Understanding patio quote

bouicca21

I have so far had two quotes for laying a patio. Vastly different price, but I need to understand the spec in order to compare them, and I'd like some pointers before I ring to discuss further.

Quote 1: Take up all Council slabs and excavate and reduce levels, clear weeds and cart away Supply 2 metres of Type 1, consolidate and prepare for new Patio ... [stone to be] laid and pointed in cement allowing sufficient fall for water

Quote 2: Existing patio and path to be taken up and removed and patio extended to where discussed.
Ground underneath to be dug to a sufficient depth and compacted firm with a heavy vibrating plate to avoid any sinkage.
For layer of hard-core to be spread over the entire area and once again compacted firm to form a solid base.
For new patio and path to be laid ... on a bed of concrete to ensure a solid base ...
All paving to be pointed in a 3 - 1 gauge and trowel finished.
Paving to be laid in a manner to allow for water drainage.
All unused materials to be cleared from the job and site to be left in a neat and tidy fashion.

Are these specs actually comparable - and do both of them mean they won't bridge the damp course?

Both are quoting for Indian sandstone - does it need to be sealed as neither mention that?

Babbawah

The basic formula is as true for your situation as it has been true for all situations since civilisation began.

Fools and their £money are soon parted.

You need to research and understand exactly what your job entails. Then you need to go out and price it.

IF, and only if, you feel that you cannot accomplish the job yourself, then you only need to seek out someone who is prepared to do the job for a similar price.

If this revelation makes your head explode, then your patio might cost £1000 or it might cost £10,000.

bouicca21

I assure you that there is no way a female in her mid 60s, unaccustomed to manual labour, can lay a patio. Well maybe some can. I can't. The existing concrete slabs are so heavy that even my ex couldn't lift one.

I know the theory - remove old patio, dig it out, construct an adequate base, lay new patio at correct angle so water runs off. Its the practicality I have difficulty with. Lol.

Mojisola

This site - http://www.pavingexpert.com/ - has all you need to know about paving. Read up a bit and make a list of questions to ask your builders.

I would hope that no professional would lay a patio that bridged the DPC!

Babbawah

bouicca21 wrote: »

I assure you that there is no way a female in her mid 60s, unaccustomed to manual labour, can lay a patio. Well maybe some can. I can't. The existing concrete slabs are so heavy that even my ex couldn't lift one.

I know the theory - remove old patio, dig it out, construct an adequate base, lay new patio at correct angle so water runs off. Its the practicality I have difficulty with. Lol.

You only need to be able to do it in your head.

The actual physical task of the hard part is what you are paying out the £money for.


P.S. I have experience of 65yr old lone females doing all sorts of building work and mostly doing it quite well !

I thought the object here was doing it economically !

Dan-Dan

do make sure its laid on a concrete base , not dot and dab crap

andrewf75

Check that they're going to lay it 15cm below the DPC (which should be obvious to any pro)
Check that they will put a 10cm sub-base and compact it
Check that its a full mortar bed not dot and dab
Check they are going to point it properly rather than just brush some dry stuff in

I'd say those are the main things to ask. The last two will show that you've done your research.

bouicca21

Thanks, that's just what I wanted to know. Now I can ask the right questions. 2 metres of type 1 (whatever that may be) doesn't sound as solid a base as quote 2 - which happens to be way cheaper. Quote 3 tomorrow.

andrewf75

bouicca21 wrote: »

Thanks, that's just what I wanted to know. Now I can ask the right questions. 2 metres of type 1 (whatever that may be) doesn't sound as solid a base as quote 2 - which happens to be way cheaper. Quote 3 tomorrow.

Type 1 is crushed stone, which compacts into a nice smooth surface. Its used for roads so is sometimes referred to as MOT. Its about £40 per tonne from Wickes

presumably you mean 2 cubic metres? which is basically 2 builders bags. (2 tonnes)

The two quotes probably refer to the same thing, one is just a bit more wordy

Furts

bouicca21 wrote: »

Thanks, that's just what I wanted to know. Now I can ask the right questions. 2 metres of type 1 (whatever that may be) doesn't sound as solid a base as quote 2 - which happens to be way cheaper. Quote 3 tomorrow.

The type 1 is hardcore hence both quotes are the same here. You could have recycled material under the slabs - it really does not matter provided it is suitably selected and well compacted.

Whilst I appreciate that it is your choice, there are concerns with Indian Sandstone. Bear in mind that there is dodgy material out there, and also from dubious sources. Councils, large builders, architects and housing associations tend not specify it for a reason.

You need to think how long you want it to last, how porous it is, how frost resistant it is and what maintenance is required. Then consider what guarantee there is to back up the product.

Concrete is the cost effective, durable and sustainable material for paving. This can also be laid without requiring any mortar pointing - which is invariably a dubious area of workmanship.

tony6403

Indian sandstone is of decent quality. I have used it to surface three patios and a pond surround.
However , local authorities etc. may avoid it on ethical grounds.
See :-
http://www.marshalls.co.uk/sustainability/publications/pdfs/indian_sandstone.pdf
This does draw attention to some valid issues of concern (but what would these very unfortunate workers do for a living if we stop buying ?).