Photo: Panamitsu, “Driveway concrete reinforcement”, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Resized and converted to WebP; shown cropped.
Masonry, concrete & driveways: the basics
Brick, block, stone, stucco, concrete slabs, steps, driveways, paving.
The full guide for this trade is being written. Until then, here is what we know for sure: the problems that belong here, who handles them, and how to check a contractor.
On this page4 sections: urgent, permits…
What people call about
- Driveway cracked
- Brick steps crumbling
- Replace the front walk
- Repoint the brick
How soon to call
Call in the next day or two
Driveway slab lifted
Ask for: slab leveling or replacement
Sidewalk slab uneven and a trip hazard
Ask for: slab lifting (mudjacking) or walkway replacement
Schedule it
Crack in the stucco
Ask for: stucco repair
Mortar crumbling between the bricks
Ask for: repointing (tuckpointing)
Concrete steps crumbling
Ask for: step repair or rebuild
Garage floor cracked
Ask for: slab repair
Driveway cracked
Ask for: driveway repair
Sealcoat the driveway
Ask for: driveway sealcoating
Potholes in the driveway
Ask for: asphalt patching
Replace the driveway
Ask for: driveway replacement
Driveway apron crumbling at the street
Ask for: apron repair
The apron near the street is sometimes the town's; check before you pay for it.
General guidance, not a diagnosis. If anyone is in danger, call 911 first.
Permits and licensing
- Some of this work needs a permit, depending on the job and the town. Ask before the work starts.
- Licensing depends on the state: a trade license in some, a home-improvement registration in others, none in the rest. The finder shows what the record says where one exists.
Know what you're looking at
Fresh concrete needs time to cure and should be kept clear of cars and de-icing salt at first. Ask how long, and how it should be sealed and cared for.
Steps have rules for step height, depth and railings. Ask whether the quote includes the footing and whether a permit is needed.
In brick and stone, the mortar wears out first. Repointing (replacing old mortar) is a different job from rebuilding a wall.
General information, not legal, tax, engineering or insurance advice. Rules and prices vary by place, so get three local quotes. Problem list updated 2026-10-04.