House Slabs
A house slab is the structural foundation a new home is built on, combining the footings, floor and damp-proofing into a single concrete pour. It's designed by a structural engineer around the site's soil classification, so the slab type, thickness and reinforcement are specific to that block rather than a standard, one-size design.
Pricing guide: How much does a house slab cost?
House slabs are usually priced per square metre of the home's footprint, typically between $130 and $220 per square metre depending on soil class, slab type and site access. A soil report and engineering are needed before an accurate quote can be given.
Why homeowners choose it
- Forms both the footing and the finished floor in one structure
- Engineered to suit the site's soil classification and drainage
- Incorporates a vapour barrier and termite protection as standard
- Provides a durable, low-maintenance base for the life of the home
- Faster to construct than a suspended timber or bearer-and-joist floor
How it works
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1
Soil testing and engineering
A soil report classifies the site, and an engineer designs the slab, footing depths and reinforcement to suit.
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2
Excavation and site prep
The building envelope is stripped, cut or filled to level, and plumbing and drainage pipework is laid.
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3
Formwork and footings
Edge formwork is set out, and footing trenches are excavated where extra depth is needed under load-bearing lines.
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4
Reinforcement and membrane
Reinforcing steel is placed on bar chairs, and a vapour barrier and termite protection are installed underneath.
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5
Pour and cure
Concrete is pumped or poured, screeded to a level finish, and cured before framing work begins.
Hiring guide
Questions worth asking before you commit to a contractor.
Ask to see it, not just take their word for it. Insurance protects your property if something goes wrong on site.
Site preparation, disposal of old material, and any council permits can be included or charged separately — get it in writing before you compare quotes.
Some contractors do the work themselves; others subcontract parts of it. Neither is wrong, but you should know who is doing your job.
Old concrete, tree roots or drainage issues are common surprises. Ask how a change of scope gets costed before it happens, not after.
Materials usually carry a manufacturer's warranty. Ask specifically about the contractor's own workmanship warranty too.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a house slab cost?
House slabs are usually priced per square metre of the home's footprint, typically between $130 and $220 per square metre depending on soil class, slab type and site access. A soil report and engineering are needed before an accurate quote can be given.
What slab type will my house need?
That depends on the soil report. Stable sites may only need a standard slab, while reactive clay or sloping sites often require a waffle or raft slab with extra reinforcement. Your engineer specifies this, not the concreter.
Do I need a building permit for a house slab?
Yes. A house slab is structural work covered under the overall building permit for the home, and it's inspected before the pour and again before the concrete is covered.
How long does a house slab take to build?
Once the site is prepped, most house slabs take one to two weeks from formwork to a cured, walkable slab, though this varies with size, weather and soil conditions.
House Slabs in popular suburbs
Local pricing, FAQs and a map for these areas.
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