Why Does the Cheapest Concrete Job Often Cost You Triple?
Is going with the lowest quote for concrete work really worth it?
In home improvement and construction, it’s tempting to chase the cheapest quote. We all want to save a buck, right? But when it comes to foundational, long-lasting work — whether it’s a driveway, shed slab, sports court, extension, or retaining wall — choosing the lowest price can quickly become an expensive mistake. At Arletos Constructions, we’ve seen this happen time and time again.
“I’d rather stay at home than go and undercut myself, and be forced to do a job the wrong way.”
It’s not about being expensive — it’s about doing the job properly and avoiding the trap of cutting corners.
What is the real cost of a “too cheap” concreting quote?
Jonathan recently spent two hours carefully quoting a complex job. He used specialised software to account for everything — from excavation to difficult levelling. The client’s response?
“Oh, too much, too much.”
They ended up going with someone quoting $100 per square metre, including excavation. Jonathan’s reply?
“Good luck to you, mate. Take the job if you’re quoting unrealistically cheap prices.”
Why such a strong stance? Because Jonathan knows that kind of price can only mean something critical is being left out — and it’s the homeowner who ends up paying for it later.
What goes wrong when you choose the cheapest concrete quote?
Here are some of the hidden costs and issues that often come with bargain-basement concreting work across all types of projects:
1. Poor Drainage and Water Pooling
If levels aren’t done precisely, water won’t drain properly. Puddles will form, creating slip hazards and, over time, damaging your home, driveway, footpath, or slab foundation.
One client ignored Jonathan’s advice on proper drainage and opted for a cheaper solution. The result? Water pooled, and they had to pay to rip up and redo the concrete.
2. No or Insufficient Steel Reinforcement
Steel reinforcement is essential to prevent cracking and ensure longevity. Cheap quotes often skimp on or omit this altogether, leading to premature failure — whether it’s a shed slab, sports court, or driveway.
3. Terrible Finishes
You get what you pay for. Cheap labour often results in rough, rushed, and unprofessional finishes that devalue the look of your home. You’ll be kicking yourself for years to come, every time you walk out to the backyard or roll into your driveway.
4. Poor Communication and Unnecessary Variations
Some contractors quote low just to win the job, then start adding surprise “variations” mid-project — blowing out your budget fast.
At Arletos, Jonathan provides a final price guarantee upfront. While variations on big jobs are sometimes unavoidable (like discovering extra soil that needs removal during excavation), it’s the unnecessary variations — the ones caused by poor planning or sneaky quoting — that Arletos Constructions works hard to eliminate through experience and honest communication.
“If there’s something going on… Hey Steve, look, we’ve got a bit of an issue here… It’s just up to you if you want to go ahead with it or not. It’s going to cost this amount… No surprises.”
What makes Arletos Constructions different?
✅ Multi-Generational Expertise
Jonathan is a third-generation concreter. This isn’t just a trade — it’s a legacy.
“He can tell you every problem you’re probably going to have… show you how to avoid it, save money, and deliver a result you’re proud of.”
✅ Reliability and Professionalism
Jonathan’s commitment to turning up on time and delivering on promises is central to Arletos Constructions’ reputation.
“I don’t have one bad review.”
That track record is built on transparency, trust, and doing things properly.
✅ In-House Plumbing and Drainage Knowledge
Jonathan is also a qualified plumber with extensive experience in plumbing and drainage, allowing him to design integrated solutions — a major advantage. This means better water flow, fewer trades, and less risk of miscommunication or future drainage issues.
✅ Built to Last
At Arletos, we treat every concrete project — whether it’s a driveway, slab, extension, sports court or retaining wall — as a long-term investment.
“It’s your home. It’s your baby. Once you do this now, you don’t want to do it again.”
We aim for outcomes that last 20, 30, even 40 years — not quick fixes.
What’s the bottom line?
A cheap quote might save you money today, but in the long run, it can cost you double or even triple — in repairs, replacements, and stress.
And let’s be honest — if someone is quoting $100 a square metre with excavation included, you’ve got to ask: what exactly are they leaving out?
Choose Arletos Constructions. Get the job done right, first time.
Peace of mind, proven expertise, and no nasty surprises.
Get Your Obligation Free Quote
FAQ: Avoiding Costly Mistakes When Hiring a Concreter
Hiring a concreter based purely on the cheapest quote can lead to serious structural and financial issues. Common risks include poor drainage, cracking due to lack of reinforcement, uneven finishes, and hidden costs added mid-project. Cheap concreters often cut corners to meet unrealistic pricing.
Common concreting problems include:
- Water pooling or drainage failure due to incorrect levels
- Cracks and slab failure from missing or inadequate steel reinforcement
- Poor surface finish, which affects appearance and durability
- Unbudgeted variations, driving up the final cost
These issues often require expensive repairs or full replacement.
To choose a quality concreter, look for someone who:
- Has experience in residential and commercial concreting
- Provides a detailed quote covering excavation, steel, drainage, and finishing
- Offers references, reviews, or case studies
- Is insured and licensed
- Communicates clearly and transparently about project timelines and potential variations
A professional concreting quote should include:
- Site preparation and excavation
- Steel reinforcement specifications
- Concrete type and thickness
- Drainage or fall planning
- Surface finish details
- Waste removal
- A clear breakdown of costs and any potential variations
If these are missing, you’re likely to face extra charges later.
Yes — extremely low concreting quotes often mean essential components are being excluded, such as steel reinforcement, proper drainage, or waste removal. If a quote is significantly below others, it’s important to ask:
What exactly is being left out?
- Third-generation expertise: We bring decades of experience across all concreting applications
- Integrated drainage knowledge: Our team includes qualified plumbers, ensuring water flows are built into every job
- Fixed-price quoting: No hidden fees — we quote accurately upfront
- Built for longevity: We deliver concrete work that lasts 20–40 years, not quick fixes
- Commercial and residential capability: From driveways to slab extensions and industrial installations
The best way to avoid cost overruns is to:
- Get a detailed, itemised quote
- Ask what’s included and excluded
- Clarify how variations will be handled
- Choose an experienced concreter who plans ahead and communicates openly
- Avoid vague or overly cheap quotes
Look out for:
- Standing water or uneven surfaces
- Visible cracks appearing within weeks
- Loose or crumbling edges
- Patchy or inconsistent finish
- The contractor not providing post-job support or warranty
If you spot any of these, get an independent inspection before further damage occurs.