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Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2015 12:17 pm
by jamesbb
Hi,
I am having a disagreement with my contractor regarding the sub base for a sandstone patio and was hoping to get a second opinion. I specified a type 1 base from the very start, but they have put down a rubble/dirt mix (broken brick, crushed concrete, broken slabs, bits of plastic, wood and metal etc). The contractor is saying that this is to prevent sinkage and that if just type 1 was used it would sink after 18 month. He has said that they will use type 1 on top, but there is certainly not enough depth to use a 100mm type 1 depth.
Does the contractors explanation make sense? We have had numerous other issues with them regarding no-shows and being in the 4th week of a 7 day job
Appreciate any advice
Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2015 4:24 pm
by msh paving
total rubbish from contractor, that material is not fit for the job, 100mm type1 will not sink after 18 months , long as its put down and compacted in 2 layers , ask him to remove that junk and replace with a 100mm layer of new type 1 if there is not enough depth he will have to dig more out. looking at that material i wonder if he can do a good job , might be time to ask him to leave and get a someone who you have seen work from
what are the thermolight blocks laid for
MSH 
Edited By msh paving on 1441725952
Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2015 5:19 pm
by lutonlagerlout
thermolite blocks are totally UNSUITABLE for blow dpc work (and above if you ask me)
they must come out and be replaced by concrete blocks 7 newton
he has used crusher run because its cheaper
simple as that
LLL
Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2015 5:46 pm
by jamesbb
the blocks are for a retaining wall for a section of paving that is below the lawn level - the garden was previously very sloped so I levelled it but the previous low side would have been much to high for the neighbours fence level. Two of the walls have been put in the wrong place anyway despite being given exact measurements....
Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2015 7:40 pm
by msh paving
as lutonlargerlout has said them blocks are not right for the job, wont last 4 months as a retaining wall, you need to look hard at what your doing as this contractor is wrong MSH
Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2015 8:41 pm
by joydivision
Looks a total bodge.
Again as LLL said, those are standard thermalite block, need to come out, incorrect product for the job.
Sub base equally as bad.
The patio level also looks like it will be a fair bit higher than the base panels on the fence?
If you continue with this contractor, I personally would put something down on paper!
JD
Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2015 9:25 pm
by jamesbb
Thank you all very much for your responses, your expert opinions are much appreciated. I have spoken to the contractor and said that we aren't going to carry on with them, so back to the drawing board! I think I will go back to trying to do the garden myself, its a little frustrating as I had already levelled the garden, removed the old patio and prepared all the sub-grade to the right depth and fall for 100mm of type 1 - so its going to take a few weeks of evenings and weekends to get back to where I started.
The contractor was very convinced that his way was correct and if I had not spent a considerable amount on here I would be none the wiser. After a few days of digging up rubble I may think that ignorance is bliss...
Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 9:21 am
by London Stone Paving
Well done to you, you've made the RIGHT decision.
Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 4:43 pm
by split59
I take it your contractor wore a ten gallon hat, and tied his horse up outside the saloon.
Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 5:13 pm
by PavingSuperstore
Out of interest, what made you choose this contractor? Had you seen any of his previous work or was he recommended to you?
Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 6:13 pm
by jamesbb
I had tried to get about 30+ different companies to come and quote and only 3 actually came out. Starting from those found as recommended contractors from suppliers, check a trade etc. Most never replied, others said job was too small, couldn't fit us in until 2020, outside of their area (which must be about 5 miles) or wouldn't touch it because we had no rear access (even worse is that the house is about 20m path away from the nearest vehicle access, on a slope - you can imagine how fun moving in was). Of the three that came the first was from a posh landscaping company and they said the minimum cost was £25k but they usually worked in the £250k range.
The garden is around 8 x 12m and just needed 5 fence panels, sleeper raised bed, lawn and around 50 sq m patio in sandstone.
Second quote came in at £12k I think, and I got the distinct impression that they didn't want the hassle but they would do it for twice their usual cost.
And the third was the contractor in question which came in at £6k, which roughly tied out with the costings I had estimated. We had seen them doing other work locally which looked good quality, and noticed that the neighbouring house had also got them in afterwards presumably as a referral. Lots of photos on website, good customer feedback etc
Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 6:35 pm
by lutonlagerlout
6k is way to cheap to do a proper job with that kind of access
I would have guesstimated nearer 10-12k but like you say if they dont turn up........
all the best
LLL