ABOUT OUR COMPANY
Professionally Removing Concrete Basements
Concrete basement removal isn’t a quick break-and-go job. You’re dealing with thick slabs, reinforced walls, footings, and tight access points that were built to last.
We approach concrete basement removal with a clear plan and the right equipment. That means using concrete saws, sledge hammers, mini excavators, and hauling equipment to break, separate, and remove each section without disturbing surrounding structures. We manage dust, debris, and access carefully, making sure everything is taken out cleanly so the space is ready for the next phase.
- 20+ years of concrete basement teardown experience
- Fully licensed, insured, and WSIB-registered
- Equipped for full concrete basement replacements
How Concrete Basement Removal Runs
- Check what the slab is doing. Some basement slabs are just a floor. Others are tied into footings or are holding a post. We confirm which before anything is cut.
- Find the services under it. Drains, weeping tile and old plumbing runs live in and under a basement slab. Knowing where they are stops an expensive surprise.
- Protect the route out. Every kilo of that slab has to come up the stairs or out a window well. Floor protection, a sealed doorway and dust control go in first.
- Saw cut and break. The slab is cut into manageable sections and broken with hammers so it can be carried out rather than dragged.
- Carry, load, haul. Concrete goes out by hand or conveyor, into the truck, then to an approved facility.
- Clean down. Floor swept and the space handed back ready for whatever comes next, whether that is underpinning, new drainage or a fresh pour.
What to Think About Before You Break a Basement Floor
Concrete in a basement is the most awkward demolition there is, because the machine that would normally do the work cannot get to it. Things worth settling first:
- Whether the slab is structural or just a floor, which decides if an engineer is involved
- Where the drains, weeping tile and cleanouts run, so they survive the job
- Head height and stair width, because they set how fast material can leave
- Whether you are lowering the floor, which is underpinning work and a different scope entirely
- Old tile and tile adhesive on the slab, which in pre-1990 homes can contain asbestos and needs testing first
- Where the truck can park, because carry distance is real labour
More Demolition Services
ALMAR handles the whole range across Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario. A few that often go with this one:
- Foundation tear down
- Retaining wall removal
- Parking lot and paving demolition
- Industrial machine and equipment removal
See the full list on our demolition services page, or check the areas we serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is removing a basement slab structural work?
It can be. A plain floor slab usually is not, but slabs that are tied into footings, or that are carrying a post or a column, are. Anything doubtful gets assessed before it is cut, and where an engineer is needed we will tell you rather than guess.
Can you remove a slab without an excavator?
Yes, and in a basement that is normally the only option. The work is done with saws and demolition hammers and the concrete is carried out in pieces. It is slower and more labour-intensive than the same job outdoors, which is why basement concrete prices differently.
What about the drains under the floor?
They are located first and worked around. If drainage is being replaced as part of the project, we coordinate with the plumber so the slab comes out in the right sequence.
Does the old tile need testing?
If the house predates the 1990s, tile and tile adhesive are common places for asbestos. Where there is any doubt a designated substance survey comes first and any abatement is done by a licensed abatement contractor before we start.
Concrete Basement Removal in Southern Ontario