How to Prepare Your Property for Concrete Removal

Thinking About Removing Concrete? Start with Proper Preparations

Concrete removal might look like a simple job, but there’s a lot that needs to happen before the first saw cut or slab break. Whether you’re removing an old driveway, patio, foundation slab, or commercial flooring, preparing your property correctly ensures a safer, cleaner, and faster outcome.

At Adam’s Concrete Cutting and Demolition, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners, builders, and business owners across Glendale and the West Valley prepare their properties for concrete removal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full checklist to get your jobsite ready.

Why Preparation Matters

Cutting and demolishing concrete isn’t just about breaking it up. The job often involves:

• Heavy equipment (saws, skid steers, dump trailers)
• Water or dust suppression systems
• Electrical safety measures
• Utility coordination
• Permitting and inspections
• Communication with subcontractors or utility providers

Without proper preparation, your project can run into delays, safety hazards, or added costs. It can also lead to damage of nearby landscaping, hardscapes, or structures. A little prep goes a long way.

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Your Site for Concrete Removal

1. Clear the Area

Remove anything that could obstruct access or get damaged during the demolition process:

• Outdoor furniture
• Plants and planters
• Grills or cooking stations
• Toys or outdoor decor
• Lighting fixtures, solar path lights, or fencing

If you're planning indoor slab removal (such as for a basement remodel or commercial interior), ensure all belongings are cleared and fragile items are protected.

2. Mark or Locate Utilities

Never begin concrete removal without locating what’s beneath the surface. Cutting or breaking into a utility line can be extremely dangerous and expensive.

Utility types to mark:

• Water and sewer lines
• Electrical conduit
• Gas lines
• Irrigation or sprinkler systems
• Fiber optic or low-voltage lines

In Arizona, you must contact 811 (Blue Stake) at least 2 full business days before cutting or excavation. This free service dispatches technicians to mark underground utilities using paint or flags.

Adam’s also offers concrete scanning services to identify embedded rebar, conduit, or post-tension cables inside the slab, especially important for commercial and multi-family structures.

3. Secure Necessary Permits

Not every concrete job needs a permit, but in Glendale, certain removals require city approval. You or your contractor will likely need a permit if:

• You’re altering a driveway that meets the street
• Structural slabs (like foundations or garage floors) are involved
• The work affects public sidewalks or curbs
• You’re removing a retaining wall or modifying elevation

Permit requirements may vary by city. Adam’s Concrete Cutting can help you understand and meet local codes.

4. Ensure Equipment Access

Concrete removal equipment can be heavy and wide. Prepare access paths that are:

• Clear of vehicles, bins, and landscaping
• At least 36" wide for walk-behind saws
• Reinforced for small skid steers or trailers
• Low in slope to allow safe movement

For tight backyards or urban lots, we offer hand removal services using compact tools.

Pro Tip: Let us know if your HOA has equipment restrictions or access limits.

5. Protect Nearby Structures and Surfaces

Whether you’re removing a patio next to your pool or cutting a driveway beside your home, take steps to protect:

• Windows and glass doors (plywood sheeting)
• Garage walls and door tracks
• Lawn areas or landscape borders
• Nearby fences, sheds, or AC units

We bring plastic sheeting, plywood boards, and dust control gear to keep your space protected.

6. Shut Off Irrigation & Water Features

Water can cause equipment hazards, soil instability, and slippery conditions. Shut off any automatic sprinklers or water features at least 24 hours before the job begins.

Bonus Tip: Cover delicate plants with a tarp to protect them from concrete dust and debris.

7. Communicate with Neighbors

While not required, informing your neighbors of upcoming concrete removal is a great way to prevent complaints. Let them know:

• Work hours
• Potential noise levels
• Equipment use in shared access areas

We work within Glendale noise ordinances and aim to complete noisy tasks early in the day.

8. Plan for Waste and Hauling

Concrete is heavy. One cubic yard weighs about 4,000 pounds! Your contractor should have a disposal plan in place. At Adam’s, we:

• Break down slabs into manageable sections
• Haul all debris with dump trailers or roll-off bins
• Offer disposal and recycling

If you plan to reuse crushed concrete as sub-base or fill, let us know before the job starts.

After the Demo: Preparing for the Next Step

Once the concrete is gone, here’s what you may need to do:

• Allow time for site grading or compaction
• Schedule inspections (if required)
• Address any drainage or slope corrections
• Protect the exposed soil from erosion or rain

If you're pouring new concrete, coordinate timelines between the removal crew and the installation contractor. We’re happy to work side-by-side with your builder.

Common Use Cases for Concrete Removal

Concrete removal isn't just for demolition—it often supports renovation, landscaping, or repair goals. Projects we frequently support:

• Driveway or sidewalk replacement
• Backyard kitchen installations
• Patio redesigns or pool expansions
• Garage conversions
• Foundation repair or access
• Commercial flooring upgrades

No matter the project, the same prep principles apply.

FAQs About Concrete Removal Preparation

How long does a typical concrete removal job take?

Most residential jobs take 1–2 days. Larger or reinforced slabs may take longer.

Do I need to remove plants or trees near the slab?

Yes, if they are within the removal zone or in danger of root damage. We’ll guide you based on your site.

Can I reuse the broken concrete?

In some cases, yes. Crushed concrete can be repurposed for driveways, walkways, or base material.

How much does concrete removal cost?

It depends on slab thickness, reinforcement, access, and square footage. We offer free estimates with no obligation.

What safety precautions are taken during removal?

We use water suppression to reduce dust, PPE for all workers, and careful blade control to prevent damage to surrounding structures.

Local Project Spotlight: Arrowhead Ranch Patio Demo

In early 2024, a Glendale homeowner in Arrowhead Ranch hired us to remove a sunken, cracked concrete patio. Our team:

• Located embedded rebar and avoided it using scanning tools
• Saw-cut around the pool coping to avoid tile damage
• Removed and hauled away over 850 sq ft of slab in 2 days
• Left the subgrade clean and level for a stamped concrete pour

The homeowner appreciated our clean process, respectful crew, and quick turnaround.

Why Glendale Homeowners Choose Adam’s

• 25+ years of experience in Arizona conditions
• Fully licensed and insured (AZ ROC #249502)
• Residential, commercial, and industrial services
• Clean, fast, professional crews
• Hauling and cleanup always included

We specialize in helping homeowners prepare safely and properly for every phase of demolition or renovation.

Schedule a Site Walkthrough or Estimate

Need help getting your Glendale-area property ready for a concrete removal project?

📍 Serving Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Avondale, Goodyear & Phoenix West Valley
📞 Call: (623) 444-4195
📧 Email: concretecutting@live.com

Let’s clear the way for your next big project. Contact Adam’s today.