Concrete Slab FAQs

Yes, we are fully NHBRC registered contractors. This means:

• All our work complies with national building regulations
• We provide 5-year warranty on foundation work
• Our designs are engineer-approved
• We follow strict quality control procedures

NHBRC registration gives you peace of mind that your investment is protected.

Yes, we have dedicated teams serving both regions:

• Cape Town: 7+ years experience, understanding coastal conditions
• Pretoria: Specialized knowledge of dolomitic areas and clay soils
• Same quality standards and NHBRC compliance in both regions
• Free site inspections in all service areas

Makena SlabWorks was founded in 2017. We have:

• 7+ years of specialized concrete slab experience
• Completed 45+ successful projects
• 15 skilled professionals on our team
• Built our reputation on quality and integrity

Our experience means we can handle any challenge and deliver exceptional results.

We provide a 5-year warranty on all foundation work as required by NHBRC regulations. This covers:

• Structural defects in workmanship
• Foundation failures
• Cracking due to improper construction
• Waterproofing issues (where applicable)

All warranty details are clearly outlined in our contract. We stand behind our work.

Slab thickness depends on several factors:

• Residential slabs: 75mm - 100mm
• Garage slabs: 100mm - 125mm (for vehicle loads)
• Commercial slabs: 100mm - 150mm
• Industrial slabs: 150mm - 200mm+

We determine the exact thickness based on:

• Soil conditions and load-bearing capacity
• Intended use and load requirements
• Engineer's specifications
• Local building regulations

We use concrete with appropriate strength for each application:

• Standard residential: 25MPa or 30MPa
• Heavy duty/industrial: 35MPa or higher
• Special applications: As per engineer's specifications

All concrete is:

• Sourced from reputable batch plants
• Tested for consistency and strength
• Properly cured for maximum durability
• Documented with batch numbers for traceability

Yes, we reinforce all slabs according to engineering requirements. Our reinforcement includes:

• Steel mesh: For crack control and tensile strength
• Reinforcing bars: Y12 or as specified by engineers
• Proper spacing: As per SANS specifications
• Chair blocks: To maintain correct positioning

Reinforcement is essential for:

• Preventing cracking
• Distributing loads evenly
• Providing tensile strength (concrete is weak in tension)
• Ensuring long-term durability

Proper soil preparation is critical for slab longevity. Our process:

1. Site inspection: Assess soil conditions and drainage
2. Excavation: Remove unsuitable material to required depth
3. Compaction: Achieve 95%+ compaction using mechanical compactors
4. Base layers: Install G5/G7 crushed stone as required
5. Damp-proofing: Install plastic sheeting (where needed)
6. Final preparation: Level and compact final surface

We use laser levels and compaction testers to ensure precision.

Costs vary based on several factors:

• Basic residential slab: R800 - R1,200 per m²
• Reinforced raft foundation: R1,000 - R1,500 per m²
• Garage slab: R900 - R1,300 per m²
• Commercial/industrial: R1,200 - R2,000+ per m²

Factors affecting cost:

• Slab type and thickness
• Amount of reinforcement needed
• Site access and preparation requirements
• Location (Cape Town vs Pretoria)
• Project size and complexity

We provide free, detailed quotes with no obligation.

Typical timelines:

• Small residential slab (50m²): 3-5 days
• Average house foundation (100m²): 5-7 days
• Double garage slab: 2-3 days
• Commercial project: 1-2 weeks+

The process includes:

1. Day 1: Site preparation and excavation
2. Day 2: Formwork and reinforcement
3. Day 3: Concrete pouring
4. Day 4-7: Curing and finishing

Weather and site conditions can affect timelines.

Yes, we provide comprehensive free quotes with no obligation.

Our quote process:

1. Initial consultation: Phone/email to understand your needs
2. Site inspection: Free on-site assessment (in service areas)
3. Detailed quote: Itemized breakdown of all costs
4. Review: We explain everything and answer questions

Our quotes are transparent with no hidden costs. We provide 24-hour response time on quote requests.

Key cost factors include:

• Size: Larger slabs have lower per m² costs
• Complexity: Odd shapes or multiple levels cost more
• Access: Difficult site access increases costs
• Soil conditions: Poor soil requires more preparation
• Reinforcement: More steel = higher cost
• Finish: Special finishes (broom, trowel, etc.)
• Location: Transport costs vary by area

We identify all potential costs upfront so there are no surprises.

Our 5-step construction process:

1. Planning & Design: Site assessment and engineering design
2. Preparation: Excavation, compaction, and base preparation
3. Formwork & Reinforcement: Install forms and steel reinforcement
4. Concrete Pouring: Professional pouring, leveling, and finishing
5. Curing & Inspection: Proper curing and NHBRC inspection

We maintain clean worksites and minimal disruption throughout the process.

Approval requirements depend on:

• Location: Different municipalities have different rules
• Size: Larger projects usually require approval
• Type: Structural slabs typically need approval

We can assist with:

• Advising on approval requirements
• Preparing necessary documentation
• Liaising with local authorities
• Ensuring NHBRC compliance

It's always better to check requirements before starting.

Curing times vary:

• Light foot traffic: 24-48 hours after pouring
• Light construction: 7 days minimum
• Full structural loading: 28 days for complete strength

We ensure proper curing by:

• Using curing compounds or water curing
• Protecting from extreme weather
• Providing specific instructions for your project
• Conducting strength tests if needed

Rushing the curing process can compromise slab strength.