Hi all,
I got some paving done last week, 45sqm + 110 linear metres of border.
Midland Brick Smartpave (230 x 114 x 50mm) and Brik Makers Vistapave (190 x 190 x 50mm), costing $1450.
I allowed up to $1,800 for laying, although I didn't really want to go over $3,000. I had no idea what the standard price range is for laying paving, just guessed.
I had asked the lady at Mandurah Midland Brick if she could recommend anyone they know of (they don't provide the laying service but figured they must know of people in the industry) for the Rockingham area. She gave me 2 numbers of guys that had either done work for people she knew or had done local jobs (small commercial).
I got quotes from both and decided on Garry from GK Contracting, because his quote was prompt and professionally laid out and I also just felt more confident with his feedback. All labour was itemised step-by-step so I knew exactly what I was getting.
The original quote was for $1,500 and he thought it would take 1 1/2 to 2 days with a couple of his guys helping. I didn't think to ask for photos of their previous jobs, just went with the recommendation from the Midland Brick lady.
The job did go over on time but I was impressed that, even when it became obvious that it would go over time, he didn't try to rush it to make up for this. It turned out to be quite a big job but each stage was done with excellent workmanship and care. When it came time for concreting the edges, I just thought it would be shovelled into the trench, as this all gets covered over with sand and you don't see it. But it was all beautifully smoothed out on an angle, thicker at the bottom, like a mini dam wall. I felt like a bit of a twit for assuming that this stage would be done any differently to the rest...
I ended up paying him the $1,800 I had allowed, although I think if he quoted again it would be more than this. It was definitely worth more than $1,500.
So if you're looking for a paver, I'd recommend Garry - the paving looks amazing; better than I imagined and it's totally transformed my yard (makes the beds look a bit drab, so I'm redesigning them now).