Foundation quote?

[CAWright]

I've gotten reasonable quotes back for everything on my 24x48 garage, 24x36 shop & 20x20 covered patio build aside from the foundation. I've got a shell budget of $50k, which will give me an enclosed structure to match my house including architectural shingles and same exterior finish. I'll then wire, insolate, sheetrock and paint everything as my funds permit.

The North side of the garage which is closest to the house is about 5' higher in elevation than the south side of the shop, but the shop's foundation will be 2' lower than the garage foundation to help with this variation and to accommodate a 12' shop ceiling (for a lift). I've attached a photo to give an idea of my layout. The garage will have a 10' ceiling and I can even go down to a 9' garage ceiling if they needed another 1' drop on the shop (to help with the elevation). All roof lines will be the same on the shop, garage and covered patio.

My first quote came back as listed below and my question is why would they have switched my garage and shop foundation to a 6" slab? I did ask for two 3'x3' 6" squares in the shop to accommodate my lift, but asked for a 4" slab everywhere else. I had around $10k - $12k in mind since I'll have a little dirt from my pool build that getting ready to start up.

Concrete Garage Slab - Proposed Amount $24,370.00

• Dig down and set rebar for footings in 20x20 patio area, a 24x48 garage area, and a 24x36 work shop area.
• Pour concrete footings.
• Grade out area and set form work for the above mentioned three areas.
• Install and tie rebar mats in the above mentioned three areas.
• Cover all three areas with 6ml. Poly as a water barrier.
• Pour a 4” slab in the 20x20 patio area.
• Pour a 6” slab in 24x48 garage area and 24x36 work shop area.
• Finish concrete with a slick finish using a trial machine.
• Form and pour three small ramps in front of the garage door bays.
• Clean up all debris and haul away.

Payment Terms: 50% Draw due the day work begins; balance due upon completion.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

50% to start? I don't know if that's standard for your area, but that much $$ is really 'front loading' his payment schedule. Unless you are familiar with his past record of performance, I would break that down to something that protects you better and makes sure the job is completed in a timely manner. Something like **% to start, **% at foundation inspection, **% upon completion.

 

[nmk_61802]

My first quote came back as listed below and my question is why would they have switched my garage and shop foundation to a 6" slab? I did ask for two 3'x3' 6" squares in the shop to accommodate my lift, but asked for a 4" slab everywhere else. I had around $10k - $12k in mind since I'll have a little dirt from my pool build that getting ready to start up.

Best bet would be to ask the quoting contractor why he is suggesting the change.

My guesses would be:

a) He simply missed that you wanted 4" everywhere and saw your 6" thickness and applied it to the whole shop.

b) The cost of concrete in your area is cheaper than labor to make separate 6" areas, so he did it all at 6"

 

[CAWright]

For those who've had a good share of foundations built, does this sound high or is it inline with what it should be? I'm in Memphis, so there's no rocky terrain to contend with.

 

[CAWright]

2nd quote below. This was from someone recommended and more reputable than the last quote. I guess I was just severely off the mark...

24×36 = 864 square ft
8 × 6 =48 square ft
24×48 =1152 square ft
20×20 =400 square ft

Concrete
Footings
Plastic
Rebar on the Footings
Wire
Wire mesh
Labor

Turn-Key = $23,600

 

[nbdqgi2]

Interesting project with helpful information. Continue to post your progress.