What Are The Cost Factors for Sidewalk Repairs

If you are searching for a pavement contractor to perform sidewalk repairs for your business, the following will determine the overall cost of your project:

• • The size and depth of any sidewalk repairs – For the majority of sidewalk repair projects, size and scope will partially dictate the overall cost of the job. In general, the larger the repair project (in terms of square footage) and the deeper the repair, the more it will cost. However, there may be exceptions for particularly small or large projects, as the cost per square foot is typically higher for very small repair jobs.

    If repairs are isolated to the sidewalk’s surface, they are generally easier and faster to perform. By extension, if the contractor needs to perform full-depth repairs and replacement, the cost will be higher.

     

  • The repair methods used with the project – There are numerous sidewalk repair methods, some designed for surface repairs and others designed for deeper, more intensive repairs. For example, spot patching may be used to fix spalls and small potholes, or crews can grind down trip hazards to ensure your sidewalks are ADA compliant. These types of sidewalk repairs are generally less intensive and therefore less expensive to perform. If your sidewalk contractor needs to sawcut out a failed panel and replace it or if the concrete needs to be removed and the base repaired, then the job will cost more.

     

  • The condition of the project site – The conditions at your project site will have a major impact on work efficiency, timeline and complexity. For instance, if the contractor surveys your site and finds excessive root growth, it will need to be removed. If the sidewalk has failed due to unstable soils, they will need to be stabilized. If the job is located near busy roads or if access to the site is poor, it may interfere with mobilization efforts to and on the site. These factors are individual to the job and likely will not be obvious until your contractor has an opportunity to survey the site, but they can affect the project’s cost to an extent.

     

  • The project’s timeline and potential change orders – The longer the project will take, the more it will likely cost, as labor is always a primary factor. However, if your project is especially small, you will likely pay more per hour, as sidewalk contractors have to cover higher mobilization costs by increasing the per-hour cost of labor. Keep that premium in mind when getting quotes.

    Additional costs will often be incurred if change orders are requested during the project. These change orders will add to the project’s total cost and can therefore have a principal impact on its overall expense.

     

  • The quality of your concrete contractor – Like with every service, there are high quality sidewalk contractors and cut-rate contractors, and the latter will often leave you with shoddy work. Reputable sidewalk contractors are insured, which represents an extra cost. Reputable sidewalk contractors are invested in quality materials and labor, and it is impossible for contractors to avoid passing some of these costs on to the business owner, but the investment in better pavement quality pays long-term dividends.

There are other cost factors involved, but these are the major considerations for every sidewalk repair project.