Installing a new sidewalk involves multiple stages that can significantly impact your property’s accessibility and curb appeal. Understanding the complete timeline helps property owners plan accordingly and set realistic expectations for this important infrastructure project.
Residential sidewalks often take one to one-and-a-half weeks to progress from design to approval. But that can vary depending on considerations of weather, time for a building permit, difficulty of a project, and availability of a contractor.
Planning and Preparation Phase
The first planning phase typically lasts a few business days. At this time, builders inspect the land, take measurements for fitting, as well as determine what they want to use for construction. Property owners must obtain permits from town authorities as well, taking additional days depending on what speed town office applications are processed.
Design considerations matter when preparing. Concrete sidewalk contractors in Oklahoma City consider drainage requirements, available utility lines, as well as access regulations. At this stage, they also decide how to construct, preferring often concrete since it is durable as well as cheap.
Digging and Levelling
Site preparation will take a day or two for typical residential sidewalks. Pavers will begin by staking out the utility lines to avoid costly repairing when they excavate. Next, they excavate the earth to an appropriate depth, which is normally six to eight inches lower from where the sidewalk will be.
Good grading makes the water flow easily rather than pool, which can damage the sidewalk with time. Laborers place a layer of gravel to provide a hard base. This step is crucial for a durable sidewalk and must not be done hastily, regardless of weather.
Concrete Pouring
Concrete pouring will take place on a single day for conventional construction. Laborers start early since it is an ideal time for pouring the concrete. Truckloads of prepared concrete are delivered to the construction site.
They finish quickly at this stage because concrete takes 30 to 60 minutes to harden. Screeds are used to finish making the surface smooth, floats are used to make it flat, and texture is applied to prevent slipping. Expansion joints are generally cut once the concrete is set to prevent it from cracking.
Curing and Finishing
The concrete starts to set after a week, but it takes 28 days for it to be at its strongest. The surface should not be disturbed for the first 24 to 48 hours and must be protected from adverse weather. That is why individuals apply curing compounds or place plastic sheets over it to ensure it remains protected.
The temperature and relative humidity significantly influence curing time. Warm, sunny weather can cause moisture to exit rapidly, resulting in cracking. Cold weather makes curing take a great deal more time. Seasoned contractors pay keen attention to these circumstances and adjust their timetable as necessary.
Approval
Some locations may require a final inspection before they can permit members of the general public to use the sidewalk. Inspectors ensure that construction conforms with territorial building regulations, accessibility regulations, as well as safety requirements. This step takes a few days after a contractor requests an inspection.
Minor issues discovered during the test will require additional work, thus delaying the project. Nevertheless, experienced builders who are conversant with neighborhood regulations tend not to run into significant challenges during this final step.
Schedule Planning for Your Sidewalk Project
The time required to install a sidewalk depends on the project size, weather, as well as neighborhood regulations. Basic residential installations could take approximately 7 to 14 days (not including setting), although more intricate commercial installations could take multiple weeks.With experienced specialists, construction is timely and adheres to all neighborhood regulations. Schedule your construction of a sidewalk for favorable weather and extra time for permits so you won’t end up with issues.