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Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 10:17 am
by 74NS
Hi everyone,
Been having a really good look around the site, and must say how informative it all is!
We require a little assistance with a guide price for removing existing stone slabs making good the sub base and re-laying our own sourced Slate slabs.
Having had two quotations which seem rather high £5k+ mark 
we thought we would ask some Paving Experts!
The patio it'self is just a rectangular shape running the width of the house and a path way down either side.
No frills just plain and simple.
We would appreciate any advise given 
Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 3:56 pm
by irishpaving
It's not so much that it's a standard rectangle and looks simple enough. There is a lot more involved than just that. So the contractor has to remove existing patio, redo the sub base, then lay random size slate on his mix which sounds like he will be supplying and point up. At a rate of 55m that is not bad at all. Just ask to see some previous work they have carried out or get one more quote in to balance out.
Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 6:31 pm
by 74NS
Thanks for responding, most appreciated.
Yes remove existing slabs, prepare sub base (not redo) which is approx 8 years old and there is no sign of sinking / damage etc (his words) but I will confirm with hi, then lay random slate slabs (which we will supply) on his mix and pointing up.
It just seemed to be a lot of money for what I thought was involved, although I know he is an excellent builder (he done an extension nextdoor) he would also come back if their were any problems, so am happy for him to do the work, just wanted to know if the costings added up.
Cheers
Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 6:37 pm
by lutonlagerlout
sounds alright to me
better to pay a bit more and get it done right,than get a cheap job and have to pay twice
for laying alone i charge £20 per M labour
then theres pointing,demolition,etc etc
it all sounds in the right area
LLL
Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 7:30 pm
by 74NS
Thanks for the info, but if laying is approx £20 m3 for approx 100 m3 = £2000, materials (Mortar) pointing, skips etc wont come to 3K will they?
But you are right I would rather pay for a decent job first time round.
I have given him a call to discuss the price, hopefully can get him a bit lower.
Can you recommend a decent sealer for Slate? we are looking to intensify the colour and add some protection as we are in a very "Green Area" I done a little research and have ordered 500ml of Lithofin MN Stain Stop Plus to test on some sample slabs we have, just wondered if anyone new of another product?
Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 7:41 pm
by irishpaving
Just go main index page for sealants
Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 9:03 pm
by lutonlagerlout
re-laying our own sourced Slate slabs.
did you get them from a reputable supplier?
lovely jet black slate is notorious for ending up a kind of grey/charcoal when laid outdoors
lithofin do the best sealers i know of,
www.extensive.co.uk supply lithofin products
materials (Mortar) pointing, skips etc wont come to 3K will they?
very much so for a proper job
LLL
Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 8:31 am
by 74NS
I haven't purchased the Slate yet but the company is Nustone, it's a Blue / Black colour and designed for outdoors. I have done a few checks by emailing a few of their customers including tradesmen and they all seem happy with the results and quaility.
They advertise on this website, and a few others, has anyone used their products before?
Extensive is where I purchased the 500ml from, the guy was very helpful on the phone.
Thanks
Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 9:55 am
by Bob_A
Not sure if this helps but here's what people charge for laying Indian Sandstone
http://ext.pavingexpert.com/cgi-bin....hl=£100
I'm a diyer, not in the trade but this is how i see it as an 'outsider'
Seems £100 to supply/fit Sandstone all in is typical.
Take away £25 for the sandstone and that's £75 sq/m
Not sure how many but you'll need a skip(s) for the removal of old flags/bedding layer.
You don't need any digging and removal of sub-grade and no sub-base to supply, however your sub-base will need some attention
Then the skilled labour of laying the flags/slabs.
So I would say the £55 sq/m is a top end quote but as you say he is an excellent tradesman.
Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 10:52 am
by 74NS
Hi thanks for your comments, all seems fair enough then..
I tried to contact a few other reputable builders in the area who wern't even interested in taking the job on or coming round to quote ??? too busy apparently :p
Got a site meeting on Monday with "the builder" so think I will just go ahead and proceed with who and what I know.
I will be sure to take some before during and after photos and post em up on the site..
Many thanks for all your advice!
Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 12:23 pm
by Bob_A
You could say that you've been doing your homework and his quote is at the top end and can he do it cheaper without compromising quality.
Don't do it in a way to upset the bloke but there's no harm in asking.
If you simply say yes to him you'll only upset him as he'll think his quote was too cheap.
Business is business!
Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 7:51 pm
by lutonlagerlout
ssshhhh bob
when i give a quote ,its not a second hand car or double glazing I am trying to flog
its a quote to do the job required
so if they ask for a cheaper price ,then i say "we can make it smaller"
the prices are a fair reflection of our work and to try and haggle me normally ends up in a cloud of diesel exhaust fumes
sorry if that sounds arrogant ,but thats me
LLL
Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2010 10:06 am
by Bob_A
Doesn't sound arrogant to me, it's good that your quotes are good and honest, wish there were more people like it!
But like I say business is business and although I wouldn't offend anyone with Delboy haggling, in my opinion 74NS quote is top end and I think it's right and proper to discuss the price!
Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2010 7:01 pm
by irishpaving
Well how lucky was he to pick two contractors that quoted over 5k each. Looking where 74ns comes from i wouldn't of thought it's going to be much cheaper. Do you try working out the cost of your shopping bill or petrol and then argue that you want to pay less.
It's cut throat out there as it is, you'd be seeing my smoke fumes also
:;):
Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2010 9:46 pm
by Bob_A
It is a cut throat world, everyone is squeezing everyone.
I don't mean to offend but I can't see why anyone would get the hump if their prices are questioned.
Surely if it's done with good manners it will not offend?
My boss is constantly questioning (in a professional manner) my travelling expenses and mobile phone spend. What can I do about it, I can't ask London Transport to give me cheap fares and I can't operate without a phone. I just accept that it's my boss job to try and control costs, just as his boss questions him and so forth up to the Chief Executive.
Anyway 'nuff said from me . Much prefer to be talking about paving. 