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How to Start Your Own Small Concrete Business: A Beginner's Roadmap

Published on Saturday, 28 June 2025 at 1:46:45 AM

Dreaming of being your own boss in the trades? Love the idea of building something tangible? Starting a small concrete business can be a solid path to independence and good income. It’s more than just mixing mud – it’s about skill, planning, and hard work. This guide breaks down the essential steps on how to start your concrete business off the ground.

Key Takeaways Up Front:

  • Start Small & Specialize: Focus on driveways, patios, footings, or small slabs initially.
  • Plan & Research: Know your market, costs, and legal requirements before buying gear.
  • Invest Wisely: Buy essential, reliable equipment; don’t go into massive debt upfront.
  • Master Your Craft: Skills and quality work are your best marketing.
  • Build Reputation: Word-of-mouth is king in this industry.
  • Manage Money: Pricing, cash flow, and insurance are critical.

Step 1: Laying the Foundation – Research & Planning

Don’t just jump in! A little planning prevents big headaches later.

  • Know Your Niche: What will you specialize in?
    • Residential: Driveways, patios, footings, shed slabs, steps, pool surrounds.
    • Small Commercial: Sidewalks, shop floors, minor repairs.
    • Decorative: Stamped, stained, or exposed aggregate finishes (requires extra skills).
    • Beginner Tip: Focus on simpler flatwork (driveways, patios) or essential structural work (footings) first. Avoid complex foundations or large commercial jobs initially.
  • Scope Your Service Area: Where will you work? Start hyper-local (your suburb + neighbours). Factor travel time and fuel costs.
  • Check the Competition: Who’s already doing this nearby? What do they charge? What services do they offer? What gaps can you fill?
  • Crunch the Numbers (Business Plan Lite):
    • Startup Costs: Equipment, vehicle, licenses, insurance, initial marketing, tools.
    • Operating Costs: Fuel, maintenance, insurance, wages (if hiring), materials (if supplying), marketing, accounting.
    • Pricing: How much will you charge per square metre (m²) or per job? Research local rates. Don't undercharge! Factor all your costs + profit.
    • Break-Even Point: How many jobs per month do you need to cover costs?

Step 2: Getting Legal – Licenses, Insurance & Setup

Protect yourself and your business from day one.

  • Business Structure: Choose wisely:
    • Sole Trader: Simplest, but you are personally liable for debts/problems.
    • Company (Pty Ltd): More complex/expensive to set up, but limits your personal liability. Highly recommended for a concrete business due to risk.
    • Talk to an Accountant: Essential for choosing the right structure and tax advice.
  • Licenses & Registrations:
    • Australian Business Number (ABN): Mandatory.
    • Business Name Registration: If trading under a name other than your own.
    • Builder's License (Check QLD Requirements!): In Queensland, you likely need a QBCC license for structural concrete work (footings, slabs, driveways over a certain thickness/value). This is crucial! Research the specific license class (e.g., Builder Restricted to Site Work - Concrete) and requirements (experience, technical qualifications, financial requirements). Don't operate without the proper license!
    • White Card: Mandatory for anyone working on construction sites.
    • Local Council Permits: May be needed for specific jobs.
  • Insurance – NON-NEGOTIABLE:
    • Public Liability Insurance: Absolute MUST. Covers you if someone is injured or property is damaged due to your work. ($5M - $20M cover is common).
    • Workers Compensation: Required if you hire employees.
    • Vehicle Insurance: Comprehensive for your work truck/trailer.
    • Tools & Equipment Insurance: Protect your investment.
    • Income Protection: Safeguard your earnings if injured.

Step 3: Gearing Up – Essential Equipment (Start Smart)

You don’t need a fortune to start, but you need reliable basics.

  • Vehicle: A reliable ute or truck (1-tonne+ capacity) capable of towing a trailer. Consider a dropside for easier loading/unloading.
  • Trailer: A robust box trailer or plant trailer for mixers, tools, and materials.
  • Concrete Mixer: A petrol or electric concrete mixer (e.g., 8-10 cu ft capacity). Crucial for small jobs or supplying your own mix.
  • Tools of the Trade (Core Kit):
    • Shovels (round point, square mouth)
    • Rakes (concrete rake, garden rake)
    • Hoes (mason's hoe)
    • Wheelbarrows (heavy-duty, at least 2)
    • Spirit Levels (long - 1.8m+, short)
    • String Lines & Line Levels
    • Tape Measures (30m+, 5m)
    • Screeding Boards (Straight 4x2 timber or aluminium)
    • Floats (Magnesium bull float, hand floats)
    • Trowels (Finishing trowel, edging trowel, grooving tool)
    • Brooms (for broom finishes)
    • Vibrator (essential for slabs/footings to remove air pockets)
    • Safety Gear (Gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, masks, steel-capped boots, high-vis clothing)
  • Formwork: Reusable steel forms or timber (for edges, steps, footings).
  • Optional but Recommended:
    • Laser Level (for accurate grading/slopes)
    • Power Trowel (for larger slabs - hire initially)
    • Compactor (for preparing sub-base)
    • Concrete Pumping Brisbane Contacts: Build relationships with local pump operators. You don't need your own pump, but offering pumping (subcontracted) makes you more competitive for trickier jobs.

Step 4: Operations – Finding Work & Doing the Job

Now for the exciting part: building your reputation.

  • Marketing & Landing First Clients:
    • Networking: Tell EVERYONE – friends, family, neighbours, local builders, landscapers, hardware stores.
    • Simple Branding: Get magnetic signs for your ute. Professional look matters.
    • Online Presence: Create a simple Google Business Profile (FREE!). Consider a basic website/Facebook page showcasing past work (even practice jobs initially).
    • Word-of-Mouth: Your best source. Do exceptional work, be reliable and communicate well.
    • Flyers/Door Hangers: Target specific neighbourhoods where you see potential work.
  • Quoting & Pricing:
    • Site Visit Essential: Never quote blind. Assess access, ground conditions, complexity.
    • Measure Accurately: Calculate square/cubic metres precisely.
    • Detailed Quote: Break down costs (labour, materials, equipment, waste removal, pump hire if needed). Be clear on inclusions/exclusions.
    • Profit Margin: Don't forget to pay yourself! Factor in 15-30%+ profit on top of costs.
  • Execution – Quality is Key:
    • Site Prep: Crucial! A good job starts with a solid, well-compacted base.
    • Formwork: Build it strong, level, and square.
    • Ordering Concrete: Use reputable Ready Mix Concrete Supply for consistency and efficiency on bigger jobs. Know your required strength (e.g., 20MPa, 25MPa) and slump.
    • Placement & Finishing: Work efficiently, especially in hot weather. Master screeding, floating, edging, and final troweling/brooming.
    • Curing: Protect the fresh concrete (cover with plastic, use curing compound) – this is vital for strength and preventing cracks. Don't skip this!
    • Clean Up: Leave the site cleaner than you found it.

Step 5: Managing & Growing Your Concrete Business

Build it right to last.

  • Bookkeeping & Finances:
    • Separate Business Account: Keep personal and business money apart.
    • Simple Accounting Software: Use something like Xero or QuickBooks (or start with spreadsheets).
    • Track EVERYTHING: Income, expenses (fuel, materials, tools, phone, insurance), mileage.
    • Invoice Promptly & Chase Payments: Cash flow is oxygen.
  • Building Your Team (When Ready):
    • Start with casual labour for big pours.
    • Hire carefully – look for reliability and work ethic.
    • Ensure they have necessary tickets (White Card).
  • Scaling Up:
    • Expand Services: Add decorative concrete, repairs, or partner for concrete pumping Brisbane.
    • Invest in Larger Equipment: Power trowel, larger mixer, maybe a small dump truck.
    • Target Larger Jobs: As experience and reputation grow.
    • Refine Systems: Streamline quoting, scheduling, and communication.

FAQs: Launching Your Concrete Business

  • Q: How much money do I need to start a small concrete business?
    A: Realistically, $15,000 - $50,000+ AUD. This covers reliable used vehicle/trailer ($10k-$30k+), mixer ($1k-$3k), core tools ($1k-$3k), licenses/insurance ($2k-$5k+ initially), and operating cash. Start as lean as possible!
  • Q: Do I need experience?
    A: Absolutely yes. Concrete work is skilled labour. Mistakes are expensive and hard to fix. Gain experience working for an established concreter before starting your own concrete business. Learn techniques, site management, and customer handling.
  • Q: What's the most common mistake beginners make?
    A: Underpricing jobs. They forget hidden costs (fuel, insurance, tool wear, admin time) or underestimate labour time. Or: Poor site preparation leading to cracked concrete. Or: Not getting proper insurance/licensing.
  • Q: How do I price a concrete job?
    A: Common methods:
    • Per Square Metre (m²): For slabs, driveways, patios. Factor depth! ($X per m² for 100mm thick).
    • Per Cubic Metre (m³): For footings or thick slabs.
    • Lump Sum: For complex jobs or small projects (e.g., steps, small footings).
    • Always: Calculate your costs (materials, labour, equipment, overheads) + desired profit margin.
  • Q: Can I run it alone?
    A: You can start solo for very small jobs (e.g., small footings, tiny slabs). However, concrete placement is labour-intensive and time-sensitive. You'll realistically need at least one labourer for anything beyond the absolute smallest pour. Partnering or hiring casuals is common.
  • Q: How do I handle getting the concrete?
    A:
    • Small Jobs: Mix yourself on-site using your mixer (buying bags of pre-mix or separate cement/sand/aggregate).
    • Medium/Large Jobs: Order from Ready Mix Concrete Supply. It's faster, more consistent, and often more cost-effective for volumes over 1-2 cubic metres. You coordinate delivery timing.
  • Q: Is it profitable?
    A: A well-run concrete business can be very profitable. Profit margins often range from 15% to 40%+ on jobs after all costs. Key factors: Efficient operations, accurate pricing, good reputation (allowing premium rates), and managing overheads.

Pouring the Foundation for Success

Starting a concrete business is challenging but incredibly rewarding. It requires hard physical work, smart planning, dedication to quality, and savvy business sense. Focus on mastering your craft, serving your customers exceptionally well, managing your finances tightly, and building a stellar reputation. By starting small, investing wisely, and laying a solid operational foundation, you can build a concrete business that stands the test of time. Get your licenses, gear up, and start creating something lasting!

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