DIY project, or not?

[decolores9]

I am building a 16x29 garage. Due to job loss, I need to finish this project as economically as possible.

The flatwork is the garage floor and an apron about 20' x 30'. I have done small concrete work, but haven't poured a slab before. I'm a pretty experienced DIYer.

1. Is it likely I could get a reasonable result my first time out? What if I don't? What if I don't get the steel trowelling done correctly? What is the consequence? Is it just appearance, or will the surface dust or something like that?

2. Assuming we do 5 yards at a time, how large of an (inexperienced) crew do I need? Would myself, one other guy, and a female friend who is willing to help but is not exceptionally strong be enough? I was planning to rent a buggy to move the concrete (any advice on the buggy, BTW?)

3. Any "shortcuts" or tricks to help me get a better result?

Thanks!!!

[Rich]

Finishing concrete is one of those things that can go along just fine for 90% of the placement and then go terribly wrong. The problem with a DIY'er job is that there are so many variables that affect concrete. I'm not saying that it can't be done - just that things can go bad.
My suggestion would be to do an area the full width of the garage but only about 6-8' deep at a time. You'll need to rent a bullfloat to get the large ripples out - probably need to rent or borrow a builders (eye) level also. After bullfloating you should have a little resistance (firm) when pushing thumb into concrete. Then you'll be able to begin edging and steel troweling. If it flashes - good luck with trying to keep it from setting up too quickly. That's something that can typically only be handled from experience.
I would say with the size of pour I mentioned above and with a buggy you would probably be ok with at least 3 people. One on the buggy, one to run the level and one to set the benchmark. The two setting the level can then screed the concrete once the wet benchmarks are set.
You can rent dump type buggies from your local rental store.

[grumpydasmurf]

Concrete looks really easy but it's very difficult. I was suprised to learn at all that can go wrong, just with mixing the concrete. The bad thing is you won't see your mistakes for months or years when it's too late.

[decolores9]

Sounds like I should get some more quotes.

Any thoughts on what range quotes should be in for a job like this? Assuming I backfill, etc. so all the finisher has to do is place the perimeter strips, pour, and finish, how much time is this work likely to take, and how many people (for a contractor to do it)? We are talking about a 29x16 garage floor and 20x30 driveway pad.

Will a contractor care if the floor is done before or after the walls are up?

What are some of the more serious problems that could arise that I might not know about right away? One option I have considered is putting on an epoxy floor finish if I DIY and it doesn't turn out well.

Thanks.

[Rich]

For a 4" slab (should probably be 6" for the driveway) you're looking at around 13-14 CY at somewhere around $70 per CY. That gets you around $924 for material take that times 3 for rebar and labor. So you're probably looking at around $2800 - 3200.