What We Demolish in Bundaberg
Our slab demolition services cover pretty much any concrete removal job you’ve got. Old house slabs are our bread and butter – those post-war homes and older Queenslanders often have foundation slabs that need replacing after decades of our climate taking its toll. We break up and remove the entire slab, being careful around any plumbing or electrical that’s running underneath.
Patio and shed slabs are another common job. Maybe you’re extending your outdoor area, or that old garden shed’s concrete base is cracked beyond repair. We bring in the right gear to break it up without damaging your surrounding landscaping or other structures. Same goes for carport slabs, pool surrounds, and driveway sections that need to go.
Damaged slabs from flooding or soil movement are tricky because they can be unstable. We assess the whole situation before we start breaking, making sure there’s no risk to nearby structures. Once we’ve demolished the concrete, we don’t just leave you with a pile of rubble. Every bit of broken concrete gets loaded up and hauled away – either recycled at approved facilities or disposed of properly.
Your site gets cleared, levelled, and compacted, ready for whatever’s coming next. Whether you’re planning a new slab with us or handing over to another tradesman, we make sure the groundwork’s done right.
Bundaberg Slab Demolition Challenges
Demolishing concrete in Bundaberg comes with a few extra considerations you won’t find everywhere. Our reactive clay soils mean old slabs often crack and heave over time, which can make them unstable during removal. We’ve pulled up plenty of slabs where half of it’s lifted six inches off the ground while the other half’s sunk down. That kind of movement affects how we approach the demolition and what equipment we bring.
Flood-affected concrete is another common issue here. If your slab’s been underwater during any of our big wet seasons, there’s a good chance the reinforcement’s corroded or the concrete’s compromised. We check for that before we start breaking because waterlogged or deteriorated concrete behaves differently under demolition equipment. Sometimes it crumbles easier than expected, other times it’s tougher because of sediment that’s worked its way in.
Then there’s what’s underneath. Bundaberg properties, especially older ones, might have septic systems, old stormwater lines, or utilities we need to locate before we bring in the excavator. We don’t just show up and start smashing. There’s always a walkthrough first, checking for access issues, neighbouring structures that need protecting, and any underground services that need marking out. It’s these little things that separate a professional demolition from a nightmare cleanup job.
What to Expect During Demolition
When we arrive for your slab demolition, the first thing we do is set up proper site protection. Drop sheets for nearby walls, barriers around the work area, and if you’ve got plants or garden beds close by, we’ll protect those too. Concrete demolition creates dust and vibration, so we take steps to minimise the impact on your property and your neighbours.
The actual breaking process depends on the slab size and thickness. Residential house slabs typically take us one to two days. We start by cutting the concrete into manageable sections with our breaker, then use the bobcat to lift and load the chunks straight onto our truck. For thicker commercial slabs or heavily reinforced concrete, we might need to bring in a larger excavator with a concrete pulveriser attachment.
As we’re working, we’re constantly checking the ground underneath. Sometimes we find old footings, buried debris, or drainage issues that need addressing before you can pour a new slab. If we spot anything concerning, we’ll let you know right away so there’s no surprises later.
Once all the concrete’s removed, we rake and compact the area, removing any loose material. If you’re getting a new slab poured, we can take the site prep right through to the stage where the concreters are ready to pour. Otherwise, we hand over a clean, level surface ready for whatever your next step is.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slab Demolition
Cost depends on the slab size, thickness, and access. A typical residential house slab runs between $3,500-$8,000 including removal and disposal. Smaller jobs like patio or shed slabs start around $800-$1,500. We give free quotes after seeing the site because every job’s different. Thicker reinforced slabs or difficult access areas cost more due to extra equipment and labour needed.
Most residential slab demolitions take one to two days. Small patio or shed slabs can be done in half a day. Larger commercial slabs or heavily reinforced concrete might take three to five days. Weather affects timing too – we can’t work safely in heavy rain. We’ll give you a realistic timeframe when we quote, and we stick to it unless we find unexpected issues underneath.
Yes, complete removal and disposal is included. We load all broken concrete onto our trucks and haul it away the same day or next day. Nothing gets left behind for you to deal with. The concrete gets taken to approved recycling facilities where possible, or disposed of legally at licensed sites. You get a clean, cleared area ready for the next stage.
Absolutely. We do partial slab removals all the time – cutting out damaged sections, removing part of a driveway for an extension, or taking out a section for plumbing access. We cut clean edges so the remaining concrete stays stable and looks neat. This saves you money compared to replacing the whole slab, and it’s common for renovation projects where you’re only changing part of the layout.
Usually not for straightforward residential demolition, but it depends on what else you’re doing. If you’re demolishing as part of a bigger renovation or rebuild, your builder will handle permits. For commercial properties or if the slab’s part of a structure being demolished, permits might be needed. We can advise based on your specific situation, and we’re used to working within council requirements.
We check as we go and let you know immediately if we find problems like damaged drainage, old footings, contaminated soil, or unstable ground. Most times we can deal with minor issues on the spot. Bigger problems might need a structural engineer or plumber, and we’ll help coordinate that. Finding issues during demolition is better than discovering them after a new slab’s poured, so we’d rather flag concerns early.
Ready to Clear Your Site?
If you’ve got an old concrete slab that needs removing, don’t put it off waiting for the perfect time. Bundaberg’s wet season can make demolition work harder, and damaged slabs only get worse when water gets underneath. We’re booking jobs now, and the sooner we get your site cleared, the sooner you can move forward with your renovation or new build.
Getting a quote’s straightforward. Give us a call or send through some photos of what needs demolishing, and we’ll come out for a free site inspection. We’ll measure up, check access, look at what’s involved, and give you a clear price with no hidden costs. Most quotes get turned around within 24 hours.
We service all of Bundaberg and surrounding areas – from Bargara to Gin Gin, Childers to the coast. Whether it’s a residential house slab, commercial concrete floor, or that old shed base you’ve been meaning to deal with, we’ve got the equipment and experience to handle it properly.
Our trucks are ready, our crew’s available, and we’re keen to help you move your project forward. No concrete slab’s too big or too small, and we’ll work around your schedule where possible. Licensed, insured, and we actually turn up when we say we will.
Call us today for your free slab demolition quote. Let’s get that old concrete out and your property ready for what comes next.
