What the bid should say, by job
Seven short guides, one per kind of concrete job, each listing what a complete bid states for that work: thickness, steel, base, joints, finish, access and permits, with the city standard or industry source behind each line. Read the one for your job, then put your bids on the checklist.
Driveway bids
A driveway bid you can trust lists the slab thickness, the steel and its spacing, what the base is made of and how it is compacted, the joint layout, the finish, and whether tear-out, haul-off and the city approach permit are included.
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Patio bids
A patio bid should state thickness and steel, the slope away from the house, how downspouts and drainage are handled, where the joints fall, the finish (broom, exposed aggregate, stamped) and whether the HOA drawing is included.
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Slab & foundation flatwork bids
A slab bid for a shop, garage, carport, RV pad or small addition should list the slab thickness, the thickened edge or beam detail, the steel, the base and compaction, whether a vapor retarder goes under it, anchor bolt layout for a building kit, and whether an engineer's design or city inspection is required.
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A walkway bid should state width, thickness, steel, joint spacing, cross slope and finish; a steps bid should add riser height, tread depth and how the steps tie to the landing.
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Commercial flatwork bids
A commercial bid for a parking lot, drive lane, dumpster pad, sidewalk or loading area should define the scope panel by panel, give thickness and steel per area, say how new panels are doweled into old, lay out joints, address ADA slopes and routes, state phasing and hours, and include the certificate of insurance and lien release terms.
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Stamped & colored concrete bids
A stamped concrete bid should name the pattern, the coloring method (integral color or shake-on hardener), the release color, the sealer and whether grit is added for traction, plus how control joints will be hidden in the pattern, and it should say so in writing.
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Repair & leveling bids
A repair bid should mark which panels are lifted, which are replaced and which are left, name the method (foam or grout injection, saw-cut replacement, crack routing and sealing, overlay), say how new concrete is doweled into old, and address the cause: a downspout, a wet bed or a leaking line.
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