Desperate for help ! - Driveway to be renewed

[Paul13654]

I have 68 sq mtrs of 22 year old block paved driveway to be lifted and then a new driveway laid - There are 3 manhole covers and 1 rodding point.

I have had 5 contractors visit this week, only 1 measured the site and came up with 71 sq mtrs.- One looked at the area said it was 105 sq mtrs, 1 said it was 97, and the other two both said it was in excess of 80 mtrs. I know my measurement is correct.

None of them will give a written quote which details what they will be doing, specification of what they will do and cost. They all seem to think that any written quote they give will be used to get a better price from a competitior.

2 of the contractors were Interlay Members

It would be great if a contractor would take the time to sit down, speak about what I would like as the end project, detail what they do, provide samples of blocks / clays etc.

Can anybody recommend a contractor in the Staines/Heathrow area that wilol take the time to measure the area, discuss what is required, provide a job schedule with speac and price ?

Or do I ask to much ??

Thanks if anyone can help.

Verbal quotes range from 5600.00 to 11,100.00 - How confusing is that ??

[local patios and driveway]

i would be happy to quote, our quotes are detailed including a full breakdown of labour and materials. i can tell you before quoting that we would be at the £7350 from what you have described. we also provide a spec sheet with every quote so you can compare what we do with other contractors. failing that just invite more quotes, im very suprised at the shoddy quoting methods you are getting at the moment.

[Paul13654]

Mr Ganger,

Thank you for your quick reply !

I have sent you a PM with my phone number

[Pablo]

Bloody hell you usually get one or two idiots when you ask for quotes but 5 is a record. I'm sure interlay would be interested to hear of your experience of some of it's members. With regards to chosing blocks and getting samples etc you might be best visiting some local paving displays and getting samples off them then asking contractors to give you quotes. I try to avoid the whole sample thing because you end up doing so much running around gathering them up and there are so many types available that you soon run out of space. Also if you seem to demanding a lot of contractors will be stand offish and hit you with a high price. A quote that details excavation/subbase and bedding depth and type along with method of waste removal and paving kerb and step type etc is all you need and about as much as anyone will likely give you. Anyone who tries to bounce a rival quote off me to get a discount gets told where to go and also gets a lecture on morals and livelyhood. Tell the contractors you're more interested in getting the job done right but at a good price and you won't be going with the highest of lowest quote which you shouldn't do as a rule anyway. Try the Marshalls register they are usually up to the job.



Edited By Pablo on 1306437980

[Pablo]

Sorry took a while to post that

[Paul13654]

Hi Mr Pablo - Thank you for your reply.

Point taken re samples.

I do not feel I have been demanding to the contractors that have visited ? - The detail you suggest a quote should include seems perfect to me as I would then know what they are doing, how they are doing it and what they are doing it with. This surely assists both the contractor and the client as both parties know what they have committed to.

What I want is a good quality job at a price that quality deserves - I have no interest in Dutch auctions or a cheap job - I just want a good quality job with a Contractor who takes the time to understand what it is I want at the end and takes the time to explain the process.

If you want an Oil Rig positioned offshore then I am your man - But I know nothing about Block Paving so this forum is very much appreciated.

[lutonlagerlout]

here is a complete list of all interlay members
it seems very short to me
I know a firm called dreamscape local to me that won loads of awards has packed up and emigrated to oz
this recession has hit hardscapers harder than most as most hard scaping is purely optional
can the existing subbase be left in situ and new sand applied and used?
would make the job a lot cheaper
i can understand no samples but a written quote and spec is a must and a personal recommendation if possible
as has been said if you sound too demanding a lot of people will put a big price on on the basis that it will be 30 questions every morning
just human nature i suppose
LLL

[mickavalon]

Not trying to defend anyone's behaviour here, but were they just estimating, which is different to a written Quote. I usually have a chat, measure up, show a few brochures and then give a estimated figure, which if it's acceptable, i go away and compile a full quote, spec and all. This just cuts down on my time and puts time wasters off at the start.
Like I say, I'm not defending them, just maybe trying to explain their behaviour. When your busy, quotes can be demanding of valuable time. Although not measuring seems starnge!!

[lutonlagerlout]

very strange
how much does a tape cost?
even if you gave someone a ballpark figure of £75 per metre 2 you would still run a tape over it
LLL ???

[haggistini]

here is a complete list of all interlay members

None from Wales???

[haggistini]

I can't win work down here for about £60m2 it's becoming a pointless venture!
NOT

[mickg]

Absolulty correct luton, even if the customer says what the area is i would check the size myself

I know we all conduct our business different ways but i personally always give a quotation rather than an estimate because why would you give a ballpark figure to a customer and then change it, to me thats not professional

[seanandruby]

Hi Paul London Stone has a place in Stanwell where you can view all the material you want. it's not far from j14. I would bet that you could discuss your needs with him, or one of his staff.