Concrete work in Boston: Quotes, Permits and Planning

Define the job before comparing contractors

Describe what you want to use the concrete for: a patio, driveway, walking surface or steps. Give each contractor the same photos, approximate dimensions and description of the problem. Ask whether they propose repair, leveling or replacement, and have them explain how their proposal addresses the cause of the damage.

Request a written scope covering demolition and disposal, excavation, base preparation, slab thickness, reinforcement, joints, finish and drainage direction. Ask the contractor to identify anything they cannot determine until excavation and explain how you would approve an added charge. For steps or concrete connected to the building, ask who will assess the structural scope and confirm applicable approvals.

Ask for examples of comparable completed work, references, insurance documentation and the names of any subcontractors. Have the contractor explain how they will protect adjacent surfaces and maintain access to your entrance. Use those answers alongside the price when choosing a crew.

Check whether the sidewalk needs City attention

Report damaged public sidewalks through Boston 311 at 617-635-4500. Public Works assesses reported defects and decides how to make the area safe. The City says it handles minor damage on City property; when a utility company or another entity caused the damage, it notifies that entity and expects repairs. [3]

Before paying a contractor to replace concrete beside the street, ask Public Works to clarify responsibility for that location. Keep the report number, photos and any response with your project records. Boston prioritizes full sidewalk restoration through inspections and other location factors, so a report does not establish a repair date. [3]

Plan the truck, equipment and pedestrian route

Ask the contractor to sketch where delivery trucks, equipment, dumpsters and materials will stand. Boston's public-space application asks for the work scope, space dimensions, traffic arrangements, a police-detail plan and proof of bonding. For sidewalk obstruction or closure, the City asks whether the applicant has an ADA compliant pedestrian detour. [1]

Boston requires applicants to apply at least seven business days before they need the public space. Put the permit application and delivery arrangements ahead of the proposed pour date. Ask the contractor what happens to your deposit, delivery booking and schedule if approval or weather delays the work. [1]

For residential-area occupancy, the City requires signs at least three days before work and fliering each day for at least two days beforehand. Metered-space occupancy has separate notice requirements. Name the person who will handle notices, post the permit and remove signs and debris after completion. [1]

Separate installation costs from deposits and permits

Ask for separate amounts for the concrete work, public-space permit charges and any sidewalk deposit. Boston calculates the sidewalk deposit using the sidewalk area in front of the entire property. Its published rates are $10 per square foot for concrete, $17 for brick or pavers and $7 for asphalt, with an additional $4,000 for each sidewalk ramp and a non-refundable inspection fee. [2]

Those deposit rates do not establish a contractor's installation price. Boston inspects the completed sidewalk for ADA compliance and City standards, then refunds the deposit minus administrative fees if it passes. Only the person or entity named on the sidewalk deposit permit can receive the City's refund. Put the payer, permit holder and refund arrangement in your agreement. [2]

For a new or changed driveway opening, confirm the curb-cut review before finalizing the concrete scope. Public Works manages and tracks that review, and Public Improvement Commission staff participate alongside other reviewers. Ask your contractor which approvals cover the proposed opening and who will submit the application. [4]

Agree on access and completion before the pour

Get written instructions for walking, moving bins, parking and placing furniture on the new concrete. Ask for the contractor's curing and protection plan, weather contingency and return-to-use dates for your specific project. Confirm who supplies barriers and how you will reach the house during the work.

For work under a sidewalk deposit permit, Boston asks permit holders to request inspection within 30 days of estimated sidewalk completion. After a second failed inspection, the City says it will keep the deposit and use it for repairs, with possible additional inspections considered case by case. Assign inspection booking and correction work before signing. [2]

Boston sidewalk deposit rates by existing material

Choose the next step for your concrete project

Your hiring checklist

1. Give each bidder the same photos, dimensions and intended use.
2. Ask each contractor to explain the cause of the damage and proposed remedy.
3. Request an itemized scope for preparation, concrete, drainage, finish and cleanup.
4. Map truck staging, equipment space and access to your entrance.
5. Name the person responsible for permit applications and neighbor notices.
6. Record who pays any sidewalk deposit, holds the permit and receives the refund.
7. Get written curing, weather-delay and return-to-use instructions.
8. Agree who books inspections and corrects rejected work.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I budget for concrete installation?

Request site-specific quotes that separate installation, demolition, access arrangements and permit-related amounts. The City's sidewalk deposit rates describe security deposits for affected sidewalks; they do not provide a price for your patio, steps or driveway installation. [2]

Does a sidewalk deposit permit cover street occupancy?

No. Boston says excavation, street occupancy and driveway openings require separate permits and approvals. Ask the contractor to list the approvals for your scope and identify who will obtain each one. [2]

Can I get the sidewalk deposit back if my contractor paid it?

The City refunds only the person or entity named on the sidewalk deposit permit. If your contractor holds the permit, agree in writing how they will account for the refund and any deductions. [2]

How soon should we arrange public street space?

Boston requires the application at least seven business days before you need the space. Treat that as the application lead time, and confirm approval before committing to the delivery date. [1]