Cutting Concrete in a Remodel

At ARHTX we have successfully rebuilt whole rooms and cut concrete to make exciting new additions to homes.

Recently we put together a bid package for a homeowner who wanted to make some major changes in her kitchen. She wanted to move the sink from the inside kitchen wall to the island in the center. To do this, we told her, she’d have to cut the concrete to run the plumbing from the exterior wall to a new location on the island and cap off the old water line. 

And that was something she wasn’t comfortable doing--cutting the concrete in the slab to reroute the plumbing to its new location. Let’s talk about what that means. 

When you’re cutting a new run for your plumbing, you’re basically cutting a slot in the concrete and not compromising the structural strength of the foundation. As any plumber or electrician can tell you who has had to cut concrete to run their lines, this is something they do on a weekly basis. 

After scoring the concrete with a circular saw, the concrete is jackhammered.

However, occasionally you will run into a contractor or remodeler who has not done this work before or is uncomfortable with doing this kind of work, they will try to dissuade you with comments that indicate there’s some danger with this process. If you find a professional familiar with cutting concrete, which requires specialized equipment and expertise, the process is straightforward and is commonly used in remodels. 

As cabinet builders we run into concrete cutting frequently as sinks and appliances are moved often in reconfiguring kitchens. We are always careful to use subcontractors that have the experience to get the job done right.  

Finding the right person to do the job for you means much more than finding a person you like. It’s more important to find someone who is competent in all aspects of construction to assist you and realize your vision.