Paving Quote/Is This Odd?

Abbymoo

I popped an ad on Rated People for quotes to pave our back garden and a chap responded, he came out yesterday (Cambridgeshire area) and quoted £2200 for 24 square metres of indian sandstone. We really just wanted a simple basic patio type garden, just your average concrete paving slabs but the chap said he ONLY does indian sandstone. I have no idea if the quote is fair or if it's odd that he only (apparently) works with one type of paving? Can anyone advise? I've never paid anyone to do work for me so I don't want to get 'ripped off' as it were, by anyone.


Many thanks!

force_ten

if the tradesman is quoting for something that you dont want then ring him up and tell him

Indian sandstone is very nice but it will run a lot more expensive than basic concrete slabs, dont go with it because he is the only one to contact you stick with it and find the right person that will do what you want not what he wants to do

phill99

Force ten is right. You are the customer. You have what you want, not what a tradesman prefers to sell you.

Valli

Ask round neighbours and colleagues for recommendations for other traders.

Check on your local county council website - they may run a trusted Trader scheme (ours does) where you may find other traders.

Get a FEW quotes!

Abbymoo

Thanks, everyone


I must admit it's turning out harder than expected trying to find someone. Apart from the chap above and about 6 who've not bothered to reply I emailed one gentleman who was extremely hard to communicate with and kept asking if it was a driveway and how many square metres it was when I'd told him at least 3 times in the previous email. In spite of stopping all communication with him he turned up yesterday banging on the door. I didn't answer, like I said, he was coming across as more than a little pushy and weird in emails so I didn't fancy a confrontation in person. Now he's sending nasty emails demanding petrol money! I never flipping asked him to randomly pitch up!


Jeez. Oh well, he's blocked now. Just hope he doesn't come back, definitely seems a tad unhinged. Have got a recommendation from a friend, now. So fingers crossed for that one.