Mixing Concrete vs. Delivery

[BeelMX]

I'm hoping to build our first house in 1 year from now. Much to learn...

When pouring the footers, can we do the job well mixing concrete on-site ourselves? Or, must it be delivered in a cement truck? I'm looking for ways to cut cost by doing the labor, but don't want to lose quality.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Also, any links that have photos of the step-by-step footer process that anyone knows of?

Thanks.

THB

[Rich]

Due to the amount of concrete you will be much better off ordering the concrete from a supplier. The quality of the mix will be 10 times better than what can be done with a mixer - not to mention the amount of cold seams (not a huge deal with footings but a huge deal with foundation walls) you will have from a mixer. Typically labor is 2.5 times the concrete cost so you will be saving quite a bit right there.
The following link has a pretty good representation of placing footings.
http://www.b4ubuild.com/photos/footing/foot_p01.shtml
I also have an article on the site that gives a good overview of forming footings located at the following link.
http://www.construction-resource.com/concrete_footing.php

[BeelMX]

I appreciate the help. I had not thought of mix quality. Thanks. The links were also helpful.

THB