Providing Concrete Construction in Byron Bay

It depends on your access and the amount of concrete you require. Remember, once the concrete is poured, the time taken to spread and finish it is a crucial factor.

This is because your concrete began to cure the moment it left the depot. The hotter it is, the faster it cures. It needs to be placed before it cures, so the boys always have to work quickly.

Example A: You have a pool surrounds job out the back of your house. There is no access to your backyard besides a narrow side gate. The pour site is at least 80m from the roadside, up a slight incline. A concrete truck will not be able to fit through the access so the concrete will not be able to be shot straight off the truck. Without a pump, loading it out by the wheelbarrow is the only other option and will require twice as many men, as concreters can’t barrow and screed at the same time, adding more expense to you.

So, you now have 6 boys (4 to barrow and 2 to screed), on a collective rate which would amount to 5 times what the concrete pump would have cost. They have to RUN with the barrow, full of very heavy concrete, up a small incline. For 8 hrs. It all gets dumped in one spot and then needs to be shovelled out to spread it before it can be screeded. All the while the boys are losing the batch. They can’t keep up with how fast it's curing and the finish is coming up badly. Worst case scenario, it beats them and it has to be removed/ replaced. This can all get doubly expensive very quickly. Not having a pump is a false economy.

Example B: You have a lovely flat site for your new 20 x 40 shed slab, with full access for the trucks. We advise you to get a concrete pump and you wonder why; you have plenty of access. Are we just trying to waste your money?

Once again, false economy. You need a pump with a large boom in order to place the concrete evenly, right the way across to the middle, not only to get even depths but in case the concrete cures and beats you. It will affect the finish. Instead of it being shiny and smooth it will be rough and pockmarked. The boys might not have time to get the correct falls and depths because by this stage the concrete is not cooperating. It's curing and showing you it’s middle finger. And everyone is cursing, panting and sweating, desperately trying to save it, while the boss is yelling at the top of his lungs.

It’s not worth the risk. A concrete pump equals accuracy and saved time plus savings in labour. If we advise a pump please opt for one to ensure your job comes up a treat.

We quote a complete price for everything required to complete your project, including earthworks and pump, if needed.

Unfortunately, the concreting trade is highly unregulated. Anyone can order a load of concrete delivered to their front door or mix it in their back yard.

A landscaper can be your concreter. A builder can be your concreter. A swimming pool installer can be your concreter. A working visa holder can be your concreter. Uncle Joe next door says he can try too and he knows a mate to help. But there’s more to good concreting than meets the eye.

Make sure whomever you choose has an actual concreting licence. That way you’ll have confidence they know what they are doing, are experienced, have governing trade standards to abide by and have quoted you expertly. If your concreter is unlicensed you’ll have no contingency if anything goes wrong.

Make sure you view genuine pictures of their recent work, preferably a pic of something similar to your own requirements, and that you like what you see. Check their reviews and social media pages for feedback.

The cowboys keep their prices low. They normally have minimal, rundown plant and unqualified workers, to whom they can pay half the going day rate or less. They cut back on materials, can’t quote accurately or work to plans and leave out required elements, such as bar chairs and even sometimes mesh. They cut back on concrete, taking thicknesses down to 80 or less mm. The worst part is that, when the job falls apart or is not fit for purpose, they often cannot be contacted to rectify. If you do manage to contact them, they can’t afford to rectify or outright tell you to stick it. Sadly, we have had to rectify a number of below-par jobs completed by other cowboy concreters. Always at the owners’ expense.

So always beware of prices that are way lower. The only way they can be cut back that drastically is to cut back on your materials and skill set.

Keep in mind that the greater majority of your quote is costs. It goes to your suppliers. It pays for your concrete, your licensed concreters, your 3 trucks, your pump and Bobcat or excavator. Their time and running costs. Your aggregate, tip fees, skip bin, mesh, fuel, saw blades, timber, pegs, tools, machinery, maintenance of plant. And more.

At CJR, we endeavor to give you the best prices possible. We’re on the phone twisting the arms of our suppliers every single day so that we can pass savings on to our clients.

If you’ve done your homework, and a good price (it may not be the highest but probably won’t be the lowest) was given to you by the guy with all the right qualifications and experience, you’ll probably get what you pay for – a fantastic job you’ll be proud of for many years and which will add value to your property. At the other end of the scale, you’ll also get what you pay for – an embarrassing, barely useable mess you’ll have to live with. With concrete, quality isn’t cheap and cheap isn’t quality. Be careful what you ask for.