would be 3 workers × 8 hours × $50/hour = $1,200.
Software to Estimate Concrete job
Estimating software is an excellent tool for estimating concrete jobs. These programs help calculate more precise costs, ensuring better accuracy and efficiency for your project.
1. PlanSwift
PlanSwift.com is a famous quantity takeoff and estimating software program that helps estimators work faster and more efficiently. It allows you to quickly calculate materials by simply clicking on your contract plans. PlanSwift is easy to approach and is utilized by many specialists in the construction industry. It also allows you to import the project drawings in PDF/TIF/DWG format.
Key Features:
- Measure areas, lengths, and volumes with a few clicks.
- Drag and drop materials onto your plans.
- Create custom assemblies for repeated tasks.
- Export takeoff data to Excel for easy sharing.
Cost: PlanSwift costs around $1,595 for a one-time purchase. You can also try it for free with a trial version of 14 days.
2. Bluebeam
Bluebeam.com is another top-notch software for quantity takeoffs and construction management. It is best for its effective PDF tools. These tools make it easy to mark up plans and measure substances.
Unlike other companies, Bluebeam offers a dedicated iPad app which makes it more popular.
Key Features:
- Measure lengths, areas, and volumes directly from PDF drawings.
- Create custom takeoff tools for different materials.
- Collaborate with your team using cloud-based features.
- Easily export takeoff data for reporting.
Cost:
Basic |
Core |
Complete |
| $260
Per user, billed annually |
$330
Per user, billed annually |
$440
Per user, billed annually |
3. Square Takeoff
Squaretakeoff.com is a web-based quantity takeoff software program. It works equally well on Windows, Mac, or mobile devices including iPads and iPhones. It is best for contractors who want to do their takeoffs and estimates online, without needing to download any software program. Square Takeoff works on any device, making it very easy for customers to access.
Key Features:
- Perform takeoffs and estimates directly from your browser.
- Access your projects from any device, including tablets and phones.
- Automatically calculate areas, lengths, and counts from your plans.
- Create detailed estimates and proposals to share with clients.
- Integrates with other popular software like QuickBooks for better project management.
Cost:
| Monthly | Quarterly | Annual |
| $199 | $499 | $1,499 |
4. ProEst
ProEst is a cloud-based estimating software. It combines quantity takeoffs, estimating, and project management. It is a multi-functional platform. It is perfect for large construction corporations seeking out an entire strategy to manage their projects. ProEst helps estimators be more efficient and organized with its wide range of functions.
Key Features:
- Perform takeoffs directly from your digital blueprints.
- Integrated estimating tools to create accurate bids.
- Store all your project data in one central location for easy access.
- Collaborate with your team in real time from any device.
- Track project costs and budgets over time.
Cost:
To get the pricing, you have to make an account on ProEst.com
It is recommended to visit websites of different software before choosing one. These software can help you calculate an exact cost for your concrete job.
Conclusion
Estimate concrete jobs may seem tricky, but it becomes simple if you break it into steps. First, you should identify, how much concrete you need. Then, calculate the cost of different concrete. Include labor costs and you’re all set to estimate the total cost of a concrete job.
You can also use some quantity takeoff software to calculate the exact cost of your project according to your needs. It is recommended to use software and hire professionals. Experts can help you make the best decisions for your job.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Concrete takeoff formula?
Length × Width × Height.
For example, if you’re pouring a concrete slab that is 10 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 0.5 feet thick, you would multiply 10 × 5 × 0.5 = 25 cubic feet. Convert it into per cubic yard: So, for 25 cubic feet: 25 ÷ 27 = 0.93 cubic yards. That’s the amount of concrete you’ll need for your project!
Q2. What are some Concrete estimating software?
- Bluebeam
- PlanSwift
- ProEst
- Squaretakeoff
Q3. How to include labor costs?
Labor costs are usually charged by the hour. You’ll need to know the hourly rate for concrete workers in your area.
For example, if the average rate is $50 per hour and the job takes 8 hours with 3 workers, the labor cost would be 3 workers × 8 hours × $50/hour = $1,200.
