Start with the decision
Compare concrete proposals against the same scope and revision before comparing their totals. Pay particular attention to excavation, subgrade preparation, reinforcing supply, testing and protection after placement. The lowest number may describe a smaller package, and a more expensive offer may include work the other bidders have excluded.
This guide is for business-to-business project planning in the United States and Canada. For the wider trade context, visit the concrete resource hub.
Level the scope before the price
| Package | Difference to check | Evidence to request |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations | excavation, forming, reinforcing and placement boundaries | A written confirmation covering foundation drawings and package limits |
| Slabs | base preparation, joints and protection | A written confirmation covering area boundaries, specified finish and interfaces |
| Exterior flatwork | removals, base work and adjacent restoration | A written confirmation covering locations, interfaces and finish schedule |
Download the concrete compare quotes worksheet (CSV)
Fill in the response, owner or source, and date checked. Keep unresolved items visible. The file contains planning prompts only; it does not calculate quantities or make an approval decision.
Put the checklist to work
- Create a column for each proposal and a row for each required deliverable. Use not stated when the proposal is silent.
- Separate firm scope from allowances and options. Request the basis of any provisional quantity rather than inserting your own assumed price.
- Check schedule assumptions against approved drawings, access for placement, preceding preparation and release of following trades. Compare like-for-like access and timing as well as materials and labour.
- Ask each bidder to incorporate agreed clarifications into a revised proposal. Keep the revision and date alongside the comparison.
A scope gap worth discussing
Illustrative example — not a Build Accord client project
One slab proposal includes base preparation while another starts at a prepared surface. Confirm the preparation owner before treating the two totals as competing prices.
Apply this to your decision: A comparison that explains scope and timing differences, plus a short clarification list. It is a decision aid, not an authorization to start work.
Using this in the US and Canada
For a project in the United States
Record the state, local jurisdiction and actual service area. Confirm the project location and the scope of the business’s authority with the responsible project team. The U.S. Small Business Administration provides a starting point for business licensing resources.
For a project in Canada
Record the province or territory, municipality and actual service area. Use Canada’s permits and licences resources to locate relevant checks, including the linked BizPaL service. Confirm requirements for the actual activity and location.
For either market, state the currency, units and deadline time zone. This worksheet is general planning guidance, not a determination of licensing, procurement eligibility or technical compliance.
The next useful step
Continue with concrete contractor schedule and lead-time checklist. For the other side of the conversation, see the concrete bid proposal guide.
Build Accord coordinates introductions between construction project teams and trade contractors. An inquiry starts a discussion of fit and availability; it does not guarantee a contractor, an invitation to bid or an award. These guides are not a listing of currently available crews or projects.