Sidewalk Repair Cost

Typical costs:

• 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^[1] . 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^[2] . Check if there are any complaints with the Better Business Bureau^[3] .

1.  /www.portlandoregon.gov/TRANSPORTATION/article/82742?&login=1
2.  www.contractors-license.org/
3.  search.bbb.org/

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