Why Cheap Sitework Bids Often Cost More
When reviewing multiple sitework bids, it’s tempting to choose the one with the lowest number. After all, the goal is to get the job done within budget, right?
But if you’re a general contractor, developer, or property owner in Florida, choosing the cheapest bid for site preparation could end up costing far more than you expect. In fact, cheap sitework bids that Florida contractors offer often leave out critical components, leading to change orders, delays, and long-term liability.
This article walks you through the real costs hidden behind low bids, what to watch for in proposals, and how to develop a smarter bid strategy that site prep teams can rely on.
Hidden Costs
The most common tactic in low sitework bids is excluding or minimizing line items that appear unnecessary on paper but are absolutely critical in the field. These “hidden costs” show up later, often after the contract is signed and the work begins.
Mobilization and Equipment Charges
Some contractors underbid labor or materials and make up the difference with vague “equipment fees” or excessive mobilization charges. This might show up as:
Charges for moving dozers, loaders, and dump trucks to the site
Extra fees for specialized attachments like rock rakes or compactors
Hourly rates for idle equipment waiting on-site access
What looked like a $30,000 bid can balloon to $45,000 after those charges are added during execution.
Change Orders and Scope Creep
Once work begins, the contractor may introduce additional charges for things that weren’t specified clearly in the original proposal. This can include:
Hauling off excess material
Importing fill dirt or topsoil
Compaction testing
Grading beyond rough cut
These are not “extras” in a quality bid. They are part of the base scope on a well-planned sitework package.
Substandard Materials or Practices
Another way some companies keep bids low is by using cheaper materials or rushing timelines. That might mean:
Using low-quality fill that settles over time
Skipping soil stabilization in sandy areas
Ignoring compaction standards
Poor workmanship at this stage often leads to bigger structural or drainage problems later. These shortcuts can void warranties and put future phases of construction at risk.
Missed Scope Items
One of the biggest low-bid pitfalls is missing important scope items entirely. Inexperienced or rushed estimators may fail to account for the unique requirements of Florida sitework, including:
Drainage and Stormwater Systems
Florida’s flat terrain and frequent rainstorms make stormwater management critical. Bids that skip or minimize this portion of the work can leave you unprotected from runoff issues, flooding, and failed inspections.
A complete bid should include:
Proper grading for positive drainage
Installation of swales, culverts, or retention ponds
Compliance with local water management district rules
Utility Coordination
Utilities such as water, sewer, and electric are rarely simple installs. Low bidders may leave out:
Utility trenching
Tie-in to main service lines
Permits and inspections
Coordination with other trades
If your team ends up needing to stop work to make room for a separate crew to fix what was skipped, the timeline and budget suffer.
Erosion Control
In areas near wetlands or protected zones, erosion control is not optional. Some bids ignore it altogether, or only include temporary solutions that don’t meet long-term compliance.
Look for inclusions like:
Silt fences
Check dams
Rock outlets or stabilized entrances
Restoration of vegetation or buffers
Long-Term Liability
Site prep is not just about what happens in the first 60 days of construction. Poor groundwork can haunt a project for years. That’s why selecting a contractor based on value, not just price, is crucial.
Structural Failures
If compaction, fill, or drainage are done improperly, structural elements like foundations and pavement may crack, sink, or shift. These issues are costly to repair and may not be covered by your insurance if the original work was out of spec.
Drainage Problems
Inadequate grading or stormwater planning can result in:
Pooled water in parking lots
Basement flooding
Erosion near foundations
Non-compliance with post-construction runoff standards
These issues not only impact the current project but can also affect future development approvals or resale value.
Code Violations and Stop Work Orders
Florida counties enforce strict sitework regulations. If your contractor fails to pull the correct permits, conduct required inspections, or follow environmental rules, you could face:
Work stoppages
Fines or legal penalties
Mandatory remediation work
Delays in getting your Certificate of Occupancy
You’re also responsible as the project owner or GC. Picking the wrong partner may lead to a legal or financial burden that extends well beyond the scope of site prep.
What a Quality Bid Should Include
Instead of chasing the lowest number, focus on bids that offer transparency, detail, and proven performance. A strong bid should include:
Clear scope of work with inclusions and exclusions
Detailed line items for labor, materials, and equipment
Confirmation of local permit requirements
Realistic start and completion dates
Experience working in Florida’s soils, climate, and permitting landscape
Be wary of round-number estimates or vague language like “site clearing as needed” or “grading to be determined.” These are red flags that more costs are likely to surface later.
No Headache Sitework Bids
Cheap sitework bids that Florida developers receive may seem attractive on the surface, but they rarely reflect the real cost of quality construction. From hidden fees and missing scope items to long-term liabilities and compliance risks, the lowest number on the page often leads to the biggest headache in the field.
A better bid is one that accounts for Florida’s unique site conditions, includes all required work, and is backed by a team with the experience to deliver what’s promised. Always evaluate the full picture, not just the upfront cost.
