Quoting concrete removal when the thickness is unknown

A drawing may show the intended construction, while an existing exposed edge shows one actual location. Neither automatically proves uniform thickness across the whole slab. State where a measurement came from and which area it reasonably describes. A visible thickened edge can also differ from the centre.

Provide existing plans, photographs of safely visible edges and the surface area. Do not chip, drill or enter a concealed void to obtain a thickness for the enquiry. Unknown reinforcement, multiple pours or a buried earlier surface should remain unknown until a suitable assessment resolves them.

Ask what information would materially change the removal plan. That may be the construction at an edge, the relationship to a footing or access for handling reinforced pieces. An agreed investigation should identify who authorises it, its limits and how any opened area will be protected.

Keep investigation separate from permission to remove the entire slab. If a finding changes the scope, use the concealed-condition record to document the observation and revised instruction before continuing in the affected area.

Two quotes for the same surface area can include different thickness assumptions, reinforcement handling or removal depths. Ask each contractor to identify its basis, exclusions and the process for a changed condition. A broader assumption is not evidence that the slab has been measured.

Clarify whether the handover removes concrete only or also underlying fill, buried footings or another layer. The quote-comparison guide helps align those boundaries without publishing a misleading price per unit of area.

Request a concrete-removal assessment with what is known and what is not. See concrete removal for the existing service scope.