[TimT]

A few years ago I paid $5.50/ s.f for 4 in sidewalk and driveway...

And that is in a burb just outside NYC, which has some of the highest constructions cost in the country..

That price did include removal of the old damaged sidewalk and driveway, and preparation of the base.. The contractor I used removed some roots that heaved the old sidewalk, scraped out some funky material, and placed and compacted a nice blend for a base.

I was not home when they placed and finished the concrete, but I brought some curing compound and opaque plastic from my job in case the contractor.. walked away from the job with any sort of cure on the concrete....

Again I was a bit surprised.... I could see (and smell) that a curing agent had been applied to the concrete..

TL;DR

Think your getting hosed a bit at that price if you're doing all the prep..