Concrete seems simple. You pour it, it dries, done. Easy, right? Not always. If you’re not careful, the concrete cost you had in mind can blow out fast. Timelines can drag out and budgets go out the window. And this is true for concrete driveways, slabs, footpaths, and pretty much any other kind of commercial or residential concrete project.
At Blundell Concrete, we’ve seen it all. We’ve been working on Auckland concrete projects for over 20 years. So, we know exactly what pushes up concrete prices, and more importantly, how to avoid it.
In this article, we’ll break down six common things that can mess with your quote and push up your final bill. If you want to budget effectively and avoid nasty surprises, this is for you.
1. Hidden site issues
You can’t always tell what’s under the surface. The site might look fine, but then you hit soft ground, tree roots, buried pipes, or leftover rubbish from a previous build. Sometimes the digger can’t even get to where it needs to be.
All of that means more digging, more materials, and more time. And that can push up your concrete cost. Site preparation matters. If it’s complex or looking like it’ll take ages, your final cost will reflect that. A clear, flat, easy-access site can make the job a lot faster (and cheaper).
A good concreter will do their best to spot potential site issues early and factor them into the plan so you’re not dealing with last-minute surprises.
2. Poor planning or late changes
You’d be surprised how often people change their minds halfway through a concrete job. One minute it’s a standard slab, the next minute they want it wider. Or they decide to shift the driveway, add an extra path, or extend a pad. Sometimes the supplier might miscalculate, and they end up short.
Changing things late causes delays. It can also mean wasted concrete. It can result in ripping things out and starting all over again. That adds time, labour… and cost. If you want to keep control of how much concrete costs, you need to get your plan fully sorted before the pour. Double check everything. Know exactly what you’re doing, then stick with it.
Experienced concreters can help you plan everything upfront. They’ll also ask all the right questions early, so things don’t change halfway through.
3. Wrong thickness or reinforcement
Here’s one that can catch both builders and homeowners. If the concrete slab is thicker than it needs to be, you’re paying for concrete you don’t actually need. Same goes for going overboard with mesh or steel. But if you underdo it? You might have to fix it later. And that costs even more.
It all comes down to knowing what the job actually needs from the get-go. It’s important that the right concrete volume is calculated, the load is checked, and the pour is mixed right for the job. It’s the best way to keep your concrete cost under control.
A skilled concreter knows what thickness and reinforcement the job actually needs, eliminating guesswork, waste, and unnecessary expenditure.
4. Weather delays or rework
Concrete doesn’t like bad weather. Pour on a hot, windy day and the top dries too fast. Pour during a downpour and water messes with the mix. Both can ruin the finish or mess with the curing.
If the job needs to be redone, you’re paying twice (for materials and for the crew’s time). Weather delays happen. Sometimes they’re inevitable, as things can change pretty quickly in New Zealand. But smart timing can stop them from turning into full-on blowouts. A good concreter keeps a close eye on the weather and won’t pour in conditions that could ruin the job.
5. Access issues
Access can quite literally make or break the flow of a job. If the site’s hard to reach, for instance, has a steep section, narrow driveway, or no clear path to the pour, the supplier might need to bring in a pump truck or extra labour to shift the mix. That slows things down considerably and pushes up the costs involved.
Before the job starts, properly consider access. Can the truck get close? Is there enough space to work? If not, the supplier will need to allow for that in the quote. A good concreter will check access early and plan for the right gear and crew to get it done efficiently.
6. Cheap or rushed work needing repairs
If the concreter cuts corners, you’ll pay for it later. We’re talking cracks, flaking, uneven surfaces. This is the kind of stuff that happens when the job’s rushed or the concrete’s not mixed or finished properly. It can end up with you needing to patch it, fix it, or even start again. And that’s when your concrete cost really blows out.
It’s always cheaper in the long run to do it once and do it right. Cheap labour or backyard jobs might save you a bit up front, but they cost way more in the long run. An experienced concreter takes the time to do the job properly the first time, so you’re not stuck fixing it later.
Trusted Concrete Services in Auckland
Small things can blow out a budget fast. The good news is that an experienced, reputable concreter knows how to spot issues early and plan around them.
At Blundell Concrete, we don’t muck around. We quote properly, work smart, and get it done right the first time. That’s why we’re the trusted supplier of concreting services for commercial and residential concrete projects throughout Auckland.
Use our concrete cost calculator for a rough estimate, or get in touch to talk through your next project. We’re here to help keep your concrete cost under control.
