What Is the Minimum Concrete Project Size?

You need a small concrete pad — maybe for a trash can enclosure, a single step, or a patch. You call a few contractors and nobody wants the job. Why?

Why There Is a Minimum

Concrete contractors have a minimum project size because of mobilization costs. Every job — no matter how small — requires:

• A crew (2–3 people minimum)
• A concrete delivery (ready-mix trucks have minimum order amounts)
• Equipment (tools, mixer, possibly an excavator)
• Travel time to and from the site
• Setup and clean-up time

For a small project, these fixed costs make the per-square-foot price disproportionately high. A 100 sq ft pad might cost $1,000 — that is $10 per sq ft, which seems high compared to a 600 sq ft driveway at $6 per sq ft.

Our Minimum

Our minimum project size is approximately 400 square feet. Below that, the mobilization cost makes the price per square foot too high for most homeowners to justify.

What to Do If Your Project Is Smaller

If your project is under 400 sq ft, here are your options:

1. Combine projects — if you need a small pad and also have a cracked driveway section, do them together.
2. DIY — for very small projects, bagged concrete and a rented mixer may be cost-effective.
3. Ask for a referral — we know smaller contractors and handymen who take small jobs. Call us and we will refer you.
4. Expand the scope — consider whether you actually need more concrete than you think (a wider walkway, a larger pad).

Do Not Skip the Prep

Even on small projects, the excavation and compaction matter. A small pad on bad soil will still crack and fail. If you DIY, do the prep right.

See also: our services, pricing, process, and FAQ.