Sidewalk Repair Cost

• Hiring a contractor to pour a concrete sidewalk runs around $5 -$9 a square foot, or $1,500 -$2,250 for a sidewalk 5 feet wide and 50 feet long. Depending on the type of finish used, costs can be as high as $10 -$18 or more a square foot, or $2,500 -$4,500 for a 5-by-50-foot sidewalk.
• Materials and rental tools for a do-it-yourself project run about $3 -$4 a square foot, or $750 -$1,000 for a 5-by-50-foot sidewalk.
• Most sidewalks are repaired by removing and replacing the old concrete, but if the damage is minimal (short cracks only 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide or if a portion of the sidewalk is raised no more than 1 to 1-1/2 inches) repairs may be possible. For small cracks you can patch the concrete with ready-mix concrete patch, concrete grout or caulk. For a slightly raised edge you can grind it down. Do-it-yourself materials will cost $10 -$50, depending on materials used and whether you need to rent a masonry grinder.
• Hiring a handyman or concrete worker to do simple patching or grinding runs about $50 -$200, depending on the amount of work needed (and most contractors won't handle jobs this small). Some cities will do minor patching work then bill the homeowner, and grinding down a raised portion might be done by city employees at no charge. However, patching or grinding a sidewalk is often considered a temporary fix, and eventually it may be necessary to remove and re-pour the concrete. (And some cities require replacement rather than repair.)

• A quality sidewalk should have a gravel base and be reinforced with steel mesh to prevent cracking or buckling, and the concrete should be at least 4 inches thick. It's best to pour concrete in cool, dry weather. For a strong sidewalk, avoid extremely hot days or days that are followed by freezing nights. Reader's Digest provides detailed do-it-yourself instructions.
• Be sure to check with your local planning department for the minimum sidewalk standards, and whether a building permit is required.

• In replacing a cracked or buckled sidewalk where the damage was caused by tree roots, there may be additional costs for removing the trees or cutting back the roots.

• Check to see if replacing a damaged sidewalk is covered under your homeowner's insurance. Coverage will depend on the type of damage to the sidewalk and the specifics of your policy.

• Get several estimates, making sure what is (and isn't) in each quote; understand whether all prep and clean-up work is included. Request and check references. Ask about the contractor's length and type of experience; and be sure they're properly bonded, insured and licensed in your state. Check if there are any complaints with the Better Business Bureau.

More Articles in Damage Repair