What a good driveway quote includes
Two quotes for "a new driveway" can describe very different jobs. Ask for each of these in writing so you can compare like with like.
- A compacted gravel base. Four to six inches of crushed stone (often called 21AA) keeps the slab off Genesee County's wet clay.
- Air-entrained concrete, 4,000 psi or better. Four inches thick for cars, five or six where a plow truck, trailer or RV will sit. The tiny air bubbles give freezing water room to expand.
- Reinforcement. Mesh, rebar or fiber will not stop cracks. It holds them tight so the slab stays level.
- Control joints. About every 10 feet and a quarter of the way through, so cracks follow straight lines.
- Slope and finish. A quarter inch of fall per foot, away from the house, with a broom finish for grip.
The quote should also say whether tear-out and haul-away of the old driveway are included, and how the new concrete will be cured and sealed.
What a concrete driveway costs here
For planning, expect $8 to $14 per square foot for a standard broom-finish driveway on prepared ground, plus $2 to $5 per square foot if an old driveway has to come out first.
| Driveway | New pour | With tear-out |
|---|---|---|
| Single-car, 12 × 50 ft (600 sq ft) | $4,800 to $8,400 | $6,000 to $11,400 |
| Two-car, 20 × 40 ft (800 sq ft) | $6,400 to $11,200 | $8,000 to $15,200 |
| Two-car, 20 × 60 ft (1,200 sq ft) | $9,600 to $16,800 | $12,000 to $22,800 |
These are ranges, not quotes. The driveway cost guide has a calculator and explains what pushes a job toward the high or low end.
How long it takes
Most driveway replacements take two to four working days, weather permitting. After that the concrete needs time before you use it.
- 24 to 48 hours Walk on it. Keep pets, bikes and kickstands off.
- 7 days Cars and light pickups. Drive straight on and off.
- 28 days Loaded trucks, trailers and RVs. Full design strength.
The curing and first-winter guide covers sealing and salt.
The approach and the sidewalk
The last few feet of your driveway, where it crosses the public sidewalk and meets the street, sit in the road right-of-way. Work there usually needs a permit from whoever owns the road: your city, the Genesee County Road Commission or the state. See driveway permits in Genesee County for who that is at your address.
Common questions
Can new concrete be poured over my old driveway?
It is rarely a good idea. Cracks and movement in the old slab come straight through the new one, and the added height causes problems at the garage and the sidewalk. Most replacements start with a full tear-out.
Do I need rebar?
Not always. A four-inch driveway on a well-compacted base commonly gets wire mesh or fiber. Rebar makes more sense for thicker slabs, heavy vehicles or soft ground. A good base matters more than either.
Is concrete or asphalt better in Michigan?
Concrete costs more up front and lasts longer. Asphalt is cheaper and easier to patch but needs more upkeep. We compare them in concrete vs. asphalt driveways in Michigan.
When is the best time to book?
Crews here pour from roughly April through early November, and spring schedules fill early. Asking for estimates in late winter puts you near the front of the line. More in the best time to pour concrete in Michigan.
Free estimate
Want a price on your project?
Tell us the town and what you need done. We pass it to one local concrete contractor, who contacts you with a free estimate.