My experience is that the operator and his machine are very cheap compared to the materials. Operators that drive all day are good and fast compared to the farmer that runs his machine here and there.
OTOH, the cost of a carpenter or an erector is more expensive to hire in relation to the cost of the materials.
This has been my experience in my area and YMMV
That’s true, but the time and body factor comes in. With just my two hands, it would take at least 3 weeks for me to put up the barn addition.
I bet I could get the drylot done in 3 days, if I coordinated the deliveries right.
I’m pondering…
The trucking has gone way up as well as the material pricing.
That’s absolutely true. Physical wear on your body is a factor and a wise one to consider!
I dunno about laying the fabric or its material cost, but for your second quote that’s just rocks, I’d price having that brought in yourself. Here the labor for the dirt guy to spread it is so insignificant that it’s not worth the hassle of us doing it ourselves. And I can borrow my dad’s skidsteer for free.
The trucking is killer. Limestone is especially expensive for me bc it has to be brought a greater distance than pretty much anything else. Of course that’s super dependent on any individual location.
Our quarry is a bike rides distance away, so that’s good. I am not 100% sure that’s the quarry the quotes used, though
Not all quarries have all materials, but if it does, being close is such a game changer for pricing. Give them a call on Monday and see what they can do for you for sure.
We rented a skidsteer and did it ourselves, same when we’ve refreshed the gravel. Had the dump truck driver dump the stone as he drove forward, which spread it out a bit (instead of one huge pile).
I can imagine you actually finding this job kinda fun.
We live in the land of limestone and quarries, which helps.
For budget reasons, I have seen a number of smaller stables with a sacrifice/riding ring combo. They spent the money to get decent footing in one area that was also large enough for riding.
When my BO got new footing for the ring she looked at a number of options. She ended up going with a second choice product because the local quarry had it and delivery was WAY cheaper. It turned out fine.
I’d ask them the reason, 8” is a LOT of aggregate. Idk where you are but I’d bet you can probably do 6” or even 4”, especially if on top of fabric.
I thought about doing that, but the layout wasn’t clicking quite right. That’s certainly acost savings idea, and I ride with my second horse loose all the time anyways so it wouldn’t be anything new haha
Got a second coat of paint on a few things this morning - had other things on the agenda so despite it being a beautiful day that’s all I got done.
@endlessclimb I would totally call the quarry and talk to the salesman about availability and ask for a quote delivered, he might have some guys cheaper than your contractors, especially if you’re that close.
Try D & T Excavating in Manteno. I would suggest doing like 4 inches of something bigger like road base and toping with 4 inches of lime.
Is that what you have? Do any of the larger rocks come up?
That’s my mental waffle, fabric and larger rocks both come with some amount of risk.
We have fabric and 8 inches of lime. The drainage is rough, and I constantly find myself out there having to level. I’m in some facebook group where the guys go all around the world doing nothing but footing and they suggested the road base and lime combo.
I think I’m part of the same facebook group - you have to have deep pockets to follow their advice to a T.
I can rent a skid steer, but I don’t think I can rent a roller which is why I’m leaning towards fabric. I am not confident I could compact a road base layer.
Does your fabric come up anywhere? Do you have any dedicated pawers?
Ooooh, do you have pawers? I have one for lives for digging holes, and it’s kept me from adding some much needed fill to my sacrifice area, because he’ll just dig it all up. I’ve really been wondering how to handle it. Can’t wait to see what you do if you have a similar horse!
Shayney will paw, but she’s not a dig to China pawer. However, if she found something SUPER FUN like fabric, she may go to town lol
My guy is also all about any material that’s loose. The hard pan that’s there now? Meh, whatever. Loose rock? OMG the best thing ever, let’s move it alllllllll.
Sigh.
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