Drastically Different Estimates for Paver Patio. What would you do?

[Anonymous]

We want to install a no-frills paver patio outside our townhouse. We obtained estimates from two people, one who got great reviews on Angies List, and another is a neighbor who has built patios and decks for many in the community (he is properly licensed). Angie's list guy came back with an estimate of almost 4K. Neighbor guy was under 2K. We have walked around the neighborhood and his work seems good, I'm just a little disconcerted that his estimate is soooo much lower.

Which would you go with?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We want to install a no-frills paver patio outside our townhouse. We obtained estimates from two people, one who got great reviews on Angies List, and another is a neighbor who has built patios and decks for many in the community (he is properly licensed). Angie's list guy came back with an estimate of almost 4K. Neighbor guy was under 2K. We have walked around the neighborhood and his work seems good, I'm just a little disconcerted that his estimate is soooo much lower.

Which would you go with?

get one more. I have found that top rated angieslist are more expensive. Word of mouth guys who are good may be small and too busy to do angieslist but a better price.

[Anonymous]

one more thing is this over concrete? I would also be concerned with proper drainage and grading.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:one more thing is this over concrete? I would also be concerned with proper drainage and grading.

Thank you! Both are putting crushed stone and then a layer of concrete. Angie's List guy did include a trench and a pipe under the patio to drain water away. Neighbor guy said that he will be sure that the patio is lower than our slider and that it will be slightly sloped away from the house.

[Anonymous]

Ask the high priced guy about his process: what EXACTLY will he do? Ask the low priced guy about his process. Then compare. Are they essentially doing the same thing?

[Anonymous]

Ask the high priced guy about his process: what EXACTLY will he do? Ask the low priced guy about his process. Then compare. Are they essentially doing the same thing?

as in, how deep is the grave/stone layer(6-8" min.), concrete thickness, step down from your sliding door(it has to slop away from your house and step down, otherwise you run the risk of snow trapping water), how are your gutter handled(do they currently flow near or through the proposed patio? If so they have to be addressed) etc etc

[Anonymous]

Don't do paver. Its trashy looking. It looks like you couldn't afford better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:one more thing is this over concrete? I would also be concerned with proper drainage and grading.

Thank you! Both are putting crushed stone and then a layer of concrete. Angie's List guy did include a trench and a pipe under the patio to drain water away. Neighbor guy said that he will be sure that the patio is lower than our slider and that it will be slightly sloped away from the house.

I'm no expert, but that would make me nervous. We did the trench and pipe for drainage. Our small patio was $5k. I was home and witnessed the work--it's not an easy job at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't do paver. Its trashy looking. It looks like you couldn't afford better.

I've never thought of pavers as trashy. We have a paver driveway and it was much more expensive than concrete and looks beautiful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't do paver. Its trashy looking. It looks like you couldn't afford better.

OP here. Funny thing about that: I can't afford better.

[Anonymous]

I would wait until you can afford better, rather than shout it. PP here.

Also, the kids can't really play on pavers the way they could on any other surface - too bumpy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't do paver. Its trashy looking. It looks like you couldn't afford better.

What do you suggest to get?