Every year, homeowners in Western Arkansas call us to assess concrete work that failed prematurely. In most cases, the job was done by the cheapest bidder. Here's what cutting corners on concrete actually looks like in practice.
Inadequate Base Preparation
The most common cause of concrete failure isn't the concrete — it's what's underneath it. A proper base involves removing soft soil, adding and compacting gravel, and ensuring adequate drainage. This takes time and material and costs money. A low-bid contractor often skips or reduces this step. The result: concrete that settles unevenly, cracks along the low spots, and has drainage problems that were built in from day one.
Wrong Concrete Mix
Ordering a weaker concrete mix is an easy way to cut cost on a job. The difference between a low-strength and high-strength mix is real — a weaker slab surfaces more, absorbs more water, and is more vulnerable to freeze-thaw damage. The homeowner typically won't know what mix was used, and many contractors won't tell you unless you ask directly.
Incorrect Thickness
Going from 4 inches to 3.5 or even 3 inches of concrete is hard to verify after the fact but reduces structural capacity significantly. Low-bid contractors sometimes reduce thickness to save on material. Ask for thickness in writing before work begins.
No Warranty, No Recourse
When cheap work fails — and it often does within 5–10 years — the contractor who did it may be unreachable, out of business, or simply unwilling to help. With no written warranty, you have limited legal recourse and a concrete replacement cost that now feels much larger than the original savings. We offer a written warranty on every job. Call (479) 551-1642.
