Introduction: What’s All the Fuss About Ready Mix?
Hello there, DIY enthusiasts and home improvers! Thinking about tackling a construction project in your garden or driveway? You’ve probably heard about ready mix concrete, but maybe you’re wondering if it’s right for your domestic project. Well, you’re in luck—we’re about to dive into everything you need to know about using ready mix concrete for jobs around your home.
At Express Concrete, we chat with domestic clients every day who aren’t quite sure if ready mix is the way to go for their garden path or new shed base. Let’s break it down together, shall we?
What Exactly Is Ready Mix Concrete?
Ready mix concrete is exactly what it sounds like—a concrete mix that’s already mixed and ready to use! Instead of you having to faff about with cement, sand, aggregate (that’s the stones), and water in your garden, it’s all mixed professionally in a special factory or in the mixer truck on the way to your home.
Think of it like buying a cake from a bakery instead of making it yourself. Sure, you could buy all the ingredients and mix them up, but wouldn’t it be easier if someone who really knows what they’re doing made it for you?
Why Ready Mix Might Be Perfect for Your Domestic Project
Let’s face it—mixing concrete by hand is hard work! Here’s why ready mix might be the smarter choice when you manage the project yourself:
- It’s a massive time-saver: No measuring, no mixing, no mess in your garden. The concrete arrives ready to pour, so you can crack on with your construction work straight away.
- The quality is spot on: At Express Concrete, we use computer-controlled batching to get the perfect concrete mix every time. This means your concrete will be stronger and last longer.
- You get exactly what you need: Order just the right amount for your domestic project—no wasted materials and no emergency trips to the DIY shop because you’ve run out!
- It’s actually better for the environment: Less waste, more efficient use of resources, and our modern mixing plants are designed to minimise environmental impact.
Construction Design and Management for Domestic Projects
If you’re planning a larger domestic project, you might need to consider the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015). These regulations help in managing health and safety on construction projects. The good news? For most simple domestic projects, things are pretty straightforward.
As a domestic client (that’s you, the homeowner), your duties automatically transfer to other parties:
- If it’s a single contractor project, they’ll manage the health and safety aspects
- For larger projects, you may need to appoint a principal designer and principal contractor
Don’t worry though—for most garden paths, driveways, or patios using ready mix concrete, you’re unlikely to need anything more than a written agreement with your contractor.
Common Domestic Projects Perfect for Ready Mix
Ready mix concrete is brilliant for loads of home projects. Here are some of the most popular construction projects we supply:
Garden Paths and Driveways
Need a sturdy driveway that’ll handle your family car for years to come? Or perhaps a garden path that won’t turn into a muddy mess every winter? Ready mix concrete provides the strength and durability you need, with a professional finish that’s hard to achieve when mixing by hand.
Shed Bases and Patios
Building a new shed or planning a patio for those summer BBQs in the home of a family member? The base needs to be level and strong. Ready mix concrete gives you a solid foundation that won’t sink or crack when the weather turns nasty.
Home Extensions
Even smaller home extensions benefit from the consistent quality of ready mix. When you’re adding value to your home, you want to make sure the foundations are spot on. If your project involving an extension requires design work, remember that under CDM 2015, you might need to appoint a principal designer to oversee safety.
How Much Ready Mix Will You Need?
One of the trickiest parts of any concrete project is working out how much you’ll need. Here’s a handy table to help you estimate:
| Project Type | Average Depth | Amount Needed per Square Metre |
|---|---|---|
| Garden Path | 10 cm | 0.10 cubic metres |
| Driveway | 15 cm | 0.15 cubic metres |
| Shed Base | 10-15 cm | 0.10-0.15 cubic metres |
| Patio | 10 cm | 0.10 cubic metres |
Still not sure? No worries! You can always contact us and we’ll help you calculate exactly what you need.
The Ready Mix Process: What to Expect
Ordering ready mix concrete might seem a bit daunting if you’ve never done it before, but it’s actually dead simple. Here’s what happens:
- You get in touch: Either contact us online or give us a bell.
- We help you work out what you need: Tell us about your domestic project, and we’ll recommend the right mix and amount.
- We schedule delivery: We’ll arrange a time that works for you.
- Preparation is key: Before delivery day, make sure your site is prepared and access is clear.
- Delivery day: Our mixer truck will arrive, and we’ll pour the concrete exactly where you need it. For trickier spots, we can even use a concrete pump.
- You finish and cure the concrete: We’ll give you tips on finishing and caring for your concrete as it sets.
DIY Ready Mix vs. Professional Installation
Even with ready mix concrete, you’ve still got two options: do it yourself or hire professionals to help with the installation. Here’s a quick comparison:
DIY Installation
- Cost: Lower overall cost
- Control: You manage the project exactly how you want
- Timing: Work at your own pace
- Skills needed: Basic knowledge of laying and finishing concrete
- Tools required: Wheelbarrow, shovel, rake, float, edging tool
Professional Installation
- Cost: Higher but includes labour and expertise
- Quality: Professional finish guaranteed
- Time: Much faster completion
- Stress: Significantly reduced
- Warranty: Often includes guarantees on workmanship
If it’s a single contractor project, they’ll handle all the technical aspects. If you’re a first-timer, you might want to check out this helpful guide from Homebuilding & Renovating for some extra tips.
Health and Safety Considerations
When working with ready mix concrete, it’s important to consider health and safety, even for small domestic projects:
- Always wear appropriate protective gear (gloves, boots, eye protection)
- Be aware that fresh concrete can cause skin irritation
- Have plenty of helpers for larger pours—concrete waits for no one!
For larger projects, remember that under CDM 2015, duties automatically transfer to your contractor or designer unless you’ve made a written agreement stating otherwise.
Common Concerns About Ready Mix for Home Projects
We hear these questions all the time from domestic clients, so let’s clear them up:
“Isn’t ready mix just for big commercial projects?”
Not at all! While it’s true that ready mix concrete is used for skyscrapers and bridges, it’s equally suitable for your garden path or patio. At Express Concrete, we deliver quantities as small as 1 cubic metre, perfect for domestic projects.
“Won’t it set in the truck before it reaches me?”
Our mixer trucks are designed to keep the concrete at the perfect consistency until it reaches you. The drums keep rotating during transit, and we carefully plan delivery routes to ensure your concrete arrives in prime condition.
“Is it more expensive than mixing my own?”
When you factor in the cost of materials, equipment hire, your time, and the quality of the finished product, ready mix often works out as better value overall. Plus, there’s no wastage!
Environmental Benefits of Ready Mix
We’re all trying to be a bit greener these days, aren’t we? Ready mix concrete has some surprising environmental advantages:
- Precise measurements mean less waste
- Centralised production reduces overall carbon footprint
- Modern plants have dust control and water recycling systems
- Fewer bags and packaging materials
The Concrete Centre has done some brilliant research on concrete’s environmental impact if you’re interested in learning more.
Planning Your Project: Seasonal Considerations
The British weather is… well, unpredictable at best. Here’s what to consider when planning your construction work throughout the year:
- Spring: Ideal conditions, but be wary of April showers
- Summer: Perfect for curing, but very hot days might need special precautions
- Autumn: Work before the temperature drops too low
- Winter: Possible, but requires special cold-weather mixes and protection from frost
At Express Concrete, we can advise on the best time for your project and provide mixes suitable for the current weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does ready mix concrete take to dry?
Ready mix concrete doesn’t actually “dry”—it cures through a chemical reaction. You can typically walk on it after 24-48 hours, but it continues to gain strength for up to 28 days. For light domestic use, it’s usually ready after about 7 days.
Can I order ready mix concrete for a weekend project?
Absolutely! We deliver 6 days a week, including Saturdays. Just make sure to book in advance, as weekends can be our busiest times.
Do I need to worry about CDM 2015 for my small domestic project?
For most small projects in the home of a family member, you don’t need to worry. Your duties as a domestic client automatically transfer to your contractor. For larger projects involving multiple contractors, you may need to appoint a principal designer and principal contractor.
What if I need help finishing the concrete?
We can recommend trusted contractors who can help with the finishing work. Just let us know when you place your order.
Is a concrete pump necessary for domestic projects?
Not always, but a concrete pump can be incredibly useful if access is limited or you need to reach areas far from where our mixer truck can park. Just let us know about any access issues when you order.
How do I prepare my site for a ready mix delivery?
Ensure clear access for our mixer truck, have your forms (moulds) in place, and gather all your tools before delivery. Our team can provide a pre-delivery checklist when you order.
Ready to Get Started?
Now that you know ready mix concrete is indeed brilliant for domestic projects, why not get in touch? Our friendly team at Express Concrete is ready to help you plan your project, calculate quantities, and schedule your delivery.
Remember, whether it’s a simple garden path or a more complex home extension, using ready mix concrete gives you professional-quality results without the backbreaking work of mixing it yourself. And that means more time enjoying your new concrete feature and less time nursing a sore back!
Contact Express Concrete today and let’s get your domestic project off to a solid start!