3 Quotes, 3 Prices: Why Are They So Different? (And What to Look For in a Concrete Estimate)

If you've ever gathered multiple bids for a concrete driveway, you've probably seen it.

Three quotes. Three very different prices. And no clear explanation why.

It's confusing, especially when every contractor promises "quality work" and "competitive pricing." But behind those price tags are real differences that could affect your driveway for years to come - and your peace of mind in the process.

We want to help you see what most people miss.

Because the lowest bid isn't always the deal. And the highest bid isn't always the best. The key is knowing what's actually included in each quote and what isn't.

Let's break down the reasons those prices vary so much, and what to look for in a concrete estimate, before you decide.

Some Quotes Look Cheaper Because They Are... Until They're Not

We recently worked with Emily and James R. from Verona. They called us after getting three estimates for their driveway project. The first quote was almost $4,000 cheaper than ours. But when they compared line by line, they noticed that quote didn't include gravel depth, rebar, or even sealing.

That cheaper price wasn't apples to apples. It was missing half the orchard.

They chose to go with us - not because we were the lowest, but because they didn't want to gamble on the things that mattered most long-term. The job was done right the first time, and they've since referred two neighbors.

3 Reasons Prices Vary (There are several but 3 will do for now)

Let's say you're looking at three quotes, all from Dane County contractors. Here's why they might be thousands of dollars apart:

1. Scope of Work Isn't the Same

One bid might include an 8-inch gravel base. Another might only pour 4 inches of concrete directly over soft ground. That shortcut saves money up front, but it invites issues down the road, like surface failure, poor drainage, or settling.

Look for clear breakdowns. If a quote doesn't spell out the gravel base, reinforcement, or sealer type, it's not a full picture.

2. Labor Quality and Accountability

Is the work being done by an in-house team or a revolving door of subcontractors?

Crews who work together daily, who are trained and supported, do cleaner, faster, more respectful work. It's also easier to hold them accountable.

Cheap bids often rely on day labor or subcontracted help - and that shows up in both the process and the final result.

3. Warranty (or Lack Thereof)

A one-year handshake warranty doesn't mean much if something goes wrong after 14 months.

The best contractors put their warranty in writing, with clear terms for settling and surface issues. If it's not in the quote, you can't count on it.

And if one quote includes a 2-year surface warranty and lifetime settling coverage, while another includes nothing, that price difference suddenly makes sense.

So How Do You Know Which Quote Is the Best One?

Start by considering these 3 questions:

1. Is this quote itemized and specific?

2. Does it spell out exactly what's included?

3. Does it line up with what matters most to you - quality, clarity, and accountability?

If any of those answers is "no," it's worth slowing down before saying yes.

The right contractor won't just give you a number. They'll walk you through every line and help you understand what you're actually paying for.

Still Not Sure What to Look For in a Concrete Estimate?

You're not alone.

That's why we created the Buyer's Concrete Contractor Checklist - to help Dane County homeowners know exactly what to look for in a bid.

It walks you through the 4 key areas of a bid, and the red flags to watch out for before you hire anyone.

(Click on the image below.)👇

No pressure. No pitch. Just a tool to help you choose a contractor you can trust.