Concrete Work in Charlottetown: Plan and Compare

Define the job before comparing prices

Give each contractor the same description of your driveway, patio, walkway or steps. Include approximate dimensions, photos, intended use and any removal work. Point out standing water, uneven edges and changes in height beside doors or the garage. Ask the contractor to inspect these concerns before proposing repair, lifting or replacement.

Request a written scope with proposed slab thickness, base preparation, reinforcement, concrete specification, joint layout and finish. Ask the contractor to explain each choice for your site. For steps or concrete supporting a structure, ask whether the proposal needs design work and who will confirm any applicable approvals.

Compare totals only after you compare inclusions. Have each bidder identify demolition, excavation, hauling, disposal, forms, concrete delivery, placement, curing protection and landscape restoration. Ask for taxes, exclusions and allowances in writing. These sources provide disposal fees, but no verified local installed price for a driveway or patio. [2] [3]

Resolve driveway drainage before the pour

Charlottetown Public Works requires approval for culvert installation that creates a new private driveway access, or for ditch infilling outside the City's own construction program. The City directs applicants to complete its Culvert Installation Application. Ask who will submit the application and obtain approval before agreeing to work at the ditch. [1]

The City explains that its ditch system carries rainwater and snowmelt away from foundations, streets and sidewalks. Its stormwater system uses gravity drainage, and high tides or storm surges can affect it. Ask the contractor to show the proposed finished elevations and drainage route, including how the driveway will meet the street and existing ditch. [1]

Mark the proposed edges together during the site visit. Discuss garage thresholds, neighbouring ground, downspouts and any existing ponding. Ask the contractor to explain how the proposed work addresses those observations. Keep responsibility for municipal coordination in the written scope rather than leaving it for pour day.

Agree on weather protection and return to use

Charlottetown says it normally places concrete for municipal sidewalk work from late May to late October because freezing temperatures affect placement. This describes the City's work season, not a guaranteed schedule for private contractors. For an October booking, ask what forecast conditions would trigger a postponement and what protection the contractor includes. [1]

Ask for separate milestones for demolition, preparation, pouring and return to use. Have the contractor specify when you can walk on the surface, park vehicles or place heavy items on it. Request curing instructions for the proposed concrete and conditions rather than relying on a single completion date.

Plan where you will park and how household members will reach the entrance during the work. Confirm truck access, storage space, protection of adjacent surfaces and cleanup. Agree on who will contact you if weather changes the schedule and whether postponement or protection adds a charge.

Check disposal terms and contractor documents

IWMC accepts source-separated materials from residents and businesses at its Waste Watch Drop-Off Centres. Customers must sort and unload their material as facility staff direct, and must cover and secure transported loads. For a removal job, ask the contractor to identify the disposal destination and confirm acceptance of the actual debris. [2]

IWMC's commercial guidance says businesses can hire a commercial hauler or transport sorted material themselves and pay applicable fees. It applies surcharges to unsorted material and may reject it. Ask whether your quote includes sorting, hauling, disposal and any surcharge, and whether the contractor uses a fixed amount or an allowance reconciled against receipts. [3]

The PEI Workers Compensation Board recommends requesting clearance when hiring contractors or subcontractors. Clearance confirms account standing. WCB warns that a principal employer may face assessments owed by a contractor or subcontractor whose account is in default. Use the contractor's employer name, WCB firm number or CRA business number to check clearance. [4]

Request liability insurance documentation, references for comparable work and written payment terms. Agree on how you will approve extra excavation or other scope changes. Before final payment, review the finished work together and record any remaining cleanup, repairs or follow-up commitments.

Published IWMC commercial drop-off disposal rates

Match the next step to your project

Your hiring checklist

1. Send each bidder the same dimensions, photos, intended use and removal scope.
2. Ask the contractor to explain the proposed base, slab, joints and finish.
3. Identify who will confirm approvals and handle any culvert application.
4. Review finished elevations and the proposed drainage route on site.
5. Request separate removal, hauling and disposal terms.
6. Obtain WCB clearance and liability insurance documentation.
7. Agree on weather postponement, curing protection and return-to-use instructions.
8. Record payment milestones, change approvals and final cleanup responsibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a concrete driveway need a permit?

The City's guidance establishes an approval requirement for culvert installation serving new private driveway access or ditch infilling outside the City's program. It does not establish a blanket permit rule for every driveway replacement. Describe your proposed work to the City and ask which approvals apply before excavation. [1]

Can I arrange a pour in October?

The City normally undertakes concrete work through late October and identifies freezing temperatures as a placement concern. Ask your contractor to assess the proposed date, explain protection measures and give you a postponement plan. The City's season does not guarantee suitable conditions for your job. [1]

Are IWMC disposal rates the full cost of removing concrete?

Use the published rates to understand disposal line items. Ask for a separate quote covering demolition, loading, hauling and facility charges. Confirm how IWMC will classify your debris; the commercial waste and mixed-waste rates shown here do not establish a rate for clean concrete. [2] [3]

What does WCB clearance verify?

A clearance letter confirms that the contractor's WCB account is in good standing. WCB recommends requesting one when hiring contractors or subcontractors. Review liability insurance and the proposed workmanship terms as separate checks. [4]