Sidewalks in NYC are subjected to wear and tear by people and other vagaries of weather conditions. There may be small gaps or irregularities on the walls or the floor outside your home. It is important to address these problems to ensure safety and aesthetics. However, is it better to do the repair yourself or to hire a professional? So let’s look at each of these strategies in more detail to assist you in making the right decision.
Proper Sidewalk Repair: An Introduction
Fixing a sidewalk is not as easy as one might think. It entails the process of demoliition of the bad concrete, preparation of the surface and placing of new concrete. You also have to make sure that the new section of the sidewalk is similar to the rest of the sidewalk. Proper leveling and curing are critical to avoid such problems in the future. It is significant to note that having some basic knowledge of what is entailed in a sidewalk repair project is important.
DIY Sidewalk Repair: Points to Note
It is cheaper to repair a sidewalk on your own. There are many tutorials and videos that are available online that describe the steps. You will require a sledgehammer, a wheelbarrow, a shovel and concrete mix for the construction of the slab.
First of all, remove the concrete and clear the site from the debris that has resulted from the damage. Ensure that the area is clean before pouring new concrete. Level the surface and allow the concrete to cure to the right standard. It may seem easy but it requires time and effort. You need to adhere to the steps so that you can obtain the best results from your work.
Advantages of Do It Yourself Sidewalk Repair
The greatest benefit of DIY sidewalk repair is that it will help you save money. You do not incur labor costs which can be especially high. It also provides you with the authority over the project. You can decide when and how you want to do the work. All in all, if you like doing practical work, it can be quite enjoyable.
Disadvantages of Doing Sidewalk Repair on Your Own
There are some disadvantages of doing sidewalk repair on your own. It takes time, energy and muscle work to accomplish this task. It can be quite exhausting and takes a lot of time. There is also the problem of error making. If the leveling or curing is done incorrectly then more damage is done in the long run. It may also lead to additional costs of correcting those mistakes that you could have avoided in the first place.
When to Hire a Professional
There are apparent benefits of hiring a professional for sidewalk repair in New York City. Employees are more qualified to do the job than the general public since they have the skills and experience. They apply the right methods and tools to the repair in order to make it long lasting. They can also deal with permits and are well informed with the rules of the city.
Advantages of Hiring a Professional
The major advantage of hiring a professional is quality work. They know how to repair sidewalks efficiently. It is quicker and more efficient when professionals do it and the results are always much better. They also undertake all the work concerning the project, including the stripping of the old concrete and the placing of the new surface. You do not have to exert yourself physically or mentally in doing it on your own.
Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional Repair
Let’s talk about costs. DIY repair mainly involves purchasing of materials and the necessary tools. The cost of repair is likely to be in the few hundred dollars depending on the extent of the repair work.
Professional repair is relatively expensive. The price depends on the degree of the damage and the rates of the contractor. The average cost of professional sidewalk repair in NYC can be anywhere between $1,000 to $3,000 or even more. The cost is relatively high compared to other people who do it as a hobby or part-time job, but it is because you are paying for a professional.
Permits and Regulations in NYC
In NYC, many repairs on the sidewalks may demand one to get a permit. There are many rules and regulations in the city concerning safety and conformity. These are things that professionals understand how to work through. If you are going the DIY way, then you have to research on the legal requirements in your area, and acquire the appropriate licenses. If not, fines and complications may arise and this is why it is important to adhere to the rules.
Safety Considerations
One of the major issues that are considered in sidewalk repair is safety. Employers and workers have the right tools and information to work with and avoid the risk of getting injured. They ensure that they avoid cases of accidents and people getting injured. If you are not into construction work or any related field, do it yourself repair can be dangerous. Handling heavy materials and using tools also poses a risk of getting injured especially if one is not trained to do so.
Long-Term Durability
The repairs of sidewalks should therefore be durable. Ideally, you want the fix to last for years. Experts work with quality materials and methods that guarantee durability of the work done. Do it yourself repairs may not be as long lasting if you are not experienced. Think about the advantages of a professional repair when making your choice.
Conclusion
The decision on whether to repair the sidewalk on your own or hire a professional in New York City depends on the following factors. Repairing things on your own can be cheaper and enable you to have control over the process, however, it takes time, energy and can be prone to errors. The advantage of hiring a professional is that he or she will do a good job and follow all the legal requirements, but it is expensive.