Consider readymix for small pour

[bsr]

Just a suggestion for DIYers to consider readymix for small pours like shed bases.

I'm doing a small pour on the driveway next week: 0.5m³ of ST2. I priced up Readymix and was rather surprised:

Readymix: £180

or

1 bulk bag ballast delivered = £40
7 bags cement delivered = £35
Mixer hire, collection, delivery = £44
Total: £120

£60 to have someone turn up and pour straight into the formwork, no shovelling, and no barrow and mixer to clean. I reckon it would save me two hours in time. Sounds worth it to me!

The readymix charge was for a minimum of 1m³ so for me, if I wanted 1m³, readymix would have been the same price as mixing it myself.

Obviously it's different if you have a transit, can pick up all the materials and don't value your time too much. I'd be struggling to fit a mixer in my car and would have to clean the car afterwards.

Is there anything else to consider and am I just becoming a lazy sod in my old age?

 

[dontbelieveawordofit]

£180 a cube sounds pricey to start with.
however. i’d just pay it.

 

[Tigercubrider]

What about barrow mix?

 

[^woody^]

If you see a concrete wagon somewhere, ask the driver how much for a metre or so, as some will save you a bit from their previous load.

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Remember with the Readymix deal you're likely to get a cubic metre delivered so have a think about where to put the excess. The volumetric wagons are a much better setup imho, batched on site, exactly the amount you want.

 

[padstar]

i am using them for 4m3 on saturday for my footings £340. Just as cheap as mixing it yourself (nearly) and with no hard work

 

[VDubDan]

I just found you have to really phone round each time. The people who did me an absolute bargain for my floor slab were a bit on the pricey side for screed.

But yeah, life's too short IMHO