So, you're ready for a new sidewalk. Maybe your old one's seen better days, or you're finally getting around to connecting that detached garage to the house. Whatever the reason, putting in a good concrete sidewalk should be pretty simple, right? It can be, sure. But I've watched plenty of Madison homeowners make some really common blunders that turn what should be an easy project into a big headache. Let's go over what to keep an eye out for.
Mistake #1: Only Looking at the Cheapest Price
This is probably the biggest one, honestly. Everyone wants a good deal, and I totally get that. But concrete isn't like picking up a gallon of milk. There's a huge difference in quality, in how much experience a crew has, and in what's actually part of that price. When one bid comes in way lower than all the others, there's usually a reason why. They might be skimping on materials, using less rebar, or not getting the sub-base ready the right way. Or maybe they're not licensed and insured, which puts you at huge risk if something goes wrong — and believe me, things can go wrong.
I've seen sidewalks poured that looked fantastic for a few months, then started cracking because the ground wasn't prepped correctly, especially with our expansive clay soils here in Madison. A cheap bid often leads to cheap work, plain and simple. You'll end up paying for it later, either with repairs or by having to tear it all out and start fresh. Get at least three bids, but don't just grab the cheapest one. Really compare what each bid actually covers.
Mistake #2: Not Checking References or Past Work
A contractor can tell you anything.