Cost for imprinted patio/yard

Glad

I've recently moved into a terraced house with a basic back yard measuring 27 sq metres, mostly concrete but with a raised decking taking up about a third of it. It's not level and the concrete is pretty rough
I want to have imprinted concrete, a dark grey cobble effect. It's been really difficult actually getting anyone around to quote and I've had one so far, the quote is to take up and remove the old decking and concrete, lay the new concrete and put a drainage channel around the edges, cost will be £3,500. Looking online that seems expensive but is that because costs have gone up? they are a local business, their work looks good and reviews are great

FreeBear

What is the current level of the concrete in relation to the DPC of the building ?

Ideally, you want the finished level of the patio ~150mm below the DPC level - This is to limit rain splashing above the DPC and causing damp problems inside.

Unless the existing concrete is flat & free from cracks, humps, and hollows, putting another layer of concrete on top may not be a good idea in the long term. If the current surface is showing signs of defects, it should be dug out and a new sub-base laid & compacted before putting down the decorative top layer - It also gives you opportunity to fix any problems with underground drainage (foul and rain water).

Glad

@FreeBear
Thank you for your reply
the concrete is uneven and cracked so it will be taken up and a base put down before the new concrete
there will be a gap around the edge filled with stone for drainage, the bottom of this channel will be well below the DPC

kazwookie

What is access like? this 'could' be adding to the cost.

For comparision, have you had a quote for another type of covering, ie paving, gravel, grass?

Glad

@kazwookie
There is access along a path behind the houses, which he said was fine
I've struggled to get anyone to give quotes, let down or ignored by a number of local businesses. Paving might be an option but I really wanted the concrete

it looks a bit expensive compared to the cost per sq metre for driveways but there is extra work involved