5 Critical Questions That Protect You From Overpriced Concrete Quotes
Questions to ask before signing
- What PSI is the concrete mix? (4,000 PSI minimum for driveways; anything lower fails prematurely)
- What's the base depth? (4 inches minimum; shallow bases crack within 3–5 years)
- Is demo and removal included? (If not, budget $1.50–$3.50/sqft separately)
- Are permits included in the quote? (Missing permits add $50–$300 later)
- What's the deposit structure? (Never pay more than 30% upfront; rest at completion)
Why contractors skip these details
Most quotes avoid specifics because vague terms hide corners they plan to cut. A contractor who won't specify PSI or base depth is already thinking about cost-cutting. Deposit rules protect you from abandonment-I've seen 50% upfront demands leave homeowners with half-finished driveways and no recourse.
Hidden costs contractors don't mention
| Missing component | Typical added cost |
|---|---|
| Demo/haul-off | $1.50–$3.50 per sqft |
| Permits and inspections | $50–$300 |
| Site prep not specified | $200–$800 |
| Sealing (if withheld) | $0.50–$1.00 per sqft |
Even with these five questions answered, comparing quotes side-by-side is nearly impossible when contractors quote differently.
one-click price evaluation
Check if your quote is fair - before you sign.
- Real $/sqft ranges for your project type and region
- PSI, thickness & base depth benchmarks to check the spec
- One-page negotiation reference card
How it works
- Pull up your quote
- Check it against the regional data and spec benchmarks
- See exactly where you're overpaying
Done in 30 seconds.