[maronha243]

Hi, I am looking to get estimates on doing a patio and a walkway. Here is the deal. I already have the pavers. They are the interlocking key type that you would buy from one of the Box Stores. I am not looking for anythng to lavish.

I have thought about doing this myself but I am not opposed to paying someone if I can afford it.

I do have a kubota BX23 TLB, if that could cut my cost of equipment you may need. I would also be willing to be a helper if need be to cut some labor cost if you would be willing to do so.

Any contractors in my area wanting to give an estimate fel free. I am in Harpers Ferry WV, 25425. I am 20 miles from Leesburg VA.

Thanks Mark.

[agla]

The thing that a lot of consumers don't understand is that these guys absorb the liability over the markup of materials, equipment charges, and labor. When someone provides part of the equipment, labor and/or materials, you are essentially asking someone to take on the liability of a project without balancing it out with the profit to cover the risk. It is like buying insurance the day of the hurricane.

Another thing that you might think is that although it is less profit than one that has material and labor markup, doing this job adds to the bottom line of the company. The part that you don't understand is that a crew can not be in two places at once. That means that this job would displace another job that would have material and labor markup, thus resulting in less money at the end of the year.

I don't think you'll get any takers.

[jshilan]

Mark,

I don't want you to get the wrong idea but what you are suggesting is exactly the kind of projects contractors avoid, even in a recession (possibly even a famine).

What you are really looking for is a good friend to help you, not someone in the business.

[Stonehenge]

Hi Mark,

I wish you luck on your project. You might want to consider asking if someone would be willing to be just a consultant, providing you with insight but no labor, for maybe two on-site appointments for a set amount of time and set price, because the truth of it is, your description of the project thus far would be unappealing to me as a contractor. I suspect others would feel the same way. There are several reasons why that I can go into, if you'd like.

[Fine Edge]

Hi Mark,
Here's one reason:
A customer willing to "help" with the project will more times than not slow most of us down. We have a very good procedure in place for this type of project and when we come to a job, we really move.
Another factor would be a liability standpoint if you were to get injured while working under or with the appointed company. Not saying you would but we as contractors have to be very careful in regards to these situations since lawsuits for crazy situations would really devastate many companies out there.

I would follow the wisdom of Stonehenge. It seems like your most viable option.

Good luck on your project and please don't take the constructive criticism as a negative.
This is really the most professional landscaping forum on the web so , like Agla stated, I seriously doubt you'll get any takers here.

Keep us posted.

[maronha243]

I clearly understand all the comments and replies. Could I get any comments on what cost would be for a job like this. I Have one estimate for $2800. That includes doing everything and suppling all materials EXCEPT for the pavers. This project size is 500 sqft of pavers. I am only looking for a ballpark figure to go from.

[TrickyDick]

Impossible to say without seeing the job but it definately sounds fair to me. Around here that would be pretty cheap.

[douga]

We have a standing policy developed from having learned the hard way that if the customer wants to help the price is adjusted up 50%

[Raj Venugopal]

You're getting good advice from the others. To echo Tricky, the rate sounds in the ballpark assuming there isn't crazy cutting and excavation goes to plan. Can you do the job yourself?

[maronha243]

Originally Posted by Raj Venugopal

You're getting good advice from the others. To echo Tricky, the rate sounds in the ballpark assuming there isn't crazy cutting and excavation goes to plan. Can you do the job yourself?

Thanks Raj Venugopal. Sure I could do the job but for me it about getting the job to completion. I have done a couple paver patio's before but at those specific times there were not a 3 year old and a 11 month old in the picture. That is why I already have the paver (bought before the kids) in anticipation of doing it but the time is just not there for me. If you would like just ask the wife about the materbath remodel I am still working on. I promised it would be done soon.

Really I would rather work overtime to pay someone at this point. I want to get the job started and finished and not drag on for a few week or a month if i was to do it.

[Lanelle]

That price is quite low for our area. I'd double-check the credentials of the bidder just to be certain that they know how to do it correctly. The other alternative is to be there enough to see what is going into the project.

[4seasons]

Lanelle,
he's in W.V..... quite a bit differrent than N virginia.
I used to live closer to Wv in Southern Ohio, prices very greatly on projects just between
my brother and myself( n. ohio).

[Lanelle]

Harper's Ferry is at the edge of WV, MD and VA and the daily traffic reports here include road problems in that area. It has become an outer suburb of the DC area with many people commuting in from there. That makes me think that the prices wouldn't be so terribly different from what people are paying a few miles away. Of course, overhead can vary greatly, especially if a guy doesn't have all the insurance, licenses and taxes to cover that the most of us pay.

[4seasons]

I guess you guys in VA don't have WV jokes like we do in ohio?
He could probably get it done for a case of beer!

[maronha243]

Originally Posted by 4seasons

I guess you guys in VA don't have WV jokes like we do in ohio?
He could probably get it done for a case of beer!

Believe me we have the same WV jokes.(PROBABLY NOT A JOKE IN SOME CASES!) I know all the jokes I am from Loudoun County VA but was implanted her some 7 years ago.