The base gets the budget before the finish
Most bad concrete I've torn out failed because of what was under it, not the mix. So we dig down to firm ground, pack the subgrade, the soil the slab rests on, and check where the water runs before anything gets poured. A slab raked level on loose dirt settles with that dirt, and one that falls toward the house sends rain to your foundation.
The base is also the first thing people want to trim, because nobody sees it on day one. I'd rather cut the decorative extras than skimp underneath, and I'll tell you so. Timing matters too. Chino summers run hot, so we usually pour early in the day, since concrete that sets too fast under midday sun can end up with a weak, dusty top.

