Discussion Cost of foundation and prep work on a garage slab?

Ajay

Lifer
Jan 8, 2001
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So, the Mrs and I are refinancing our mortgage (rates are terrific). I'm doing some rough pricing checking on costs before the refi. The garage itself will be ~$20K (maybe a tad less depending on materials costs next year). I'm not sure how much it costs for a slab (say for a 22' square garage) is in New England. Anyone have a rough Idea.

The contractor we will be using is excellent, but he's been straight out this summer he hasn't had a chance to stop by - so I need to ball park it.
 

herm0016

Diamond Member
Feb 26, 2005
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figure 10 to 12 per sq foot for a 4 in slab with rebar and minimal grading. at least that's what it is around here.

not sure what you need foundation wise where ever you live.
 

Ajay

Lifer
Jan 8, 2001
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figure 10 to 12 per sq foot for a 4 in slab with rebar and minimal grading. at least that's what it is around here.
Thanks! Pretty much flat as a board and has asphalt for our off street parking already (which, obviously, will need to be removed).
 

Greenman

Lifer
Oct 15, 1999
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Slab is only part of the cost, you need a foundation as well.
I can't begin to guess at the cost because it sounds like you live in one of those places where water isn't liquid half the year.
 
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Ajay

Lifer
Jan 8, 2001
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Slab is only part of the cost, you need a foundation as well.
I can't begin to guess at the cost because it sounds like you live in one of those places where water isn't liquid half the year.
Yes, well, 4 months below freezing. I can’t remember what it’s called, but the slab 'sits' on concrete columns poured 3+ feet deep to get below the frost line.
 

Steltek

Diamond Member
Mar 29, 2001
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Yes, well, 4 months below freezing. I can’t remember what it’s called, but the slab 'sits' on concrete columns poured 3+ feet deep to get below the frost line.

You mean a stem wall foundation for the slab?
 

herm0016

Diamond Member
Feb 26, 2005
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Almost certainly. A suspended slab would eat a whole bunch of budget in a big hurry.

usually just a stem wall/ perimeter wall 3 feet or so deep, you can monopour with the footing if you have the right forms. then build the garage on that, then pour a 4 in floating slab after its done. inside graded with roadbase. no need for a suspended slab with all that rebar and tie into the stem all.

i would consider a grade beam slab as well. depending on your frost depth.

that frost protected slab looks way more complicated than a grade beam slab or just digging a stem wall.
 

Ajay

Lifer
Jan 8, 2001
16,094
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Pics if this helps:

fig_3._typical_FPSF_for_unheated_buildings_-_whole_house_view_-_jay_crandell.jpg


fig_2._typical_FPSF_for_unheated_building_-_jay_crandell.jpg

They can be mono-poured as @herm0016 mentioned. The DIY guys do two pours 'frost wall/footing" and separate slab. My contractor will sub that job out to one of a couple local concrete companies he does business with - so I'm sure they have all the right forms for slab foundations in NH.

Thanks for the input so far guys!