HowtochooseaconcreterinAdelaide
The single most useful test for any Adelaide concreting quote is whether it is itemised. Lump-sum quotes hide the spec; itemised quotes prove it. This guide is the definitive checklist: what to ask, what to verify, and what to walk away from.
The 5 lines every itemised quote must contain
- Slab thickness in mm. 100mm minimum for residential driveways under AS 3727.
- Mesh grade. SL72 fabric minimum for residential, SL82 for higher load.
- Mix strength in MPa. 25 MPa plain residential, 32 MPa for higher-load slabs, 40 MPa for industrial.
- Finish or decorative method. Plain, exposed aggregate (stone source named), stamped (pattern name and brand), or coloured (oxide brand).
- Control joint count and spacing. Typically 3 to 4 metres, or 24 to 30 times the slab thickness.
If any of those 5 lines is missing, the quote is unverifiable. Ask for them in writing before signing.
Three quotes is the fastest sanity check
The middle quote is usually fair. The high quote tells you who is testing the market. The low quote signals either a hungry concreter or a corner-cutter. Read the itemised breakdown of all 3 and the picture clears within 5 minutes.
Verify the BWC licence before paying anything
Above $20,000 inc GST the licence is legally mandatory. Search the CBS register, confirm the licence is current, check for active proceedings. Full explainer at BWC licensing in SA.
Pay on milestones, not upfront
A standard schedule is 10% on contract, 40% on slab prep complete, 40% on pour, 10% on practical completion. Lump-sum upfront payments are a red flag.
Positive signals (hire this concreter)
- BWC licence number on the quote.
- Mention of AS 3600 (concrete structures), AS 3727 (residential pavements), or AS 2870 (residential slabs).
- 7-day no-driving and 28-day no-heavy-vehicle disclosure.
- Local references with addresses you can verify.
- Photos of completed work by the same crew.
Walk away from these
- "Fully licensed" with no licence number.
- Verbal-only quotes for jobs over $20,000.
- Pressure for cash payments.
- "We can start tomorrow" without a written schedule.
- Mix specification not stated (just "concrete").
- No mention of control joints.
- No mention of cure window.
Quote spread is real, but the cause is usually spec, not market
Three quotes for the same 60m2 Adelaide driveway can range $8,000 to $19,000. The cheapest typically saves money by dropping slab thickness, mesh grade, or joint count. Read the line items, not the totals.