How to compare paving quotes without getting burned
Three paving quotes for the same driveway can look like three different jobs. Here is how to make them comparable, and how to spot the quote that leaves out the expensive part.
Start with one written scope
The single most useful thing you can do is write a short scope before anyone visits, and give the same scope to every contractor. It does not need to be technical. It needs to say what you want paved, roughly how big each area is, what is there now, what traffic the paving must carry, and what problems you already know about: water pooling at the garage, a dip where the car parks, a tree near the drive.
If you live in an estate or complex, add the rules: approved materials and colours, working hours, contractor access and deposits. If you do not, contractors will each make their own assumptions, and their quotes will not be comparable.
What every paving quote should state
- The area in square metres for each part of the job.
- Removal of the existing surface, and whether carting the rubble away is included.
- Excavation depth, and what happens if they find soft ground or rock.
- Sub-base: the material, the compacted thickness and how it will be compacted.
- Bedding and jointing: the sand used under and between the pavers.
- The paver: product name, supplier, thickness, colour and pattern.
- Edge restraint: kerbs or concrete haunching, and where.
- Drainage: falls, channel drains, outlets and where the water goes.
- Exclusions: what is not included, such as plumbing, retaining walls or garden repairs.
- Timeline, payment terms and workmanship cover in writing.
Line up the quotes
Put the quotes side by side under the headings above. Where one quote is silent on an item, ask the contractor directly whether it is included. You will usually find that the cheapest quote either assumes a thinner base, leaves out removal or drainage, or uses a different paver. Once the quotes cover the same work, the gap often shrinks.
Published price ranges help with scale. Our paving cost guide shows contractor-published figures with their sources. Treat a quote far below those ranges with caution and one far above them with questions, not suspicion: there may be a good reason, such as rock or a steep slope.
Warning signs
- A contractor who knocks on your door saying they have leftover material from a job nearby and can pave today at a discount.
- A price given without measuring the area or looking at the ground.
- Pressure to pay a large deposit in cash before materials are delivered.
- No written quote, or a quote that only says "supply and lay paving, X square metres".
- Reluctance to say what base will be used or how deep they will dig.
- No physical business details you can check.
Questions to ask on site
- What do you think caused the problems with my existing paving?
- Where will the water go after the job?
- How deep will you excavate, and what goes in the base?
- How will you hold the edges?
- Who removes the rubble, and where does it go?
- What happens if you find something unexpected in the ground?
- Can I see a job you have done that is a few years old?
Deposits and payment
Agree payment stages in writing before work starts, tied to work done: for example a portion when materials are delivered to your property, and the balance on completion and your inspection. Avoid paying most of the price before anything arrives. Keep copies of the quote, any changes you agree and all payments.
Frequently asked questions
How many paving quotes should I get?
Three is a common and sensible number. More than that rarely adds much if each quote covers the same written scope.
Is the cheapest paving quote a bad sign?
Not always, but check what it leaves out. The usual gaps are removal, base thickness, drainage and edging.
Should a paving quote include drainage?
If water needs to go somewhere, yes. Ask each contractor to state the falls and any channel drains.
Do you check the contractors?
We pass your job to contractors who say they cover your area. [CONFIRM: contractor vetting process]. Always check the contractor yourself before paying.