Concrete driveway, garage, stairs and lift shaft on the Northern Beaches

concrete driveways garages northern beaches

Garage and new driveway Northern Beaches.

We’re currently working on the construction of a new concrete driveway, double garage, and suspended garden terrace at a home in Newport on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Project completion – July 2024

In late July, this project was completed with the construction of the concrete driveway and crossover, and the stairs leading up to the home.

A stamped finish was added to the concrete driveway to enhance the aesthetic appeal and provide a non-slip surface.

The driveway crossover (also called a driveway crossing or driveway apron) was completed. This is where the drive extends out to the street from the property boundary, usually onto Council land and the road.

concrete driveways garages northern beaches

concrete driveways garages northern beaches

Stage 2 Progress – July 2024

This project has been progressing well, despite a wet and rainy Autumn and Winter and navigating the challenges of a very steep block.

The garage is complete with the ground slab and Dinsel walls in place.  Now we’re working on the tiered garden beds atop the garage.

concrete driveways garages northern beaches
Above: Formwork in place used to create the large, terraced garden beds that sit above the garage.

A late alteration to this project was the addition of a lift at the rear of the garage.  This wasn’t on the original plans.  We were happy to accommodate the client’s request and liaised with their builder and engineer on the design.  The 7-metre-high concrete lift shaft is now complete, and ready for the lift installation.

We have finished the new stairs (to the left of the garage) which offer safe and stable access to the house.  Previously, the only access was via a set of rickety old stairs that were located to the right of the garage.  Until we were able to move onto the new concrete stairs, the rickety old stairs were our only access to the upper levels of the property too. Needless to say, the boys have been getting a good workout carrying equipment and materials up them every day. Everyone cheered when the new stairs were cured and usable.

concrete driveways garages northern beaches
(Left) Preparing to build the garage. (Right) Garage complete with Dinsel retaining walls. New access stairs completed. Seven metre elevator shaft incorporated. Upper garden terrace slabs formed up ready for concrete pour.

To speed up the project timeline and keep things running smoothly, we organised for the Dinsel to be delivered to our yard ahead of the project commencement.  Having a large storage facility means we can preorder and store materials in preparation for the commencement and throughout all stages of the project. Smaller concreters often don’t have these facilities and must rely on materials arriving onsite on the day they are needed.  If anything goes wrong or there are supply problems, the project grinds to a halt.

From the yard, our truck was able to transport the Dinsel on an as-needed basis each day.

This project should be completed within the next month or two and we’ll provide another update as soon as possible.

concrete driveways garages northern beaches
(Above) Dinsel arriving at our yard. Being able to store materials at our yard ensures the project runs smoothly and in accordance with the timeline.

Stage 1 Progress – April 2024

In April 2024, areas of Sydney and NSW experienced extensive damage due to excessive rainfall and strong winds from a slow moving East Coast Low that passed through the State. Unfortunately, this Newport property was one of those affected.

Over a two day period, an excessive amount of rain flooded the area of the worksite that had been excavated for us, causing a mini-landslide of clay and rock.

We are now waiting for the project’s geotechnical engineers to assess the situation and make the site safe so we can recommence work. Once we’re allowed back on site, we’ll remove and clean up the damaged steel reinforcement and start again.

It’s never dull on a building site!  We’ll keep you posted…

concrete driveways garages northern beaches

Northern Beaches concrete quotes

With 40+ years of concreting experience, we bring extensive knowledge to any concrete and formwork project.  We provide a high level of services and workmanship on all our projects, with attention to detail and a professional approach to every job. We are a friendly team, focused on our customers’ needs and satisfaction and getting the job done.

We have a local Northern Beaches team of concreters, formworkers and steel fixers that are able to handle all residential and commercial projects, large and bespoke. We service the entire Sydney metropolitan area including the Eastern Suburbs, Upper and Lower North Shore and Sydney CBD.