Concrete bids priced by the yard, the form, and the finish
Concrete is unforgiving — under-order and you're short mid-pour; over-order and you eat it. Bid Buddy helps you calculate yards correctly, add the right waste factor, and price forms, rebar, and finish as separate line items.
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Your bid
Your bid is calculated as total cost ÷ (1 − margin) for a true margin.
Total job cost
$23,000.00
Recommended bid
$28,750.00
Profit
$5,750.00
Margin
20%
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Cubic yards + waste
Add 5–10% waste factor. Short loads have a surcharge — factor it.
Forms & rebar
Lumber, stakes, wire mesh or rebar — line item, not overhead.
Finish type
Broom, smooth, stamped, colored — labor varies 2–4× across finishes.
Prep & sub-base
Excavation, compacted base, moisture barrier if applicable.
Markup & margin for concrete
Flatwork contractors typically bid $8–15/sq ft depending on finish and region, targeting 20–30% net margin after truck, forms, and crew.
Line items to include in every concrete bid
- Excavation & sub-base
- Forms & stakes
- Rebar / wire mesh
- Concrete (yards + short-load fee)
- Pump (if needed)
- Finish labor
- Cure & sealer
Frequently asked questions
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