Exterior masonry and hardscape
Sidewalks, driveways, walkways, exterior steps and masonry repairs, built for freeze-thaw winters and New York City’s permit rules.
What’s included
- Sidewalk repair and replacement
- Concrete and paver driveways
- Walkways and paths
- Exterior steps
- Patios and yard paving
- Brick and block repair, including repointing
- Grading and drainage around paved areas
- Removal and disposal of old concrete
The sidewalk in front of your house
- It’s the owner’s responsibility.
- In New York City, property owners must maintain the sidewalk next to their property. The City can issue a violation for defects, and can make the repair itself and bill the owner.
- It needs a permit.
- Sidewalk work requires a permit from the NYC Department of Transportation. You’ll know in writing who obtains it before you sign.
- Curb cuts are separate.
- A new driveway curb cut needs Department of Buildings approval and isn’t allowed everywhere.
- Utilities get marked first.
- Underground lines must be marked before excavation. In New York that starts with a call to 811.
Built for freeze and thaw
- Air-entrained concrete
- Tiny air pockets in the mix give freezing water room to expand, which protects the surface.
- Slope and drainage
- Every surface pitched so water runs away from the house instead of sitting.
- Control joints
- Planned joints so concrete cracks where it’s meant to, in a straight line, instead of at random.
- Curing time
- New concrete needs time before heavy loads, and it’s best kept free of deicing salt through its first winter.
Who it’s for
- Owners with a sidewalk violation or a tripping hazard
- Houses with a cracked or sinking driveway
- Yards that need a patio or a path
- Buildings with failing mortar joints
Concrete, pavers or brick?
The most common choices for driveways, walks and patios.
Poured concrete
Works wellClean, continuous surfaces. Sidewalks must follow City specifications.
Watch forRepairs mean replacing sections, and new sections can look different.
Pavers
Works wellDriveways, walks and patios. Individual units can be lifted and reset.
Watch forNeeds a well-compacted base and edge restraint; joints can grow weeds.
Brick
Works wellTraditional walks and patios. Suits older houses.
Watch forSofter than pavers; needs a good base and drainage.
Our approach
Inspect and measure
Existing surfaces, drainage, trees and utilities, and any violation notices.
Permits in writing
DOT, Buildings or Landmarks permits identified before you sign.
Utility markout
Lines marked through 811 before excavation.
Excavate and prepare the base
A compacted base, and forms set to the right slope.
Pour or lay
With joints, reinforcement and finish as specified.
Cure and protect
Barriers, and timing guidance so the new surface isn’t damaged early.
Good to know
- Weather sets the schedule.
- Concrete and mortar need the right temperatures to cure. Winter work waits or needs protection.
- Street trees are protected.
- They belong to the City, and work near them follows City rules.
- Some pointing needs a permit.
- Repointing on certain buildings requires a Department of Buildings permit.
Questions
I got a sidewalk violation. What now?
Read the notice for the deadline and the areas cited. The repair needs a DOT permit. We can inspect the cited areas and give you a written estimate.
Concrete or pavers for a driveway?
Concrete gives a continuous surface; pavers can be lifted and reset if something underneath needs work. Your site, your budget and the look you want decide.
When can I use a new driveway?
Foot traffic comes well before vehicles. We’ll give you the timing for your mix and the weather.
Do you repoint brick?
Yes, as part of masonry repairs. Some repointing needs a Department of Buildings permit, and you’ll know before you sign.
Outdoor work in New York
Between City permits, street trees, shared walls and tight access, exterior work here takes as much planning as masonry.
Planning exterior work?
Request a consultation and we’ll look at the site, the drainage and the permits your project needs. Or call (718) 866-3350