How to Compare Commercial Epoxy Flooring Quotes in Melbourne
Published: 2024-03-25
Updated: 2026-09-13
Two commercial epoxy quotes for the same Melbourne floor can differ by thousands and still both be reasonable, because they are usually describing different work. This guide sets out what to read on each quote so you compare scope rather than totals.
Compare the preparation first
Preparation is the largest variable on a commercial floor. Check how the slab is being prepared: mechanical diamond grinding across the whole area, or a light key in places. Check whether removing existing coatings, glue, paint, carpet residue or sealer is priced in, and how much of the area that covers. A quote that assumes bare, sound concrete will always look cheaper than one that includes taking a failed coating off, and the difference tends to surface once work starts. Our commercial and industrial epoxy flooring page explains how we assess a slab before specifying anything.
Agreed repairs, and how existing joints are treated
Ask which repairs are agreed and priced, and which are excluded. Static cracks, spalled edges, holes and patches are normally listed as an agreed scope after the slab has been inspected. Existing expansion joints are a separate question: we leave expansion joints open rather than coating or filling over them, because they are there to move. Where a quote is silent on repairs and joints, that work has either been assumed away or will return later as a variation.
The specified system, coats and finish
A commercial floor is a specified build-up rather than a product name. Compare the number of coats, the finish (a solid colour, a flake broadcast, or a Grind and Seal over ground concrete) and any texture specified for grip. Then compare that against how the area is actually used: foot traffic, wheeled traffic, spills and the cleaning routine. Performance is assessed for the specified system in your conditions rather than promised in general, so ask what the system was selected for. For site-specific considerations, see automotive workshop epoxy flooring Melbourne and warehouse and factory flooring Melbourne.
Access, clearing and staging
Access changes cost. Confirm who clears the area of vehicles, stock, racking and equipment (on our jobs the site owner or occupier arranges that), how power and water are provided, and whether loading docks, stairs or height restrictions apply. Where the floor has to be done in sections so part of the site keeps operating, check the staging and sequence are written into the scope and agreed before work starts rather than assumed.
Installation time is not cure time
Days on site and return to service are two different numbers. Installation time depends on area, preparation and the system. Return to foot and wheeled traffic depends on the products used and site conditions, and should be confirmed by the installer for your actual floor. Ask both questions separately, then plan reopening around the second answer.
Cleaning, handover and the exclusions
Check what happens at the end of the job: dust control during grinding, waste removal, and the state the area is handed back in. Then read the exclusions. A written scope listing preparation, repairs, the system and coats, staging and what is not included is far easier to compare, and much easier to hold to.
Putting two quotes side by side
Line the quotes up item by item: preparation, coating removal, repairs, joints, system and coats, texture, staging, access, cleaning and exclusions. For what moves the number more generally, read our Melbourne epoxy flooring cost guide. We do not publish a square-metre rate for commercial work, because two floors of the same size can be very different jobs.
Site-specific scope, staging and access are agreed at the assessment on our commercial and industrial epoxy flooring page.
The cheapest commercial quote is only cheaper if it describes the same work. Compare preparation, agreed repairs and joints, the specified system and coats, staging and access, and the written exclusions, and the real difference between two quotes usually becomes obvious. To have your floor assessed, request a quote through TradeHQ (TradeHQ quote form) or call 0483 936 597.
Request a quote or call 0483 936 597