PAY LESS: 3 tips for a cost-effective screw pile foundation
You’ve got a project in mind, but you’re worried that the foundation bill is going to go through the roof? Good news: you can pay less for screw piles without sacrificing quality. In this article, we’ll share three practical tips for saving money the smart way.
Before diving into the tips, let’s see why prices vary so much from one company to another.
Why do helical pile prices vary so widely?
You may have already noticed that two companies can give you very different quotes for exactly the same screw pile foundation project. This is no accident. In fact, there are several factors behind these price differences, and it’s important to understand them before making a decision.
Here are the main factors to watch out for:
1. Piles for your project, not their inventory
The type of screw piles used has a direct impact on price. Some installers recommend sturdier, and therefore more expensive, models, even when this isn’t necessary. Why do they do this? To simplify their inventory. Fewer models = simpler logistics, but a higher cost for you.
A smaller post can often do the trick and save you money.
2. Certified piles or not?
What you need to check
Another factor too often ignored is certification. Some companies use uncertified piles, often imported from China, with no warranty or traceability. Although this practice is widespread, it generally goes under the radar of municipalities.
To avoid any unpleasant surprises, always check that piles are CCMC (Canadian Construction Materials Centre) certified. This certification ensures that products meet Canadian standards for construction, strength and durability. In short, it’s a guarantee of quality and conformity.
READY TO LAUNCH YOUR PROJECT?
As you can see, getting the best price for your screw piles requires good reflexes: compare, plan ahead, and ask the right questions.
To request a quote for screw piles, visit our interactive map to contact the installer in your area.
OR
Quickly get multiple estimates via a platform such as Screw Pile Estimate.
Pay Less Screw Piles: 3 Tips You Need to Know
Tip #1
Compare prices to save on screw piles
Of course, you’ve heard this before: by comparing quotes, you increase your chances to pay less screw piles and avoid extra charges. Yet very few people actually take the time to do it properly. You get a quote, you think it’s reasonable and you sign.
When it comes to screw piles, price differences can be surprising, even for the same project. By comparing several quotes, you’re putting all the odds on your side to pay the right price, avoid unexpected extras and choose an installer you can trust.
Tip #2
Plan your installation at the right time
Did you know that the timing of your project can have a direct impact on the price you pay? As in many other sectors, seasonal demand influences prices. The most popular periods, such as spring and early summer, are often synonymous with full order books and less pricing flexibility.
Conversely, if you plan ahead or target a less busy period (such as late summer or spring), you’ll be able to take advantage of faster availability and lower prices. So timing can make all the difference.
Tip #3
To save money on your screw piles foundation, A clear quote helps you pay less on screw piles
A common mistake in the purchase of screw piles is to rely solely on the price quoted without question. However, in this field, it’s common for the initial quote not to reflect the reality of the job site.
Why is this? Because the installer often doesn’t know all the technical parameters before arriving on site, such as the composition of the soil (rock, clay, sand, etc.), the actual depth required or underground obstacles. If these factors have not been properly assessed beforehand, you run the risk of receiving a nasty surprise: the bill increases once the work has begun.
Solution: demand a clear, complete quote with no hidden costs
Before you sign,
ask the right questions:
– Does the price take soil type into account?
– Are the piles CCMC-certified?
– What’s included (extensions, plates, cleaning, warranties, etc.)?
A serious company will take the time to explain what’s included in its quote, and most importantly, it will commit not to change the price without a valid reason.
Moreover, choosing a company that installs CCMC-certified piles protects you in the long term:
– You avoid having the city reject the foundation due to missing certification.
– You avoid redoing everything if non-certified piles fail over time.
In short, a good quote is one that doesn’t change halfway through and is based on solid, guaranteed products that meet Canadian standards.