The short answer
Ask each concreter for the area, the base, the slab thickness and the deposit in writing. A quote that skips the base or asks for a big upfront payment is the first one to question.
The ten questions
- What area in square metres are you pricing, and how thick is the slab?
- What is under the concrete: crushed rock, a poured base or something else?
- Does the price include removing the old surface?
- What reinforcement, joints and finish are included?
- Who supplies the concrete and what strength is it?
- What deposit do you need, and is it inside the legal limit for my state?
- When will you start, how long will it take and what if the weather stops work?
- How do you handle drainage and levels?
- Can I see your insurance certificate and photos of recent jobs?
- What happens if cracks appear, and who do I call?
Check the deposit before you agree
Use our deposit checker or the state pages to see the legal limit where you live. Anything above it is a red flag.
Common questions
Is a big deposit normal for concreting?
Laws cap deposits on building work and the cap differs by state. Check yours before you pay.
Sources
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: deposits and payments, checked 11 November 2026
- Airtasker: driveway paving cost, checked 11 November 2026