Case Study: Concrete supplier in St Albans: line pump delivery for a rear extension
General News · 30th October 2025
A Master Mix Concrete Case Study
Summary
Adding extra space to a home is never a simple job. Rear extensions in St Albans present their own set of challenges, from tight access through terraces to juggling multiple trades on a busy site. This case study looks at a domestic project where Master Mix Concrete acted as the concrete supplier in St Albans, delivering 8mÂł of foundation mix by line pump and keeping everything on track.
Domestic Foundations in St Albans: Project Background
The job involved supplying concrete for the foundations of a new rear extension to a family home, just off the main High Street in St Albans. The homeowner wanted to open up the back of the house and build out into the garden, gaining more living space for a growing family. It’s a common type of project for groundworkers and small builders in the area, where the only real way to increase floorspace is often out the back.
Site access is rarely straightforward in St Albans, where houses often have little to no direct route to the garden — and no separate side gate. This property was no exception. The only way to get concrete to the new foundation trenches at the back was by running equipment through the house itself.
The client needed a supplier who could not only get the materials on site bang on time but also help with the right kit to make the pour possible. They were keen to keep the project on schedule, especially as other trades were due on site later in the day.
Challenges and Requirements: Tight Access, Tidy Job
This home had zero side access. Every bit of material for the rear extension had to pass through the house. Lugging barrows full of concrete across carpets and up narrow halls wasn’t an option—too slow, too messy, and likely to wreck the client’s flooring and walls.
The builder needed around 8m³ of foundation concrete delivered in one go. The pour had to be steady and controlled, to avoid overflows and cold joints. Given that more tradesmen were following on after, there wasn’t any wriggle room on timing. The customer was clear about needing minimal disruption, a tidy job, and the concrete exactly where it was needed. They asked for a two-hour delivery slot, wanting to fit the pour between crews so there’d be no hold-up on their busy schedule.
Given the site layout, a line pump was the only safe way to get concrete to the back without fuss or damage. Careful planning was needed, right down to protecting carpets, walls, and doorframes on the route.
How Master Mix Sorted the Pour
Because there was no side gate, the Master Mix team worked with the builder to plan the best path for the pump line, running small-bore pipework right through the house. Protective sheeting and board layouts were used, making sure the home stayed safe from scuffs and spills. Setting up took extra care, but the team worked fast, keeping the client up to date and tidying as they went.
The job was booked for a morning slot, so concrete could go down before the next phase. Master Mix’s truck turned up inside the agreed two-hour window, as promised. The operator and the ground crew worked together, feeding in exactly the 8m³ ordered. No guesswork, no shortfall, no messy leftover that would cost extra to dispose of.
Line pumping made all the difference. Without it, moving this much concrete with barrows would have cost an extra day’s labour, at least. The pumping was steady, and with constant communication between the Master Mix crew and the builder, every bit of the foundation was filled without overpour or waste. The mild, dry weather helped the mix to settle well and made for a clean, strong base with no special curing needed.
By using their experience with tight-access set-ups around St Albans, the team kept the job tidy and disruption low. No damage to gardens or interiors, no tracks left in the grass, and no lost time during the critical phase of the extension.
The Results: On Schedule, Zero Waste, No Mess
The concrete arrived on time and went in exactly as needed. Using the line pump route saved at least a full day that would’ve been lost to barrowing. The crew’s precautions—floor protection, clear lane, and tidy working—meant no mess, so the client didn’t face a string of complaints from the homeowner or unexpected snagging jobs.
By delivering only as much concrete mix as the job needed, the volumetric process kept costs in check and cut out waste removal headaches. Every cubic metre was accounted for.
Multiple trades could start work right on schedule in the afternoon, as no delays had crept in. The builder commented on the clean finish, the helpful attitude of the Master Mix crew, and their clear communication all the way through.
Client Feedback
The client made a point of acknowledging the smooth process and professional job done by Master Mix Concrete. They were especially pleased with the punctual arrival, stating that it kept their day running on time and avoided a domino effect of delays with other trades coming in.
They noted that the pump team took extra care of their customer’s home, laid protection over all surfaces, worked efficiently, and left the property exactly as they found it — no concrete stains, no scuffed walls or floors.
Looking for a Reliable Concrete Supplier in St Albans?
If you’re dealing with tricky site access or need a supplier who’ll keep your project moving without drama, Master Mix Concrete is ready to help. From exact volumes to tight delivery windows, and proper care on your job, we know how to deliver for St Albans builders.
Get in touch if you need a trustworthy concrete supplier in St Albans for your next project. Master Mix Concrete—on time, on budget, and done properly every time.
- ANY SIZE
ORDER - FREE NO
OBLIGATION QUOTES - ONLY PAY FOR
WHAT YOU USE - SAME DAY/
NEXT DAY DELIVERY
AREAS WE COVER
We deliver concrete of any size order to Watford and the
surrounding areas. We promise fast, same or next day deliveries and
an efficient service every time.