Three things to know
- Distinguish the visible surface from unverified hidden layers.
- Mark retained elements beside the house and in the garden.
- Resolve new levels and handover condition before removal.
Contents of this guide
Plan the new terrace before removing the old one
Photograph the full terrace, edges and connections to the house. Give the visible material and available base information; mark hidden layers unverified. Plan the new terrace alongside removal: finished levels and design can affect what must go. The quote should also cover handling and removal of individual material types.
Identify what stays
Distinguish removal and retention of individual parts, such as entrance elements, steps, edging or equipment. If reusing materials, request dismantling and storage separately; usability is not guaranteed beforehand.
An existing base cannot automatically be treated as suitable for a new terrace merely because it supported the previous surface. Reuse must suit the new brief and actual condition. If unresolved, identify it as an outstanding quote item.
Resolve new levels before ordering removal
Attach any new terrace design, intended surface and relationships to doors, adjacent paths and the garden. Documents should show the condition required after removal. Only then can further excavation or preparation be identified.
If the new design is still being selected, separate unfinished decisions from confirmed removal. The old height is not automatically the future level. Water management, house interfaces and structural layers belong in the relevant design.
Separate removal materials by actual composition
Say whether you expect timber, metal, concrete, paving or mixed layers. Flag known membranes and other materials. Loading, transport and acceptance conditions are confirmed for actual contents, not merely the label 'old terrace'.
Explain the loading location and where a truck can stand. Material at the rear of a garden may need a separate transfer. Report suspicious or unknown parts before handling so appropriate next steps can be determined.
One quote should show the individual stages
Separate removal of selected structures, handling, transport and any subsequent earthworks. The new terrace itself needs its own scope. A combined brief helps coordination but does not automatically include every task through to a finished surface.
SORTI offers demolition, transport and terrace construction within an agreed scope. Send the complete project and available design. Options for each part are confirmed against the structure, access and actual site conditions.
Swipe sideways to see all columns.
| Part of the brief | What to clarify |
|---|---|
| Old surface | Material, dimensions and removal scope |
| Base and hidden parts | Known construction and clarification after exposure |
| Retained elements | What stays and how surroundings are handed over |
| Removal | Composition, loading and receiving destination |
| New terrace | Design, levels and condition for subsequent work |
Example terrace replacement enquiry
'I want to replace a terrace in [municipality]. Approximate dimensions are [details]; the visible surface is [material]. About the base I know [details / unverified]. I want to retain [parts]. The new solution [is attached / is being prepared]. I also need [removal, excavation, new terrace construction].'
Add photographs of access and material space. For unverified layers, agree how further scope is confirmed after exposure. Use the separate guide for ordering the new terrace itself; this one mainly covers the transition from existing conditions to a prepared site.
Frequently asked questions
Is removing the surface the same as removing the whole terrace?
No. Define the base, foundations and other elements that may remain beneath it separately.
Can I use the old base for a new terrace?
Suitability must be checked for the actual new design and condition. The existence of an old surface does not establish it.
Can removal and new terrace construction be combined?
You can enquire about the whole project together. Actual supply parts and their coordination are confirmed against the documents.
What if another layer appears after dismantling?
Agree beforehand who confirms scope changes and the next steps after exposure.
Send known layers and the required condition after removal
Mark retained and unverified parts. We will divide the order into removal, material transport and any preparation for the new terrace.