Concrete Resurfacing in Sydney: Home Renovations

Concrete Resurfacing in Sydney

Diving into the deep end of home upgrades? With so many families staying at home in 2020–and well into 2021–more people than ever are turning to long-intended home renovations and improvements. Further, many local areas are taking the time to brush up on overdue maintenance work—including concrete resurfacing in and around Sydney.

Whether it was council instigated or private property planned, concrete resurfacing is an affordable, quick, and smart way to maintain your home’s value and curbside appeal. Because full excavation and paving jobs can require extensive planning (and money), resurfacing an existing platform is a reliable way to extend the life and wear and tear of your driveway.

Not sure where to begin? Concrete resurfacing (when done by an experienced team) is a fairly straightforward process in and of itself. If you’re new to the industry, we’ve covered the basics below so that you know how the process usually works and what to expect before you begin.

Residential Concrete Slab Companies in Sydney

What You Need To Know:

Concrete Resurfacing in Sydney’s Residential Areas

Unless you were approached by local representatives, or you received an FYI notice in the mail, chances are you will be undertaking property upgrades alone—meaning, you might need council approval. Among the varied projects that should be approved before planning begins there are:

Driveway construction, modifications, or repairs

Footpath to driveway areas

Concrete slabs for house foundations, granny flats, detached garages, and sheds

Among others.

One of the most common questions we are asked is why you need council approval to upgrade or resurface a driveway if you’re a private owner. Among the many reasons, there are:

Many residential driveways cross public footpath space

Some gated communities have landscaping and modification limitations

Some LGAs restrict modifications to existing infrastructure

And, some privately owned properties cross into publicly-owned territory (think utility poles and fire hydrants) and need to be considered.

As always, we recommend asking if you need council permission before you begin. Best case scenario (albeit, unlikely) is no, you don’t need permission—and you can move ahead. Most likely case scenario is that you do need permission and you’ll apply for and receive a permit to carry on. Worse case scenario is you don’t ask and find out after the fact that a project has to be revised or deconstructed because it violates local by-laws.

Even when an existing surface has been laid (for example, you have an existing driveway) and you simply want to upgrade it (for example, resurfacing) you still need to ask for and receive permission. Remember—councils often require permission to construct, repair, or modify, so don’t move ahead thinking that your driveway laid 10 years ago doesn’t need permission to be resealed today.

Next Steps: What Resurfacing Is—And What It Isn’t

We’ve heard it all when it comes to commonly asked questions—and clients wondering about the purpose of, or benefits gained from, resurfacing is one of them. Among the many reasons and benefits gained from this common project there is:

Repair Not Replace: a full driveway replacement can run up your home renovation budget extremely fast. Fortunately, minor cracks can be resurfaced to repair issues before they become a major concern.

Affordability: like we said, full driveway replacement = expensive. If you want to manage your property value over time, make sure to manage your cash flow with ongoing driveway maintenance and resurfacing to maintain curbside appeal and functionality.

Aesthetic: want to freshen up your home’s everyday look? A freshly resurfaced driveway brightens up materials that have lost their glow due to wear and tear and environmental exposure.

When is resurfacing not your best bet? If you’re noticing cracks larger than ¼ inch wide, or have drainage issues, the chances of resurfacing fixing all of your problems are slight. Because driveways contribute to your overall property value, and the safety, functionality, and saleability of your home, full replacements may need to be undertaken if damage or years since the last replacement are too far gone.

Inspire Concrete: Concrete Resurfacing Specialists in Sydney

If you’re interested in working with a team that knows the ins and outs of the concrete industry, we have a feeling that we’re the group for you. With over 14 years’ experience in the greater Sydney area, Inspire Concrete has worked with over 400 clients on residential, real estate, and commercial projects.

Concrete Resurfacing in Sydney

Inspire Concrete: Sydney’s Go-to Resurfacing Specialists

From respray / resurfacing to full excavation and replacement, our team knows how to survey your property and draft and execute a plan that sticks to your schedule and budget.

Ready to kickstart your dream home upgrades? Feel free to reach out to our concrete experts today.


FAQs: Overhauling Concrete Driveways in Sydney

Concrete Driveways in Sydney

When venturing into home renovations and upgrades for the first time, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of contractors, services, and permits needed to get the job done. Fortunately, our 14 years repaving residential and commercial concrete driveways in Sydney has allowed us to gain the insight needed to navigate jobs affordably, with permission, and top notch craftsmanship.

Have questions about your residential driveway? Check out some of our most commonly asked questions below to learn more about the differences between residential spaces and council areas as well as the home renovation options available to you.

Residential Concrete Slab Companies in Sydney

Do I Need Approval? And Other Commonly Asked Questions

For Sydney-based Homeowners.

Instead of starting your next renovation on a wing and a prayer, check out these frequently asked questions. We bet at least one (or more!) of these has crossed your mind.

Do I need council approval for a driveway in NSW?

In short—yes. We work with homeowners across the greater Sydney area and council approval is required for most, if not all, residential projects. Why? Because even as a private property owner, your driveway likely crosses a public footpath or is near public utility poles or fire hydrants. Unless you have received notice from your LGA about construction works scheduled to take place near your property, privately undertaken upgrades—like excavation or resurfacing—need council approval.

How much does a concrete driveway cost in Sydney?

That depends on a number of factors including the extent of the job to be completed, the materials used, and design. Among the factors influencing costs are full excavations and driveway replacements, resurfacing an existing driveway, and the total square metre size of the space.

To get a tailored cost quote unique to your home, we recommend speaking directly with our experts. Due to our extensive experience working with residential clients, we’re in a good spot to talk through the variable costs that will influence your total project expense—and can help you draft up a rough budget.

What are exposed aggregate driveways?

Have you ever walked on a footpath that looked like its surface was covered in smooth, even pebbles? That’s the best way to describe exposed aggregate projects. Made from a concrete base and exposed top layer, exposed aggregate driveways are durable, long-lasting, and meant for high traffic pressure and use.

Compared to some other surfaces, these driveways can last upward of 40 years without major upgrades (but considering regular maintenance). Further, their unique design and colour options can complement your existing property aesthetic and help boost curbside appeal. (Greatly adding to the overall value and future saleability of your home.)

Residential driveways versus council driveways: What’s the difference?

Residential driveways are exactly that—those owned by homeowners in the Sydney area. Further, residential driveways are considered the vehicle access point for a single detached house—townhouses and high-rise condominiums are considered commercial. Confused? Speak to your local council about which type of property you’re submitting the permit for.

Council driveways—those that are considered public space—would include the vehicle access point to publicly owned facilities including parks and playgrounds as well as pedestrian footpaths. Because it’s likely that your residential driveway crosses over a council-owned footpath at its vehicle access point (from the road) the council needs to be let known and give approval before work can begin.

Shopping centres, office buildings, and business complexes are considered commercially-owned properties—still with driveways and access points but are the responsibility of the commercial property owner, not a resident or council.

Sydney Concreting Companies

How Do I Decide What Route To Go?

Deciding on a game plan for redoing concrete driveways in Sydney.

Council permit: some LGAs and gated communities have restrictions, guidelines, or limitations about work that can (and cannot) be undertaken in their areas. Always check with your local council and apply for needed permits before you begin.

Project budget: sticking to a limited budget? The right team will be able to suggest a concrete solution that fits your functional needs and financial limit.

Timeline: while some new residential builds have a longer timeline to work with, environmental damage and commercial projects may influence urgent construction and repairs.

Further to these decisions, design, preferred aesthetic, and functional use may also influence your options. Stuck for choice? Feel free to reach out to our friendly team to help determine the right project for you.


Getting Started: Repaving Concrete Driveways in Sydney with Inspire Concrete

Whether you’re upgrading your home or working on your next commercial build, the right contractors can help complete the job with quality workmanship and an eye for detail and design.

If you have been looking to partner with a local company who is experienced in Sydney concrete driveway services, our team is the right group for you. Ready to discuss the first steps of your next renovation? Speak with our friendly representatives at Inspire Concrete today.

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