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.


How To: The Basics of Granny Flat Builds in Sydney

Concrete Slabs for Granny Flat Builds in Syndey

Want to take advantage of the great outdoors? With more homeowners brushing up on landscaping, renovations, and home improvements than ever before, the appeal to add a rental unit or extra space to your property is high. From patios to sheds and garages, working with concrete experts who specialise in granny flat builds in Sydney can help you lay the foundation for a long-term investment and add function and value.

Instead of venturing into the unknown when it comes to upgrades and renovations, we always recommend speaking with professionals who know the industry before you begin. From council permits and approval to material sourcing and construction, the road to renovations should be a straightforward but detailed one.

Wondering how these upgrades can add to the value of your home? Check out some of the advantages gained from a traditional granny flat build. From increased property value to rental and accommodation income, we think that you’ll start thinking twice about leaving your backyard alone.

Residential Concrete Slab Companies in Sydney

How to Kickstart a Granny Flat Build in Sydney

For Investment Conscious Homeowners.

If you’re looking for a way to add value to your home, house growing kids, or want extra room for visiting guests, granny flats build on the functionality of your space. When kickstarting this renovation, always consider:

Functional Use

Will the flat be used as a permanent bedroom for a family member or for visiting guests only once in a blue moon?

Size

The size of the flat can be determined not only by available land area (important) but also the use as indicated above. Do you need a studio apartment equipped with basic cooking facilities (common for those looking to rent) or just a guests’ bedroom? Use and size considerations should influence one another.

Utilities

Further, the utilities (or lack thereof) in the flat should be considered. How will you connect water, electricity, and gas, if needed? Maybe you need electricity and plumbing alone or none of the above?


And, as always, the size and functional use of the space may be dictated by your local council or permit. Make sure to discuss possible size restrictions with your LGA as well as any potential effects on council rates, property tax, and the like.

Sydney Concreting Companies

Raising the Value of Your Home: The Benefits Gained

Raising the Value of Your Home: The Benefits Gained

Property value: want to maintain or increase the value of your home overtime? Adding a granny flat is a sure way to boost potential sale value, buyer interest, and recurring property income for future owners.

Extra space: want additional room for visiting family and guests? Even though we all love a good family staycation—sometimes the added space can encourage just enough alone time to keep people out of each others’ hair.

Growing kids: have a growing family member who needs a bit more independence? Whether your kids are staying at home during university years or are figuring out how to (almost) live alone, older children can benefit from a granny flat as much as their parents.

Rental income: whether you’re interested in AirBnb, or choose to rent out to a long-term tenant, granny flats (particularly in greater city areas) are an excellent way to supplement income. Close to home and easy to maintain, you can keep an eye on your asset while it adds to the overall value of your property.

Step 1: Contact Inspire Concrete

Specialising in Granny Flat Builds in Sydney

Our team has worked with over 400 clients across 14 years to help them lay the foundations for their biggest home renovations. From driveways to coloured concrete, single car garages, and more, we know the ins and outs of working with private property owners to increase the value and functionality of your home.

Granny Flat Concrete Slab Specialists

If you’re ready to discuss the basics of your next Sydney-based project, feel free to reach out to our friendly team.

Well versed in the industry and happy to help partner on your next upgrade, we think you’ll come to see why Inspire Concrete is the right choice for you.

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.

FAQs About Concrete Slabs for Sheds in Sydney

Concrete Shed Slabs in Sydney

Upgrading your property? From granny flats to garages and concrete slabs for sheds, Sydney-siders are expanding and overhauling their outdoor spaces. Whether your project is a new build or you’re renovating an existing location, our team can help you inspect, plan, and pour your next project and help get the job done.

Not sure where to start? Many of our clients are everyday homeowners—and have limited experience working in the trades and renovations industries. If that sounds like you, we answered some of the most common questions we come up against about the concreting industry around New South Wales. We recommend taking a quick look below and seeing if that fits the bill. If not? Feel free to reach out to our friendly team for more information—we’re happy to chat through the ins and outs of your next upgrade.

Residential Concrete Slab Companies in Sydney

How Do I Get Started Laying a Concrete Slab for a Shed?

And Other Concreting Questions

Among the many questions we receive about the concreting industry and available services, there are:

Is there a difference between residential and commercial concreting?

In a word—yes. Inspire Concrete has worked with both residential and commercial clients over the years, however, the projects differ slightly for both our team and client. For our clients, residential property owners will need to navigate council approval (where required) as well as the support of other contractors (if the project calls for additional trades.)

When we work with commercial builders, we usually communicate with a Project Manager who is scheduling, budgeting, and organising among the varied groups to manage permissibility, financial feasibility, and timelines.

Further, some commercial spaces have different requirements than residential spaces meaning that the planning, construction, and sign-off steps can be different.

Do I have to get council approval before laying a concrete slab for a shed?

In another word—yes. On the other hand—maybe not? We always (always) recommend determining your needs for council permission before starting any project work or plans. While your private driveway may seem like your territory, some areas (and neighbourhoods) have agreements in place with local homeowners about what they can and can’t do.

Instead of finding out after the fact that your time and money has gone to waste, we always recommend confirming your need for a permit before any other work begins. Not sure where to start? Contact our team directly and we can tell you where to take the first step.

How much does a 50m2 concrete slab cost? How much does a 20m2 slab cost?

The average Australian concrete slab ranges in price due to a number of factors including location, job urgency, materials used, and design. As a result, we always recommend speaking to our team directly and discussing the specific details and variables unique to your home. Fortunately, we have enough experience to offer a good estimate of your expected project—especially once we finalise the material details and survey the space.

How much does a concrete slab for a shed cost in Australia?

By and large, living in New South Wales can come with a higher cost of living (and services!) than other parts of Australia. One of the bonuses to living in the greater Sydney area (from the Northern Beaches down to Sutherland Shire) is the number and availability of excellent trades teams who can reliably and quickly get the job done.

As a result of these varying location factors, the cost of a concrete slab can vary based on geography—and total project prices can vary based on metro location, style, urgency, and design. While the average cost may vary slightly in the greater city area, the number of teams who have ample experience and expertise increases as well.

If you need a rough estimate to help develop your project budget, feel free to speak directly with our team and we can discuss your unique project details.

Private Property Concrete Slabs

Once confirmed, we can start to discuss expected total costs about getting started and laying down your project foundation.

Working with Us: Concrete Shed Slabs 101

Whether you’ve worked in the commercial property industry for a decade or are a first-time home buyer, our team can help make your next project a success. Having worked with over 400 clients across 14 years, our local Sydney experts know the ins and outs of working with both private and public teams to ensure that your materials are laid for longevity, quality, durability, and accessibility.

Commercial and Residential Concrete Slabs

Inspire Concrete:

Concrete Slabs for Sheds in Sydney and Driveway Resurfacing Specialists

Instead of navigating through shed slabs and builds alone, speak to our team about how we can help guide and support your work. If you’re looking for more assurance, feel free to check out our project portfolio of jobs recently completed. We don’t mean to boast—but we think that you’ll like what you find.

How to Find Residential Concrete Companies in Sydney

Residential Concrete Slab Companies in Sydney

When renovating your property or building new, finding the right contractors, team members, and industries tradespeople to work together and get the job done can be a challenge. Among the never-ending To Do list that comes with renovations (council permits, plans, drafts, and approvals), knowing the ins and outs of concrete companies in Sydney can be even more daunting if you have limited experience in the industry.

That’s where we come in. As one of the best best concreting companies in Sydney, we know the trade industries like the back of our hand and have worked with a countless number of clients to prove it. From residential properties to real estate and commercial builds, our team knows how to work with subcontractors, industry partners, and homeowners to ensure that projects are well planned, stay on track, and are well within your budget.

Residential Concrete Slab Companies in Sydney

How To Find Concrete Companies in Sydney, Australia

Inspire Concrete’s best tips and tricks.

If you’re new to property upgrades and renovations, take a look below to see our best recommendations for choosing the best trades companies to work with to upgrade your home today.

Where to Begin: Comparing Colour Through Concrete Companies in Sydney

We get it—the first thing most homeowners are likely to do is typesmall concrete companies Sydney” into Google. We have too! Not to put a stopper in your well intended plans, but finding a subcontractor or trades team that can understand your vision, keep to a schedule, and work well within your means can be tough. So that you end up working with a group who value high quality and professional workmanship, make sure you:

1. Understand the differences between concreting services. Some teams specialise in commercial properties—think high-rise offices, condominiums, and council work. If you’re working on home renovations and upgrades—and the city isn’t footing the bill—you’ll want to work with a specialised residential team or a group who work between residential and commercial. Further to that, the sheer number of concrete services available—even for private homeowners—is vast so consider your project needs ahead of time.

Are you looking to resurface an existing space? That’s one type of job. Do you need excavating services before a slab can be laid?  That’s another.

2. Evaluate a number of local concreting companies.  Instead of ringing the first team you find online, look at their reviews. Have existing clients commented on the professionalism and quality of their work? Likewise, look for photos of work completed—groups that have completed similar jobs to the one you want done, and have photo evidence to prove it, is a great starting point.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for referrals and recommendations. Is there a local property that has recently had fantastic work done to their home? Ask around to see who they worked with or for a referral.

Better yet–don’t be afraid to draft up a project budget and stick to it. Our only recommendation here is to have an idea of going industry rates before you draft up a plan. Again, speak to other homeowners who have recently completed renovations to discuss the major costs of their projects—as well as where they cut down expenses.

Sydney Concreting Companies

Once you have a realistic view of expected price ranges, you can request cost quotes from competing service providers to see who can balance affordability, reliability, and quality.

Last But Not Least: Look At Sample Work Portfolios

Because so many of our clients can envision the outcome they want, requesting a sample work portfolio or photos of recent works completed is a great way to decide if a company is right for you. Because so many trades teams specialise in their fields, working with a company who has already finished jobs (and can show evidence of) your ideal project is a great way to stay on the same wavelength.

Residential Concreting Companies Sydney

Inspire Concrete:

Your Sydney-based Concrete Slab and Driveway Renovation Specialists

When it comes to industry expertise, our team knows no bounds. From commercial to residential, new builds and existing home renovations, we have the experience, equipment, and skill set needed to get every job done.

With over 14 years and 400 clients worth of experience, our Sydney experts are ready to chat to you about potential projects. Click here to learn more About Us and how Inspire Concrete can help bring your vision to life today.

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