Hiring a Sidewalk Contractor

You are responsible for properly screening the person you hire and selecting a qualified professional contractor whose workmanship meets your expectations. The City will not recommend a specific contractor. The City requires contractors working in the right-of-way to be bonded and carry general liability insurance and obtain a permit. For your convenience, the City periodically updates a list of concrete contractors with current bond and insurance.

Current List

When selecting a contractor to do work at your property, follow these recommendations:

  • Confirm that the contractor has a legitimate business address.
  • Request a list of prior customers/references.
  • Request proof of General Liability Insurance.
  • Contact the Engineering Department to confirm that the contractor’s bond and insurance is active.
  • Get more than one estimate. Get estimates in writing and signed. Make sure the contract contains a detailed description of all material and work to be completed. Verbal agreements may not be binding. Make sure it contains the total contract price and payment schedule. Make sure it contains a start and completion date.
  • Never provide a contractor more than 10-20 percent down payment.

BE SUSPICIOUS IF: The contractor’s vehicle does not have commercial signage; the contractor asks for more than 20% down payment; the contractor wants you to obtain the permit; the contractor wants to barter services for your personal property.

After the contract is signed:

  • Request a copy of the permit.
  • Get any change orders (extra work to be done) in writing. Make sure it contains a detailed description of all material and work to be completed. Make sure it contains an amended total contract price. Make sure it contains a start and completion date.
  • Wait until project is completed to your satisfaction and inspected by the City before making final payment.

BE SUSPICIOUS IF: The contractor does not post a permit placard in a street side window of your home, or the contractor wants you to request City inspections.