Walk down any street in New York, and something will catch your eye: the variation in sidewalks. They are often smooth and pristine, but seem to be just the opposite, with marks of dents and damage. If you are a property owner, maintaining those sidewalks becomes your responsibility.
In NYC, there are over 12,000 miles of sidewalks across its five boroughs. The city does not maintain them. This is a quirk of urban living that you have to cope with.
Why Is Maintaining Sidewalks So Important?
A cracked sidewalk is more than an eyesore. It leads to so many problems. There have been so many instances of people tripping and falling on damaged or ill-maintained sidewalks. These can lead to unwanted hassles and legal issues, too. The city administration has well-defined norms for sidewalk maintenance.
Broken and damaged sidewalks can also pose problems for residents. They can be hard for people with mobility issues and weak eyesight. Think of older people using strollers and those using wheelchairs. Even playful kids can fall on those places and get hurt. So, it is better to look for suitable sidewalk contractors near you.
If you want to sell your NYC property later, sidewalk care becomes even more critical. Do you think a prospective buyer will feel good about your property if the sidewalk looks worn out and unattractive? In fact, it can repel many buyers at first glance!
Understanding the inspection process
The NYC Department of Transportation carries out regular sidewalk inspections throughout the city. They look for defects such as wide cracks, vertical slab-to-slab displacement, missing pieces, or drainage issues. If your sidewalk is found to be in poor or damaged condition, you will receive a violation notice.
If you do not get it repaired in time, you may face fines. In some cases, the city’s civic body may carry out the repairs and send you a premium bill.
Finding a reliable contactor
There are many contractors in NYC, but not all are experts in sidewalk repair. Sidewalk work in New York City requires proper licensing and insurance. A veteran contractor or firm will check your entire sidewalk. They will also assess whether the visible damage is linked to underlying issues. These could be tree roots, poor drainage, or other factors.
To be on the safe side, do not settle for the first contractor coming your way, online or otherwise. Check quite a few firms and analyze their credibility. Top players will not hurry to sign up for their services. They will explain what type of repair the sidewalk needs and why. You may also ask a friend or neighbor for references.
Just getting a damaged sidewalk repaired is not enough. You should perform the required maintenance to avoid long-term damage and the hassles of sidewalk violations. Look out for signs of cracks, settling, or tree root intrusion from time to time, especially after winter. A little periodic care will save you from many hassles and expenses later. Why delay the repair when you can get it done at the earliest?
