We receive many complaints about cracking and heaving sidewalks.  For many of us, it is time for repair!  Sidewalks are usually built on a public right-of-way on the edge of a property, in many areas the property owner is financially responsible for installing and maintaining the sidewalk and replacing it if it becomes cracked or damaged.  In new developments built in the last few decades, homeowners are responsible for all the costs, and may hire their own contractor to build a sidewalk or replace a damaged one.

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. 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.)

What should be included:

      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.

Additional costs:

      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.

Discounts:

      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.

Shopping for sidewalk repair:

      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.