Making Money And Charging What You're Worth! (Owning A Concrete Business)

[@CCTOutdoorServices]

Such a beautiful work, like I always said always doing great job, been watching you growing up as a kid ! That why your my inspiration!!! Learn so much from you boss !!!

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Awesome, thank you!

[@felipearvizu4808]

@@MikeDayConcrete where are you what state?.

[@DeuceGenius]

I really like that everclear sealer for decoraticlve stamp jobs. Makes the color pop

[@akdrywallguy60]

I'm with you Mike. When I was younger, I felt like I needed every job that I bid. As I gained more experience as a contractor, I learned that customers, just like contractors, are not all the same. You've got good ones and not so good ones and everything in-between. You want to be and deal with the good side of that spectrum. If you've got a great reputation, then you can basically name your price and that only helps everyone else in your specialty (and maybe that will help the not so good guys want to get better...). Great work as always - as a former concrete guy, I like to get my 'fix' watching you and your crew do your thing. Cheers from AK!

[@ryangarland6366]

Hey Mike my wife and i are big fans of your videos. You and your guys are awesome we have tons of respect for what you do and how well you do it. We took it upon ourselves to pour 5 yards for a side patio and walkway today... holycrap it was like sprinting uphill for 10 miles lol. The finish turned out great based on what we learned from the vids. Thanks for all the insight and tutorials, keep up the good work.

[@natassjalofton4790]

Love it, I charge around the same out here in Kauai. 18 to 30 per square foot. Awesome work👏🏽🙌🏽🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@mattschoular8844]

Hey Mike. Nice job. Your comments about the value you bring and pricing is spot on.

[@Praterphil]

Hi Mike, great job as usual. Ive been watching since you started and make my guys watch, so they can see how I'd like to pour. I pour almost specifically stamped concrete, and won't try to pull off as big of pours as your crew, my guys aren't that experienced. I also work with artists, designing really wild stuff, and figuring out how to make it work. I'm already booked halfway through this coming season, probably my last, I'm 64. I've got some big patio's I need to find the right customer and backyard for, and I will. I charge $20 per sf for my stamp, and more for travel over 30 miles out, but our mud went up 9%, so I'll be raising my price to $22 at least. I'd love to show you my work, nobody does color like I do, Thanks and keep the videos coming.

[@nathancarranza9860]

Are you near the Chicago area?

[@Praterphil]

@@nathancarranza9860 Sorry, I’m in a little farm town in south eastern Nebraska of all places

[@MrQor2]

@@nathancarranza9860 where are you located Buddy ?

[@e.l.robbins5614]

I'm not a concrete contractor and in my area I could not get anyone to use the Z pool forms. I bought the Z pool forms, and had to install them myself on a freeform pool. I also installed them on the outside edge of a keystone block wall with the pool liner coping. 75% of the pool deck exterior is keystone block. Job looks excellent. HVACR contractor is my profession. Where I live in Arkansas concrete contractors SUCK! They won't do shit I couldn't even get an estimate, so I bought the forms and figured it out myself. You and your guys kick ass.

[@e.l.robbins5614]

@@ZCounterform1 I got the forms from you guys, and they are awesome. I used them on keystone block walls, steps, fire pit top. Easy to use for sure. So easy even an HVACR contractor can use them. I just wish I could finish concrete like Mike Day.

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

Funny story, I have a viewer from Maine, I asked him if he knew Mike day and he said yes, it turned out to be a different mike day from Maine lol, when I told him Mike day had a youtube channel and was one of the original concrete guys on youtube, he was like wtf! Anyways got u another subscriber "dcrodgers" good dude

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

Magnetic stamps work good for ashler slate

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Awesome Bobby, thanks. The "other" Mike Day does concrete also.

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

@@MikeDayConcrete i didn't know that. I know he doesn't have a youtube channel though. I think he has a brother named Garry

[@jacobchandler3443]

Spot on for what we charge. 8-10 broom 16-20 stamp. We have one just like this to do Thursday with lg slate pattern. You ever put calcium in stamp jobs? I think we are gonna try it this week with it so cold.

[@jerrodfelice7891]

I got the chance to talk to Mike one time last year. I told him I had a question and he called me! He did explain to me a few things and I raised my price after speaking with him. Concrete underground is on my list when I have some time. You know it's got to be worth it.

[@tonyl4571]

Like mining underground?

[@landmarkcreations1183]

I love this. I’m a fence guy. I do not budge on my pricing. If the customer doesn’t want us that’s fine there’s going to be someone else around the corner wanting our work

[@JTEA856]

Nice job as always. I’m just starting to do a few nice sized jobs on my own and sometimes the hardest part for me isn’t the work it’s giving the price. I realize I still need to establish a name and reputation for myself but some people act like they’re offended after hearing the price I tell them. I appreciate your videos mike, thanks.

[@Victriol]

I never get why people get offended. When I get a proposal for something, I see if they can work with me some, if not, then so be it. That is their price, they are still in business so it means many people are paying the price and enjoy the work. I never mind paying more if someone comes with credentials and especially if someone I know refers them to me. That is when you start making your money. I am in sales and word of mouth is the cheapest form of advertisement and the easiest sale you can have.

[@akdrywallguy60]

You will definitely know when you've 'made it' when you just don't care how people take your bids. If you're offering an honest price and it doesn't line up with their expectations, then you just saved yourself a little time and frustration by pricing out that client. I'm sure that you've heard it from other contractors, but always go with your gut and don't be afraid to walk away from people who don't feel right to you - it's because they're not right for you. Your name will work its way up to the higher paying customers who are looking for the best work with the least headaches. Cheers from AK!

[@justinconnelly5479]

I have a concrete company on Long Island and a good majority of our work is stamped flatwork. Your pricing is spot on. 15$/ft. IM NOT GOING LOWER!! If you want my expertise and my quality, it’s not cheap

[@andrewlynch7769]

Mike, another excellent video. After watching, I am thinking about adding stamped to my business as well....thank you!!

[@howlandexcavating]

I agree with everything you said. I don't do concrete, but I do a lot of grade work for a couple local masons. They refer their concrete customers to me for the site prep. I can fill up a sheet of paper with how many times the cheaper excavating contractor had to come back and fix their work because it wasn't ready for concrete. And I remember 2 jobs in particular I quoted and lost "ORIGINALLY" because the homeowner said I was way too expensive. Well the homeowners ended up having me redo what they just paid someone else to do. I'm talking removing several feet of fill because the bottom of the fill wasn't compacted. Like you, I am not the cheapest but when I leave the mason can throw his forms on grade without taking his laser out of the truck. And more importantly he is always complaining it is hard to pound in his stakes on the Alaskan slabs I prep lol. I tell him that means I did my job right!

[@MikeDayConcrete]

People actually save TIME and money by hiring someone like you. They just don't realize it. Great job!

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

Cool video, don't usually see this side of your company, u guys don't show alot of forming, mostly pouring, so it was cool to see something like this (I'm not saying u don't form btw)

[@tomoaktree4951]

Hi Mike, I'm always amazed watching your videos. You and your crew really make it look easy. But, that's what 40 years of experience will do! As always, thank you for your awesome videos and commentating!

[@boejiden876]

We always provide an exit for the pool whether it be steps or a ladder . You're really supposed to have an exit for shallow and deep end.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

There are shallow end steps in there, you can't see them. New design.

[@boejiden876]

@@MikeDayConcrete I gotcha. I didn't think about but we have been building liner over steps in all our pools. Built in steps so to speak.

[@mikeknoll2865]

All your specialty systems is most likely unique to you and your crew, price is good considering what’s involved. Being able to complete all the specialty systems enlarged your business and knowledge..and make a better living..very cool.

[@joefromWY]

Done a few stamp driveways and i was charging $15 sq ' back in '05 using either acid etch and or powder release. Not many people want pay that much so havent done many. Back then $125 yd for 6 sack from the the ready mix plant here in south central Wyoming. You guys sure make it look easy thx for sharing your knowledge. -joe

[@DeuceGenius]

So nice to rake that slump. Wish i could come help rake this job lol

[@michaeltaylor1757]

Thank God big Red was not out Nice work sir love watching how good cement guys work together

[@CCTOutdoorServices]

I would love to come to ur town one day and make a video ! That be pretty cool to help you pour !!!

[@MikeDayConcrete]

June is a good month. Too cold now. 🥶

[@dee9117]

Love the work guys I’ve done many of stamped pool surrounds and texture pads are the fastest and easiest gotta love it , like how you explain everything the way you do very detailed took me years to learn what your teaching in these videos and I’ve picked up a few things really enjoy watching from CT, the company I work for we actually went to Bangor Maine over this past summer for two weeks to do a job small world

[@T.E.P..]

cool project man!!!! they are always informative and also great you care about being compensated for hard work .. professionals don't undersell themselves

[@brooketrout1717]

Hey mike I live in Vermont and my rates for stamped concrete are just about the same as yours thanks for the tip on price per foot for z form and form liners I’ve been wanting to give the z form system out for a pool coping , I picked up a set of slate form liners last spring they were kind of pricey but I’ve used them on every stamp job since they are really worth the money thanks again for all the great educational content 👍

[@mikeortiz1338]

Great stuff Mike! your videos are second to none.

[@bullhippo9023]

How is the powdered concrete removed from the pool without damage to the pump system?

[@stevieowen9076]

That looks pretty darn good guys, keep up the good work

[@m_2wavy688]

I could BARELY here that laser beeping under your voice and I still had to turn the volume down lol🤣🤣🤣

[@brianwiggin6032]

This is great , love the info. Would like to meet up someday. From nh , and went on my own last year with concrete floors and am allways in Maine. Great work.

[@texasproud3332]

Mike as a electrical contractor I think the same as you about our industry I have what consider a walk away price people call back I advise them same as you you should go the other person and about 95% time they go with us good luck

[@mikem9362]

Amazing job

[@TalksWithRyan]

Hey Mike something I seen a while back when laying down wire mesh. Instead of use it the little stands and wire tying it all down a guy just used thin bricks and layer the wire mesh on top and it was perfect height no pulling wire up when pouring just simple and easy and works every time. Thought I would share .

[@concreteninja]

Awesome video mate 👊

[@douglasblack2689]

What about all that release in the pool?

[@vincegarza3701]

Looks great!! Alot of great advice!!

[@georgeomalley6066]

Great Video, hard work, the Finish is Worth it👍

[@georgestoumbos975]

Here in NJ we charge 20 to 25 dollars per sf. How much you get the concrete per yard over there?

[@michaelshepherd733]

Years ago I was dreading having to replace 3 sections of my driveway.....Put if off far to long.....But, was pleasantly surprised by how much it cost......Less than half of what I thought it would cost....Wish I had gotton some estimates far sooner

[@Paulie1232]

great job Mike.. .

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thank you

[@CCTOutdoorServices]

Only three guys pouring! Much respect for you my man !!! Great video mike ! Shoutout from Indiana !!! The greatness !

[@tonyl4571]

I 100% agree with what you are saying but I feel like it's got to be more difficult doing residential stuff. I work for heavy industry and when you are in the buisness, it's easy to undertand and see value. When doing residential, you are most likely doing a job for someone that does not understand or see that value. Also in residential the home owner will not know the market and more or less randomly chose a cheaper contractor. This is why I would avoid small residential jobs and work for companies that understand my prices and my value. That way, if you are very good and fast, you will make bigger bucks and be happy and they will also be happy.

[@robertzaske5321]

Dang Mike I hope that was fast forwarding because if not you and your guys are faster then speedy Gunsallus.......lol fantastic job as always.

[@boejiden876]

Have you ever used the styrofoam cantilever forms for pools? We use those on the pools we build. We will lay about a 16" wide and stamp it and then we will come back and pour concrete right up to our coping . Iv never used the type You're using. I like that Ill have to look into that. The problem with the styrofoam forms you can't reuse them. I'm a pool guy and we do all our concrete.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

We started with them These are much easier in my opinion. Plus you get dozens of uses.

[@boejiden876]

@@MikeDayConcrete yeah. That's what I hate about the ones we use. And u better not mess those styrofoam ones up because you can't buy just one form you have to buy the whole set which isn't cheap. Awesome work.

[@boejiden876]

@@ZCounterform1 ok. Thanks for letting me know. I'll definitely look into them. Always looking to improve.

[@justdoit45]

Yeah I don’t see a problem with your price you got it down right 👍

[@lennyadamowicz7642]

Great work as always! I’d pay more for your skill’s! Amazing how you guys work together! 💯° right about referrals! Thanks for your videos Mikey! 👍👌🙌🏼

[@Cook-px8ne]

man i wish i a was upstate pouring. its too cold here plus it just snowed. ground frozen

[@alandecker8912]

I like having the ability to do work for someone who might not be able to afford what I normally charge. I can only do that by charging 95% of my customers what I'm worth. If you're undercharging everybody you won't make it long. You'll get a name for doing cheap work and that's all you'll get calls for

[@stich1960]

Why mesh instead of bar mike? Thanks for the pep talk I'm still starting out and have been slowly raising my prices. I almost went out of business the first year from not charging enough.

[@matttietsort861]

What pump sprayer were you using to seal with? That spray pattern was impressive! I buy expensive pump sprayers and have never had that wide or consistent of a pattern.

[@duanewitman539]

Great question, but More importantly what nozzle tip do you use.

[@timmymonte9813]

pouring 6 yards in St Pete Florida on Thursday at 12.00/ft

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Wish I was there!

[@timmymonte9813]

@@MikeDayConcrete the customer had a huge apple farm in Maine ... It's a good place to be

[@MikeDayConcrete]

What's his name?

[@timmymonte9813]

@@MikeDayConcrete Steven Leavit

[@elplata7224]

At what point would you use a pump line vice conveyor? Have you ever done heat lines outside in snow country?

[@restorationconcrete]

I’m at $20 a foot in Atlanta. Unless it’s very large like 2000 square feet I might go $15. If it’s small like 500 I’m at $22.

[@shanehemm4334]

What mix do you order when ya stamp?

[@bradforester3635]

So you just lay the stamps down when it’s pretty wet and walk on them? We always wait till it’s mostly dry and then pump the stamps. Your way looks .Better.

[@aldojaimes153]

Nice work Mike 👏 👌

[@JJ-gf5qs]

Awesome work! Curious as to the necessity of expansion joints, noticed you didn’t use them, so perhaps they’re optional?

[@JesAG]

sometimes people do soffcuts rather than expansion joints. i guess u can say user preference

[@allthingsbing1295]

Hello mike, are you going to world of concrete this week?

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Yes, I'm here

[@allthingsbing1295]

@@MikeDayConcrete Cool maybe I’ll run into you. Are you teaching any seminars?

[@losbuenos22]

Hi Mike, I’m in the process of removing some pieces of concrete around my pool deck because I’m assuming the people who laid the concrete took a short cut and it cracked about a foot at the edge of the pool. I live in Arizona how can I contact you to ask you a detailed question?

[@rgonzalez3211]

Great job, but you need to raise your prices a bit, there aren't many people doing this. 👍🏽

[@74stevedc]

Looks Great, Mike

[@nhconcrete317]

Are you still using foundation Armor sealers for stamp? I started using them a couple of years ago when you said you used them. I have had good results with them. Plus they were 25 minutes from me.

[@larryhand7219]

Have you ever used a power wheel barrow style concrete buggy?

[@jesuscornejo1144]

Great job Mike! like always. I have done lots of stamp concrete jobs back in California. I am in Tennessee now. I always enjoy watching your videos, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@al76groovekeeper]

Good video thanx

[@Concreteconcret]

Thx Mike 🤙🏽🔥🔥🔥

[@qayotiq]

Does anyone here have an automated estimator for MS Excel? Trying to cut time down on manual ugh... too many estimates and not enough time!

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Take a look at cretequote.com talk to Aaron, it automates your estimates

[@qayotiq]

@@MikeDayConcrete I have a bought it, but its not very friendly for options for some picticular things i need like garage pads with stem walls. Plus customer service is bad... 4 days and still no replies for my questions. Not acceptable to me! I do love the concept though, just needs more work... a lot more!

[@mehmet284]

amazing job mike

[@brandonisaiahsexton6533]

You couldn’t have said it better brother. Your damn right we have to charge what we’re worth. We have guys here in Kentucky charging 1$ a sq ft lol. It’s shotty work at best and your right, people are going for these cheap crews, but immediate regret after the jobs done😂. Then they end up paying 5x as much for us to come tear it out, dumpster fees, and re pour it. I can’t stress this enough. In the concrete industry you get what you pay for (Mostly). Research the contractor, look at pics of his work. If you go for the cheapest crew possible, you might as well take that money and throw it in the fireplace 😂😂😂.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Totally agree

[@j81851]

I agree fully and completely based on experience as a consumer in South Alabama. It hurts you as a contractor and me as a consumer when "contractors" underbid, wheel and deal and do shoddy work! . A big pour may be a one and done in a lifetime. I know by expensive and painful experience it's miserable living with a BAD JOB.

[@fljetgator1833]

...a DOLLAR per square foot?!?! 🤯 What part of KY? The mud costs more than that.

[@Kanendd]

A dollar a foot lolz.

[@brandonisaiahsexton6533]

@@fljetgator1833 Louisville

[@mrbigcat9]

Mike you have created a brand? Mike Day Concrete is a brand? Hence, you're paying for a brand? ex Milwaukee power tools vs Hart power tools?

[@homesteadedman4784]

Hello Mike. I'm in Kennebunk area, want to come down this far for 30 x 40 garage floor in the spring?

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Possibly yes

[@homesteadedman4784]

@@MikeDayConcrete May I call you?

[@jamesgallman5677]

...agree- your skill level is worth a lot-

[@CZ-wc5yh]

I want to open a concrete business in NY.

[@joeohara2429]

Where are you located?

[@IntensityR6]

Great job explaining pricing, as far as payment goes… do you make the customer pay all upfront or do you charge a percentage?

[@Keith2080Keith]

half up front to start job, then other half at completion is normal

[@zimage2374]

No color ? Was it in truck ?

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Yes, integral color "Gull Grey"

[@zimage2374]

@@MikeDayConcrete thought so, looks great good work guys 👍

[@nonyabuisness]

Plastic will float on top of the water in the pool. Powder releases in a pool is a nightmare 😫.

[@davidhundley833]

Where are you out of wondering because prices differ big time

[@rayjones3452]

I get 15 sq ft in TN . Until watching your videos I was cheaper and lacking confidence in what I been doing for years! Thanks Mike!

[@codybosley400]

15 a Sq ft is cheap I charge 20 to 25 for stamped I'm in Virginia concrete is 180 a yard color adds 35 a yard. Stamp sets are not cheap. Yea color harder is cheaper way to color but it's still cost and stamped work is alot harder than regular flatwork

[@felipearvizu4808]

@@codybosley400 what company used per the color what name?

[@Ashroyer86]

I'm wondering if the guys are making what they're worth. I'd imagine they are or else they aren't too smart. In my area I saw finisher's starting pay at 25/hr.

[@sdrammm696969]

Good pricing

[@murdamomurda9018]

Always one guy that doesn't wear dust mask lol

[@shawnmccormick9990]

You’re so right on pricing and don’t do it for nothing. It does mess up the industry standards. Great Job!

[@ekuskman4629]

He's not right, and he's a straight up liar. There's no way he gets $15/sq.ft in the middle of nowhere Maine where the houses aren't worth much. This guy lies about everything. He said on one of his other jobs for a basic chute pour with 0 demolition he charges $9/sq.ft. I'm in a similar area (as far as cost-of-living) to where Mike Day is and there's no way you can get that much. If Mike Day made this kind of money he would have laborer's do all the work, and be driving a $70k+ truck. Instead Mike is one of the laborer's, so that proves he's full of crap / liar. This guy is just a finisher and not a concrete contractor because you don't ever see him on equipment. Maybe on a Georgia Buggy, but that's about it. You'll notice all his jobs are basic chute pours that a bunch of 19 - 20 year old kids starting out can do.

[@shashankprasad6403]

If he is true, then he is scamming people. If he is false, he is honest

[@banc8704]

Just wanted let you know I really appreciate your videos, I’ve been doing concrete 25 plus years mainly forming , grading and foundation part but am trying get into finishing too. I know basics but am pro form setter. You videos really help me see how to better my finishing skills. I feel like I should of started finishing from get go but can only try from here on out. How old you think is too old to learn to be pro finisher like you well at least kinda to your level? And again awesome videos.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Never too old, keep learning! I'm glad the videos help.

[@hectorcrespo5741]

My channel , thanks mr mike ,hector from baltimore.

[@arturocalderon8340]

I can't even see the finishing of the concrete here, camera is too far away!

[@tedlahm5740]

Homeowner to take a 5 minute dip in the evening!

[@eve438]

I’m glad y’all are wearing masks using the release!

[@-agent-47-80]

Great job....I never talk about price online... especially KZbin.... I've heard a few people getting IRS looking at their books.... just a little piece of mind 🤗

[@hawkgang503]

🔥🔥🔥

[@djuggalo66]

hopefullly thats not an above ground pool buried. otherwise, it sucks for the owners.

[@trustedcementfinishing6124]

17 per square foot minimum... Plus 25-35 for coping facing

[@waltk9067]

👍

[@jamesgallman5677]

..,40/ft for 3 men working (6-7 hrs?) then coming back to strip-that’s reasonable in my opinion-

[@shashankprasad6403]

You speak from such a privileged standpoint. Its a luxury to say that always overprice yourself "because you are worth it". Who would pay you so much ? $4000 to put zform? Wish things were more affordable. No one in US would do DIY then. But contractors just like to loot customers in today's world. This won't last very long. People will stop giving jobs

[@arronagnew5611]

2nd ;)

[@alelec3278]

You need another guy Mike

[@DeuceGenius]

Don't ever use those Styrofoam piece of crap forms for the lip lol. Don't recommend those

[@mrconcretemsc6272]

Sorry your settings up people for failure just to make a quick buck!