Patio and damp proof course

1jim

Hi
I am having the garden redone at the moment, one of the jobs is to replace the gravel patio and have it replaced with a paved slab patio.
we have had a few quotes for this,
quote one, said that we would need to take the patio down 2bricks below dpc and flatten the garden (this would take our garden well below the level of our neighbours)

quote 2 said that we could have what the guy said above but that there would be a huge step down when we go outside, he suggested that he put a 6inch strip of gravel all the way along the edge of the house (which would be level with the blue brick) and then have the patio which is above the dpc (so 6 inches away from the house) and slopes slightly away from the house and he thinks that any water would soak away below dpc through gravel

should say that there is no sign of damp with current gravel patio that is above dpc

any thoughts, as dont want to pay out a lot of money to have to pay to change it in a few yrs

thanks
Jim