How many quotes should I get for a concrete driveway in NB?

Get at least three quotes for a concrete driveway in New Brunswick — and make sure they are written, itemized quotes, not verbal ballpark estimates. This is not bureaucratic caution; it is practical advice based on the reality of the NB concrete market, where prices for identical scope can vary 30 to 50% between contractors.

Concrete driveway pricing in NB is influenced by factors that are not always visible in a final number: the mix specification (air-entrained 32 MPa versus cheaper 25 MPa without air entrainment), the reinforcement approach (properly supported wire mesh or rebar versus mesh thrown on the ground), the base preparation depth (4 to 6 inches of compacted gravel versus minimal prep), and the curing practice after the pour. A quote of $5,500 for a 500 square foot driveway using the right mix, proper base, and sound technique is a better value than a quote of $4,800 that uses a substandard mix and skips proper base compaction — you just cannot see the difference until 5 to 7 years in when the cheaper driveway starts spalling and cracking.

Three quotes gives you several advantages. You get a realistic market range for your specific project in your location (Moncton pricing differs from Bathurst or Miramichi pricing). You can identify outliers — both unusually low quotes that suggest corner-cutting and unusually high quotes that may reflect premium pricing or scheduling availability. And you begin to understand what is and is not included in different contractors' scopes: does the quote include removal and disposal of the existing surface? Grading? Sealer application? These line items vary significantly between bids.

Make sure the quotes are comparing the same thing. Before getting quotes, decide on: approximate dimensions, desired thickness (specify 5 inches minimum for NB vehicle loads), finish type (broom, exposed aggregate, or stamped), whether the existing surface needs removal, and whether a permit is needed. When each contractor quotes the same scope, you can compare meaningfully. If one contractor specifies 25 MPa mix and another specifies 32 MPa air-entrained, ask both to quote on the same specification so you are comparing apples to apples.

Timing matters for quotes in NB. The spring booking rush — April through June — is intense. Contractors in Moncton, Fredericton, and Saint John book up quickly once the ground thaws and the pouring season opens. If you are flexible on timing, getting quotes in February or March (for a May or June pour) gives you leverage and often better pricing than calling in late May when every crew has a full schedule. Late-season quotes (September, October) can also be competitive as contractors want to fill their calendar before winter.

One important caution: do not choose solely on price. The lowest quote is not automatically the best choice — especially for a project as permanent as a concrete driveway. Review references, verify insurance, and assess how clearly and professionally each contractor communicated during the quoting process. How they treat you during the estimate is how they will treat you during the job.

New Brunswick Concrete is a free matching service — we can connect you with concrete contractors in your area so you can collect the quotes you need without the legwork of tracking down contractors cold.