Measure the floor, then list the exceptions
Measure the inside length and width of each bay and multiply them for a rough square-foot area. Subtract nothing for parked cars; the coating covers the slab beneath them. Then mark steps, stem walls, floor drains and the door threshold separately. A contractor may quote those details as separate work, so your notes help you ask for a complete number.
Area explains material quantities, but condition often explains labor. Remove the cars and photograph peeling paint, oil marks, pitted tire paths, cracks and patches. Ask what will be ground away, what will be repaired and whether disposal is included. Sherwin-Williams' preparation guidance identifies weak concrete and contaminants as bond problems; skipping their treatment to lower the quote changes the job itself.
Five lines that make bids comparable
| Cost driver | Ask each bidder to specify |
|---|---|
| Removal and prep | Old coating removal, mechanical surface preparation and dust control |
| Concrete repairs | Cracks, pits, door edges, drains and treatment of control joints |
| Moisture | Whether testing is needed and what happens if the slab exceeds product limits |
| Materials | Manufacturer and product names for primer, base, flake and topcoat |
| Return to use | Dates for walking, returning storage and parking vehicles |
A new garage slab introduces another variable. Get the pour date and ask the builder about cure compounds or sealers. Manufacturer guidance on new concrete shows why the available installation date depends on the system and moisture condition, rather than a universal number of days.
Do not compare an epoxy label with a full system
One proposal may offer an epoxy base with a flake broadcast and a different chemistry in the topcoat. Another may describe only “epoxy floor.” Ask each bidder to list the layers, surface profile, flake coverage, texture and warranty terms. A cured sample is more useful than a loose color chip when judging the finished look.
A quicker installation can be valuable if alternate parking is difficult, but ask when a car can actually return. Labor completion and vehicle-ready time are different milestones. If the quoted cure window assumes conditions that your unheated garage cannot meet, ask how the plan changes.
Why this page has no universal Carmel price
Prices change with the floor, the product and the bid date. Without a current set of comparable, documented Carmel jobs, a “typical” dollar range would imply more certainty than we can support here. Ask for a written quote tied to your measured slab instead. Use our full estimate checklist to compare bids and our Carmel slab inspection guide before the visit.
For a site visit, use the Carmel garage floor coating service page. Bring photos of the floor and a realistic date for parking again.
Technical references: Sherwin-Williams surface preparation and new-concrete coating guidance. Product data and an on-site inspection determine the final specification.
Need a specification for your slab?
Photos and a short description help start the conversation. An on-site inspection determines the actual scope.
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