Everyone wants to save money. We get it. Concrete work isn’t cheap, and when the quotes start rolling in, the lowest one always looks the most tempting. But cheap concrete isn’t always a win. In fact, it usually costs more in the long run.
At Blundell Concrete, we’ve been providing reliable concreting services in Auckland for over 25 years. We’ve seen what happens when people chase the lowest price. Most of the time, it ends with cracks, patch jobs, or a full rip-up and redo. And trust us, fixing bad concrete usually costs a lot more than doing it properly the first time.
This article’s here to help you spot the difference between a fair quote and a future regret. We talk about what concrete really costs, what can go wrong with budget jobs, and how to get good value without getting burned. If you’ve got a concrete project coming up, this can help you make the right call.
Why Cheap Concrete Work Seems Like a Good Idea
Let’s say you get a concrete driveway quote for $6,000. Then someone else offers to do it for $3,800. Easy choice, right Here’s why people get sucked in:
- The upfront cost is lower. That’s the hook.
- Concrete seems simple. Just pour and walk away.
- Money’s tight. It feels smart to go for the cheaper option.
But a concrete project is never just about the pour. It’s the ground prep, the mix strength, the weather on the day, the finish, the clean-up. When a quote comes in too low, something’s missing. It could be the drainage, the reinforcement, or even the quality of the crew.
It’s easy to ignore when you’re focused on the concrete cost. But it won’t be easy to ignore when your new driveway starts cracking after one winter.
What Can Go Wrong with Cheap Concrete Work
These are real things we’ve seen, over and over again:
- Too thin: Some crews skimp on thickness to save concrete. That means weak spots.
- Bad prep: No drainage, no compaction, no proper base = concrete that sinks, cracks or lifts.
- Poor mix: Some jobs use low-grade concrete or water it down to make it go further. Looks fine for a month, then flakes or breaks down.
- No steel: Skip the mesh or rebar? Don’t be surprised when it shifts or splits.
- No comeback: If there’s no warranty, and things go wrong, you’re on your own.
We’ve had to tear out driveways that were less than a year old. We’ve seen concrete slab foundations that weren’t level. We’ve seen ‘new’ concrete floors crumble like vintage footpaths. And all because someone went cheap on the first round.
How Much Does Concrete Cost?
Concrete cost depends on a bunch of stuff:
- How much concrete you need (that’s your concrete volume)
- What kind of prep the job needs
- The finish you’re after (broom, exposed, coloured, etc.)
- How easy it is to get to your site
- Who’s doing the work
On average, concrete prices in Auckland usually sit somewhere between $150–$300 per cubic metre. But that’s just a ballpark. Big slabs, steep driveways, or tricky access can bump that number up fast.
You’ve also got to factor in:
- Labour costs
- Reinforcement (like mesh or rebar)
- Boxing and site prep
- Transportation costs (especially if your site needs a pump)
Just remember: if the quote you get seems way lower than what everyone else is charging, they’re cutting something out. The quote might come with cheap materials, no finish, or just a lack of skill. Either way, you’re the one who pays when it fails.
If you want a rough idea for your concrete job, you can use our concrete cost calculator. It’s free, quick, and gives you something solid to work with.
Red Flags to Watch for in Low Quotes
A cheap quote isn’t always dodgy. But a lot of them are. Here’s what should make you pause:
- No written quote: If someone just texts you a number, that’s not a proper quote.
- No site visit: You can’t price a concrete foundation or driveway without seeing the site. If they’re not coming out to check it, they’re guessing.
- Vague breakdown: You want to see the full project cost, including labour costs, materials, prep, finish, transport, the lot.
- Unknown concrete suppliers: If they’re not using a trusted supplier, ask why.
- No warranty: If they can’t guarantee their work, that’s a big fat no.
- No references: If they’ve got no photos or reviews, they might not want you seeing their past work.
If it feels rushed or dodgy, it probably is. Good concrete work takes planning. And a good concreter will happily explain what’s going into the job and where the money’s going.
How to Get Value Without Compromising Quality
You don’t need to pick the most expensive quote. You just need to pick the right one. Here’s how to get good value without ending up with a dodgy concrete project:
- Ask questions: What’s included? What’s not? Who’s doing the work? What concrete are they using?
- Compare experience, not just price: Ask how long they’ve been in the game and what kind of jobs they usually do.
- Check their past work: Photos. Reviews. Referrals. It all helps.
- Look for clear terms: A decent quote will spell out the cost, the timeline, and what happens if something goes wrong.
A good concreter doesn’t just pour and leave. They think through the job, they care about the finish, and they’ll still be around in six months if you need something looked at.
Reliable Concrete Services in Auckland
At Blundell Concrete, we’ve been doing concrete for a long time. We’ve laid concrete slab foundations that still look sharp years down the track. We’ve poured driveways that stand up to heavy use and harsh weather. We’ve done patios, floors, steps, and everything in between. And we’re still the crew people call when a cheap job goes wrong and needs ripping out.
We’re not the cheapest on the market, and we’re fine with that. Because cheap usually means problems later, and no one wants to pay twice. Got an upcoming concrete project? Contact us today for a clear and upfront quote.
