Concrete mix design

Good concrete mix is vital. If the concrete doesn't have enough cement, it will be weak and brittle. If there's too much water, it will lose its strength. A poorly mixed concrete will make your house fragile and prone to cracks, potentially compromising the entire structure.

This is one of the most common and dangerous frauds. To save money, some masons reduce the amount of cement, which is the most expensive ingredient. This results in poor quality concrete, weakening the structure in ways not visible from the outside.

• ⚠ The concrete is very light-colored (not enough cement) or too liquid (too much water).
• ⚠ Quantities of sand, gravel, and cement are measured by eye without a standard bucket or wheelbarrow.
• ⚠ The contractor cannot give you the precise 'recipe' for each element.
• ⚠ The concrete cures poorly or crumbles easily once dry.

• 1. "What is the exact concrete mix you will use for the foundations, columns, and slabs?"
• 2. "How do you measure the quantities of cement, sand, and gravel?"
• 3. "How do you plan to control the amount of water for the mix?"

The mix directly impacts the cost of concrete (cement is expensive). One cubic meter of concrete can range from 40,000 to 80,000 FCFA depending on the mix.