Many people think of concrete as a simple, utilitarian material. However, concrete walls are not cheap. In fact, they tend to be more expensive than the commonest alternative, wood frame walls.

On average, a concrete wall will cost you about $6,000 in American Samoa. These variables make up the cost:

1. Engineer or architect service. Hiring a design professional to plan and oversee your concrete construction is recommended.

2. Building permit. Remember to pull a permit from the building authority prior to starting the project.

3. Preparation. Before the concrete is installed, your site should be level and supplied with adequate drainage, which could involve excavation.

4. Concrete and delivery. Concrete, the basic component of your wall, is a mix of Portland cement, aggregate (gravel or sand), and water. Because this material is very heavy, transport is going to be expensive. Delivery charges will be based on the amount of concrete and distance to your site.

5. Framing materials. Wooden forms must be built onsite to support the concrete during pouring and curing.

6. Rebar. You’ll probably choose to add metal or fiberglass reinforcement (rebar), in order to strengthen the wall.

7. Labor. Constructing strong, durable concrete walls is a job for skilled workers. This means a substantial labor cost, which could amount to 85 percent of the cost of your wall.

TIP: Although a concrete wall will be expensive to build initially, it is likely to last much longer and require fewer repairs than wood-frame construction.