A concrete estimate, line by line

A concrete estimate should show demolition, excavation, base preparation, concrete, reinforcement, finishing and cleanup as clearly described work. Keep rates for unexpected excavation outside the included scope, with written approval before extra work.

The fictional driveway and patio examples below use invented prices to explain the structure. Confirm the slab design, mix, reinforcement and joint layout for the actual site; these tables are not construction specifications.

A 720-square-foot driveway, torn out and replaced

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Estimate #2026-214 · Date: August 23, 2026 · Valid through: September 22, 2026

To: D. Reinhardt, 3907 Marlowe Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45232

From: Bell Concrete & Flatwork LLC, Cincinnati, OH · (513) 555-0176 General liability and workers' comp certificates on request

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Re: Remove and replace 24 ft x 30 ft driveway, 4 in. slab, broom finish

Estimate total: $9,712, plus applicable sales tax.

Not included: approach work inside the city right-of-way; drainage or downspout tie-ins; step work at the garage; landscaping beyond rough grade and seed.

Permits: permit fees are excluded from this displayed total. Before sending, confirm the required permits and identify who obtains each one. Add any contractor-procured permit fee to the price for customer approval.

Payment: $[lawful deposit amount] at scheduling, balance when the listed work is complete. Fill in the amount and check applicable deposit and cancellation requirements before sending.

A 340-square-foot stamped patio

No tear-out here. It is priced over existing lawn, and the stamp and seal lines are almost a third of the total ($1,989 of $6,177).

Estimate total: $6,177, plus applicable sales tax.

Not included: steps or a seat wall; footings for a future pergola; drainage away from the slab; re-sealing in later seasons, which is owner maintenance.

Color and pattern: approved from a sample before we order the mix. Integral color is mixed into the load at the plant — approve that color before placement rather than relying on a later color treatment to match the sample.

Describe excavation and base preparation

On the driveway, demolition, excavation and base stone come to $3,636 — 37% of the job, before a single yard of concrete is ordered. Different base-preparation scopes can account for part of a price difference. Give it its own lines, as above, and name the stone type and depth, the compaction, and where the spoil goes.

Broom, stamped and exposed aggregate are three different products

A homeowner holding two estimates cannot compare them if both say "concrete patio." Name the finish on the line — and if it is decorative, the pattern, the color and the sealer. Illustrative adders over a broom finish:

Decorative work also hands the customer maintenance: sealer wears, and re-coating runs on the manufacturer's schedule. Put that on the estimate.

Confirm the slab specification and permits

Thickness, mix strength, reinforcement and drainage must suit the load, soil and exposure. Confirm the design and mix with the appropriate designer and supplier. Ask the building department and public works office which permits apply, including any work at a sidewalk, approach or curb cut.

Show the joint layout and method in the scope. Contraction joints create planned weakened locations to help control cracking; they do not prevent every crack. Isolation joints allow movement between the slab and adjoining structures. NRMCA’s joint guidance explains the distinction and why spacing, depth and timing matter.

Check your state’s contractor tax guidance before adding tax. For example, Texas distinguishes residential repair contracts from taxable nonresidential remodeling; do not copy tax treatment from a quote for another type of property.

When the excavation changes the job

Old fill, roots, buried slabs or wet subgrade may be difficult to assess before excavation and may change the base-preparation scope. Standing unit prices can provide a basis for an approved change:

A qualified designer must determine whether any slab thickening is appropriate; the rate above does not specify a repair. Photograph unexpected conditions and write down the extra scope, quantity, price and schedule impact. Record the customer’s approval before doing that work. A standing rate gives a basis for pricing; it does not by itself approve a new quantity.

Weather is a schedule term, not a disclaimer

Write how weather can change the pour date and protective measures, and who will confirm the revised schedule. Follow the mix supplier’s placement and curing requirements. Give the customer written instructions for keeping people and vehicles off the slab until it is ready for that use.

Reuse concrete descriptions and selling prices

Save concrete tasks in DoneQuote with descriptions, units and calculated selling prices, or import your existing price list. Update catalog prices when supplier costs change, then review the quantities, exclusions and totals in each new draft. Transfer approved extra-work details to your invoicing records when billing.