Cost for concrete block foundation

[RaymondB]

I want to build a 24x28 2 car garage with a master suite over. I am looking for masons to do the footing and block work. I need to get estimates for the foundation but I don't know what to expect to pay. I live in New Jersey. I expect to use about 550 blocks. Is there anyone who could give me a ballpark figure or a cost per block price? I just need some sort of reference point.Thanks.

[Colt Hero]

RaymondB,

Around here in the Southeast (not too far from you), they're getting $1.60 for each block and another $1.60 per block to lay it. Redi-mixed concrete is currently running $117/yd and some places are adding surcharges for delivery fuel, if you can believe that! Then, of course you may have to add in the cost of rebar (horizontal and vertical per your code).

Down here, the framers dig and pour the footing, then the masons come in and do the block work. This didn't make sense to me at first, but it does now: the framer is responsible for the squareness and level of the house.

[CR2]

I wonder, what are masons responsible for?, if framers can do their job, what's the need for masons?, that's a circus and offensive to masons, what kind of mason takes that BS, I know I'd never do it and with all the respect You deserve, it doesn't make any sense.
Regards!

[concretemasonry]

It is not an offense to any trade. It is the way the trades have locally developed by working together.

In the real world, masons lay block or brick and MAY pour footings on small jobs. Some masonry contractors have two types of crews - one for footings and one for the masonry units in the walls. Where I am large masonry contractors (over 100 employees) do both masonry and flat work because they are hard to separate on many jobs. The most important factor for these jobs is the accuracy of the wall heights and squareness, so the wood butchers might be able to keep things square.

If you have a concrete contractor do the footings and stem walls, they are reponsible to turn over a square foundation for the carpenters to work on. - Unless you want a quality masonry garage.

The cost of materials (concrete, block, etc.) is not important, so they are what they are and vary from locality to locality. Contractors make no money on materials, they make it on skill, production and scheduling.

[HDNord]

Why do some areas use concrete blocks for stem walls where other areas use poured concrete?

[concretemasonry]

Habit and cost. Often, with a slope on the lot, it can be difficult to get high enough above the bugs, rot etc. with a slab on grade.

Around here everyone wants a course of 6" or 8" block above the slab for durability (water, rot, etc.) and to make clean-up easier, especially with winter slop and salt. You can also get 8" extra headroom much easier.

As long as you have to lay some block, it is easier to go block all the way. - Excavation and footings are the same for either block or concrete.

Colt - The footings have little to do with the structure being square and level. What is on the footings (block or concrete stem walls) are what are important and must be square and level. You really do not have to form footings, but it is usually cheaper when you consider everything.