Taking on a home improvement project doesn’t have to be stressful. Having a plan in place will be the key to a successful project. Proper preparation for a home improvement project includes calculating the materials needed. With enough planning and preparation, the project can be completed on time without any surprises.
Materials
Privacy is key to having a secure home and a peaceful environment. A cinder block wall can help with privacy and also protection. A standard fence is sufficient in most circumstances, however, if the lot is on a busy road or backs up to an area where animals are a threat, a cinder block fence may be necessary.
The first step in determining the number of materials needed would be to measure the square footage of the area that will be fenced. After the square footage is calculated, divide the total square footage by 0.9 to see how many blocks will be needed. The cost of a block wall per linear foot can also be determined. This is an easy way to determine the cost if you only need a straight wall. If ordering materials, you should add 5-10% more blocks to account for any damaged blocks that might not be usable.
Cost of Labor
A cinder block fence, if done right, can be a show stopper. Cinder block walls offer great protection and are most often used in remote areas. Since the main goal of a cinder block wall is to provide protection, the installation needs to be done properly. Once the number of blocks has been determined, you can then calculate the cost of labor.
Hiring a skilled craftsman will ensure the project will turn out beautifully. Average labor costs can be calculated by square footage, per block, or per hour. The average hourly cost is between $35-$100 an hour. To calculate the cost of labor by square footage is likely more accurate with prices ranging between $10 and $17 per hour. Anything custom tends to come with a high price tag but will be well worth it if the wall looks good and lasts forever.
Other Factors
Aside from the blocks themselves, other materials will be needed to build a cinder block wall. Before construction can begin, a building permit must be obtained. Depending on the size of the project and the location, the permit’s cost can vary greatly. If you are working with a contractor, they should be able to pull this permit and the cost will be factored into the project. Other things that can determine the total cost will be the removal of old blocks, intricate or decorative designs, openings in the fence for a gate, and the difficulty in accessing the project site.
Reinforcements will be necessary for the stability of the wall. Excavating the area and also installing a french drain to avoid flooding around the wall will allow the wall to stand solid over time without sinking or causing damage in the future. There are several different types of equipment that will be needed to complete the project. All of these things will contribute to the cost of the project and are things to think about when considering installing a wall without the help of a contractor.
There are many aspects of a cinder block wall that influence the cost of the build. Any decorative blocks or unique shapes will make the project more expensive. It is best to get an estimate from several contractors to get a better idea of the total cost. It may seem like the project will cost less by getting materials on your own and then hiring labor, but that is not always the case. Hiring a contractor who will take care of obtaining permits, materials, and labor, may end up saving money in the long run.
