Steps & Stoops
Repair or rebuild of concrete, brick and stone front steps, stoops, landings and handrails.
Exterior improvements
Concrete and masonry work
Cracked walkways, sinking patios and crumbling brick are more than cosmetic — they become trip hazards and let water go where it should not. We handle repairs and new concrete or masonry installations around the home.
Overview
Many people call it "cement work" — technically cement is one ingredient in concrete, but the meaning is the same: the hard surfaces and masonry that surround a house.
Good concrete and masonry work is mostly about what you do not see: excavation, compacted base, drainage and joints. That is where we focus, because it decides whether a surface stays level after a few New Jersey freeze-thaw winters.
Scope
What concrete & masonry can include
Walkways and paths
Removing and replacing broken concrete walks or installing new paths with proper base and pitch.
Patios
Poured concrete or paver patios sized for how you actually use the yard.
Brick and block repair
Repointing mortar joints, replacing damaged brick and repairing block walls.
Low garden and retaining walls
Landscape walls that define beds or hold back modest grade changes. Taller retaining walls may require engineering.
Drainage-aware grading
Pitching new surfaces away from the house so water does not pool against the foundation.
Permits and licensed-trade requirements depend on your project and municipality and are confirmed in each written scope.
Before you reach out
Questions worth thinking about
- Is this a repair of something existing, or a new installation?
- Roughly how large is the area (length and width, even approximate)?
- Has the surface sunk, heaved or cracked? Does water pool on it?
- Do you prefer poured concrete, pavers, brick or stone — or are you open to suggestions?
Not sure about some of these? That is fine — we can work through them together.
Cost factors
What affects the price
Every property is different, so we do not publish set prices. These are the factors that move the number most.
- Area and thickness
- Square footage and the required slab or base depth drive material quantities.
- Demolition and removal
- Breaking out and hauling away old concrete adds labor and disposal.
- Material and finish
- Broom-finish concrete, stamped finishes, pavers and natural stone differ widely.
- Access
- Whether equipment and materials can reach the work area affects the approach.
- Drainage and grade
- Correcting slope or adding drainage can be part of doing the job properly.
Process
How a project moves forward
- Step 1
Tell us about the project
Use the form to share the service, location and what you want to change. Photos help but are optional.
- Step 2
Initial conversation
We review your request and follow up to ask questions and confirm whether the project is a good fit.
- Step 3
Site visit when needed
Most projects need an in-person look before a firm scope can be written. Visits are scheduled by mutual confirmation.
- Step 4
Written scope and estimate
You receive a written description of the proposed work and price for review. Nothing is binding until a contract is signed.
- Step 5
Scheduling and the work
Start dates, permits and selections are confirmed in writing before work begins.
- Step 6
Final walkthrough
We walk the finished work with you and address punch-list items.
Concrete and masonry estimates rely on measurements and a look at grade and drainage, so a site visit is usually needed before a firm scope.
This is our proposed process. Timing, visits and terms are confirmed for each project in writing.
FAQ
Concrete & Masonry questions
Can cracked concrete be repaired, or does it need replacing?
Hairline cracks can sometimes be sealed, but sunken, heaved or broken sections usually need to be removed and replaced with a properly prepared base.
Pavers or poured concrete?
Pavers can be lifted and reset if the ground moves and offer more design options; poured concrete is a continuous surface. We will discuss what suits your space and budget.
When is the best time to pour concrete?
Concrete needs suitable temperatures to cure properly. Scheduling around weather is part of planning your project.
Do retaining walls need a permit?
Requirements vary by municipality and wall height. Taller walls may require engineering. This is confirmed project by project.
Related services
Exterior Renovation
Porch rebuilds, trim and fascia, railings, entry updates and related exterior carpentry.
Siding
Full re-siding, section repairs and trim details in vinyl, fiber cement and other common materials.
Ready to talk about your project?
Tell us what you have in mind. We will review your request and follow up to discuss scope, timing and next steps — no account needed.