We live Austin, Texas and I am trying to get a quote for a half-size basketball court in our backyard. The quote I got was for $10-12k which seems very high to me. Can someone advise whats a good price to shoot for - to get this done. We are thinking maybe we go for getting the concrete done separately and then buy a hoop. How much should a 500 sq ft concrete cost in the backyard (it needs a bit of levelling as well)
That does seem a little high. Your materials (6 to 7 yards concrete, gravel, forms) should run about $1,500. The rest is the labor needed to dig out and prep the site as well as pour and finish the concrete. Other possible costs are the variables of how accessible the project area is and how much site prep is needed to make it level. Also, this is for just a concrete slab, for a BB court, it would be much better if it has a coating on it. A BB goal will set you back about $500. So you are looking at $2,000 in material with the rest being labor. A guestimate average for a normal amount of prep work and slab finishing would be under $2,000 - So a total of $4,000 could be possible. Note that if 'leveling' requires installing a retaining wall that this alone could eat up all your money.
There is a big difference between $4K and $10K. Easiest way to check how accurate the estimate is would be to get one or two more estimates and compare.This message has been edited. Last edited by: Jaybee,
Multiple estimates are what I would check also. If the area is inaccessible to a truck hose, and a contractor is having to wheel barrow all the concrete, labor costs are going to be high, and if he does not have enough labor, he will need to hire for the day.
Regional prices vary on ready mix, and just how much fill or leveling is required prior can add significantly to the cost.
Thanks for all the replies. What is a Tartan surface ? I am also looking into installing pavers instead of poured concrete and the guy is quoting me about $8/sq-ft. This would give me a 500-sq-ft pavered field for about $4k. Then I need to get a goal and netting (to prevent the ball from going off into the road since the backyard faces a busy road)
Tartan is a hot mix material that is rubberized. you lay it like blacktop. availiable in many colors, and used in top track surfaces and all-weather courts at many schools.
sig: if this is a new economy, how come they still want my old-fashioned money?
Posts: 4713 | Location: North Burbs, MN | Registered: Mar 14, 2007
I think I've seen the Tartan material at the park across the street. If it is the same stuff it would be a little spongy for a basketball court.
If there is limited access to the backyard and I were doing the concrete I'd get them to send a concrete pumping truck and pump it over the house rather than taking it back by wheelbarrow. You need a lot of people to off load a concrete truck quickly if you're wheeling it around the house by the wheelbarrow load. Most concrete companies charge you extra if it takes too long to off load the concrete.
General Disclaimer
Any advice given here is general in nature and is not necessarily valid for your given area. If in doubt check with your local codes enforcement department for what is required when doing electrical, plumbing or structural work on your house. Permits may or may not be required in your area and home owners may not be able to DIY some tasks. I have no way of knowing if you have the skills needed to complete the tasks you are asking about, when in doubt seek professional assistance.
My advice may be worth exactly what you pay me for it. :-) For the record I did not stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.
Originally posted by photobuddy: Access is not a problem here. There is a gate in the backyard that opens up to the main road.
Are you planning to have the cement truck come through the gate? Keep in mind they weigh a bit more than your average truck or passenger car and will sink in where others tread more lightly without an issue.
General Disclaimer
Any advice given here is general in nature and is not necessarily valid for your given area. If in doubt check with your local codes enforcement department for what is required when doing electrical, plumbing or structural work on your house. Permits may or may not be required in your area and home owners may not be able to DIY some tasks. I have no way of knowing if you have the skills needed to complete the tasks you are asking about, when in doubt seek professional assistance.
My advice may be worth exactly what you pay me for it. :-) For the record I did not stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.
I didnt think they dont need to "come in". the site for building the court is adjacent to the gate so if they back up the truck such that the backside opens up into the backyard, there is not much more hauling needed (unless the truck needs to drive around to dump the concrete that is). Thanks for your replies.
Originally posted by swschrad: Tartan is a hot mix material that is rubberized. you lay it like blacktop. availiable in many colors, and used in top track surfaces and all-weather courts at many schools.
I think Tartan is ideal for family with kids. Is this material expensive?
I'm a drywaller not a plumber. Leave it to me, most kitchen repair jobs should be left to the pros.
That is a bit high indeed, but then the contractor may have seen some things that needed to be done first. Why not ask them an exact breakdown of the quote?
Posts: 15 | Location: Dallas, Texas USA | Registered: Jan 21, 2013
