Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 9:59 pm
My existing sloping curved drive needs to be replaced. It is currently built using flags and concrete.
I have had two quotations so far, for drivesett 50, stone effect retaining walling, a small patio and two sets of steps. Sloping land next to the drive will need to be removed as the drive way needs to be widened. At least 1 car will use the driveway frequently. 5 skips are estimated for the excavation etc..
I live in yorkshire and expected it to cost 12000 inc before I got any quotes. Area is approximately 75m2
First quote:
Company advertised, salesman came out and measured with wheel and provided brief sketch/quote. Have seen existing work and it looks very average. 5 days work estimated. No mention of the walling/steps on the quote. 5500 inc.
Second quote:
Company works from reputation and told me up front it would not be cheap. They provided some good suggestions about the drive design and I have seen and spoken with previous customers who were happy. They also said they will excavate 300mm depth. 2 weeks estimated. 14000 inc.
The second quote is obviously a lot more than the first, but I think I am a good judge of character and got a better feeling about the second quote.
I also have a third quote which I am awaiting from another 'reputation only' person.
Quality to me is most important, I would rather pay more to have a good job done. Although I am also fully aware that cost does not always equal quality.
I would like anyones opinion on those quotes based on what I have said.
Also, it might sound like a stupid question, but is drivesett 50 strong enough to take cars for long periods, or should I have been looking at 60? I was under the impression that it is the underlying base which is the important factor.
Thanks.
I have had two quotations so far, for drivesett 50, stone effect retaining walling, a small patio and two sets of steps. Sloping land next to the drive will need to be removed as the drive way needs to be widened. At least 1 car will use the driveway frequently. 5 skips are estimated for the excavation etc..
I live in yorkshire and expected it to cost 12000 inc before I got any quotes. Area is approximately 75m2
First quote:
Company advertised, salesman came out and measured with wheel and provided brief sketch/quote. Have seen existing work and it looks very average. 5 days work estimated. No mention of the walling/steps on the quote. 5500 inc.
Second quote:
Company works from reputation and told me up front it would not be cheap. They provided some good suggestions about the drive design and I have seen and spoken with previous customers who were happy. They also said they will excavate 300mm depth. 2 weeks estimated. 14000 inc.
The second quote is obviously a lot more than the first, but I think I am a good judge of character and got a better feeling about the second quote.
I also have a third quote which I am awaiting from another 'reputation only' person.
Quality to me is most important, I would rather pay more to have a good job done. Although I am also fully aware that cost does not always equal quality.
I would like anyones opinion on those quotes based on what I have said.
Also, it might sound like a stupid question, but is drivesett 50 strong enough to take cars for long periods, or should I have been looking at 60? I was under the impression that it is the underlying base which is the important factor.
Thanks.
