What a fair concreting quote should include (and what it shouldn't)
A fair quote is boring to read. It lists what's included, what's excluded, the thickness, the reinforcement, the finish, and the price. If a quote is one line and a number, that's not a quote - that's a guess.
Every quote should spell out the area in square metres, the slab thickness, the reinforcement (mesh size, rebar where used), the concrete mix strength (commonly 25 or 32 MPa), the finish, and any extras like saw cuts, expansion joints, or formwork.
It should also list what's not included - earthworks beyond a certain depth, removal of existing concrete, plumbing penetrations, or anything subject to a building inspector's call. Surprises on quote day are part of the job. Surprises on invoice day are not.
Watch out for 'allow for' phrases without a cap. 'Allow for base prep' with no fixed price means whatever they decide to charge later. A fair quote either fixes the price or sets a clear hourly rate with an estimated range.
Placeholder content - Shane will expand this with a sample quote breakdown.
"Surprises on quote day are part of the job. Surprises on invoice day are not."
- Shane Tusel, founder
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