Patio and shed base

**purplemoon**

I've just had a quote from a company to lay a base for a large shed (4m x 3m) but it's not a solid base, just a perimeter of paving slabs with a few slabs placed centrally to support the floor, and an adjoining patio of around the same size. Their quote was approx £1400 inc materials which sounds quite a lot to me :eek:

What do others think?

BobProperty

More info possibly at http://www.pavingexpert.com/home.htm .

tanith

If all they are going to do is level, bung down some slabs then it seems way too much... but if they are going to lay a proper base especially for the patio it will take more preparation etc..... I would ask exactly what you will get for your money...

**purplemoon**

Thanks for the replies, apparently it's going to be a "proper job" involving treating the area with herbicide, digging out, levelling, laying membrane and some sort of gravel stone before putting the sand and slabs on so maybe it is a fair price for the work involved as it's going to take a few days to complete.

I do have another question though, is it is usual practice to ask for a cash deposit (25%) when booking the work to be done?

sue_balu

I have just had a patio laid. It was a proper job with minidigger to dig out old cracked cement, hardcore base plus mortared down nice Bradstone slabs. It cost £20 per sq metre.

I didnt pay anything up front but the firm have done work for me before so we trust each other. Still havent had the invoice come to think of it!!

I would only pay 25% deposit once the workmen turn up on site and start work if I didnt know the firm. Not sure I'd be happy otherwise.
Not sure if I'm being unrealistic in the current climate though?? What do others think?

Sue