Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Hauling demolished concrete off-site is slow and expensive. Entrepreneur Nick Baker has a better idea: compact Italian-made crushing machines that can grind the old slab and foundation into useable fill right on the property.
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Before homeowner Carlos Santos can pour a new slab, the old concrete foundation has to go. Standard practice is to haul it away by the truckload—slow, expensive, and disruptive. Nick Baker thinks there's a better way: compact concrete-crushing machines imported from Italy that can process the demolished material on site and turn it into engineered fill for the new slab. No trucks. No disposal fees. No waiting. If it works on this project, it's a method that could save Sandy rebuilders significant time and money across the Shore.
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Where to find it?
Concrete mini-crusher: Komplet North America/ Compact Concrete Crushers Inc. [http://www.compactconcretecrushers.com]
About This Old House TV: This Old House is America’s first and most trusted home improvement show. Each season, we renovate two different historic homes—one step at a time—featuring quality craftsmanship and the latest in modern technology. We demystify home improvement and provide ideas and information so, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring out contractors, you’ll know the right way to do things or the questions to ask. Our experts including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor give you the tools you need to protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
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Concrete Crusher | This Old House
youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse
Hauling demolished concrete off-site is slow and expensive. Entrepreneur Nick Baker has a better idea: compact Italian-made crushing machines that can grind the old slab and foundation into useable fill right on the property.
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse.
Before homeowner Carlos Santos can pour a new slab, the old concrete foundation has to go. Standard practice is to haul it away by the truckload—slow, expensive, and disruptive. Nick Baker thinks there's a better way: compact concrete-crushing machines imported from Italy that can process the demolished material on site and turn it into engineered fill for the new slab. No trucks. No disposal fees. No waiting. If it works on this project, it's a method that could save Sandy rebuilders significant time and money across the Shore.
Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: bit.ly/2GPiYbH
Want weekly tips, project guides, and behind-the-scenes content from the TOH crew?
Sign up for our free newsletter here: thisoldhouse.com/pages/newsletters
Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: thisoldhouse.com/pages/streaming-app
Where to find it?
Concrete mini-crusher: Komplet North America/ Compact Concrete Crushers Inc. [http://www.compactconcretecrushers.com]
About This Old House TV: This Old House is America’s first and most trusted home improvement show. Each season, we renovate two different historic homes—one step at a time—featuring quality craftsmanship and the latest in modern technology. We demystify home improvement and provide ideas and information so, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring out contractors, you’ll know the right way to do things or the questions to ask. Our experts including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor give you the tools you need to protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
Follow This Old House:
Facebook: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
Pinterest: bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG
TikTok: tiktok.com/@thisoldhouse
Concrete Crusher | This Old House
youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse
