The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Thu May 01, 2008 8:54 am**

Just some quick advice so I can negotiate with the contractor.

I have an existing conc driveway that we are going to resurface with a tarmac top. Got the quotes in, and both contractors are removing old cracked concrete, removing slabs that run down the middle etc.. All good things I have read here.

My stumbling block is one of them is using a makeup of 100mm limestone, 50mm dense macadam binder and a 30mm of 10mm surface course.

The other is saying they will use approx 200mm cement bound type 1 up to the existing level of the old conc drive, and then 40mm of 6mm DBM wearing course.

You see, we have an existing drive of conc, but I am also creating a new turning circle, so we have to match up with the levels of the old drive.

Anyway, I just wondered if the CBM and the 40mm is ok for my purposes, as this guy is the cheapest. They are both reputable contractors who work for the local council as well.

Cheers

Andy

Posted: **Thu May 01, 2008 6:08 pm**

one of them is using a makeup of 100mm limestone, 50mm dense macadam binder and a 30mm of 10mm surface course.

this sounds better to me
LLL

Posted: **Thu May 01, 2008 6:33 pm**

lutonlagerlout wrote:
one of them is using a makeup of 100mm limestone, 50mm dense macadam binder and a 30mm of 10mm surface course.

this sounds better to me
LLL

Definitely the one to go with.

Mind you, 100mm of stone isn't really enough.

Posted: **Fri May 02, 2008 9:16 am**

Cheers guys,

Im not really sure how to play this. Would you suggest going back to each of them and saying " I want.." and seeing what they say..?

I dont want to try and teach them to suck eggs as it were.. or go back to the guy that has the better make up, ie the 100 + 50 + 30 and say increase the 100mm to 150 and we have a deal..?

Cheers again..

Posted: **Fri May 02, 2008 9:23 am**

Sorry to chirp up again.. This is from teh driveways specification on here:

Tarmac Driveway

* Excavate to reduced depth of at least 200mm below finished level (350mm below dpc) and cart all spoil to licensed, off-site tip.
* Excavate any soft spots in sub-grade as required and dispose.
* Supply, lay and compact minimum of 100mm of DTp1 crushed stone sub-base material to falls and levels.
* Supply, lay and compact 50mm of 20mm dense base course bitmac, and 25mm of 6mm hardstone bitmac wearing course to falls and levels.
* Clear all site of debris and rubble on completion and make good.
* All Tarmac to comply with BS 4987

Do you think 100mm will be OK..?

Cheers

Posted: **Fri May 02, 2008 6:05 pm**

If only that spec read 150-200mm stone, it'd be fine......

What is their guarantee on the proposed works?

Other than that, it looks like a very professional quotation.

Posted: **Sun May 04, 2008 10:56 pm**

I wrote that spec for the website and I, too, would be happier with 150-200mm of sub-base, but that's not "typical", which is why I specced a *minimum* 100mm. It's the same with the spec I guve for block paving or flags: I'd recommend 150mm, but typical installations use only 100mm, and I have to reflect that, hence the use of the word "minimum".

The Brew Cabin

New tarmac drive