Need Advice patio price differences

We are getting estimates on installing a patio that is roughly 700 sq ft. Knowing that now is the high season, I wonder if the price becomes considerably lower if we decide to wait and have one built in the Fall or Winter. If so, how much lower?

 

It's high season - but we're also in a recession - a lot of people are probably putting off putting patios in, building decks, etc. We had our patio put in in 06 and we did it in the Fall and got a great price, will have to check on price tho.

 

Get quotes from several different companies and when you decide make sure EVERYTHING is in writing. Do not assume ANYTHING with these contractors.

We learned that the hard way.

 

Yes its a recession but the good contractors will always have work so that they don't have to go really low in price to win a job. That being said, most will make a reasonable attempt to match a lower price to get the job. So follow Ozgood's advice and get many quotes with everything in writing. Then use the lower quotes to haggle and negotiate until you get the contractor you want for the price you want. It's a pain to get the bids but you can save lots of $$$ doing so.

I'd imagine the really good contractors are probably booked into the summer now anyway.

 

i know a fantastic contractor- been on the deck he built, seen the floors he's put in- and it is gorgeous work. we plan to hire him ourselves for several jobs. I will get his work info and send it your way!

 

Ours was installed in the Fall, due to the fact our contractor was booked for the spring/summer.

I also think depending on the type of patio (concrete or pavers) fall is one of the better seasons to install. As far as the cost, it will range based on your product selection. We selected an E.P Henry Devon Stone paver and it did impact the cost for our 39' x 19' patio.

 

Any recommendations on contractors? We received one quote for $29k and another for $26k. This includes a brick patio, sitting wall, and fire pit. Are those prices reasonable? We were expecting a range in the mid 20s. If we choose pavers, the price drops a couple thousand dollars. Any chance we could haggle for something cheaper?

 

RUN AWAY from Meadows Farms - they gave us a quote for $115K for the patio & landscaping project.

We went with August Landscaping for about half the cost, our patio came in around $18K (3 years ago).

 

You can always haggle. Get multiple quotes and then counter-offer. If they are offended, they can walk away. If they can work your price into their cost structure, then they will take the job. Ask for ways to lower the rate...can you get the permit yourself to save some $$, can they work on the job between other jobs, are you flexible as to when you want the job completed, etc.

We save tons of money by just countering their offer. My contractors were never offended, they just told me if they would do the job for that or not.

 

I wish I did. We had an amazing crew do our front steps and stoop (excellent price, very skilled stoneworkers) but we lost the guys contact info and he only operates by referral. We've searched high and low to find his paperwork. We were referred by two different landscape designers (who did not do hardscapes) who we cannot track down either. You could try the same tack -- go talk to a landscape designer at smaller nursery (one that does not offer hardscape services) to see who they would recommend. They often work together.

If you are only out by 10-20% on price then you should be successful in haggling the price down, and not be giving up on qualilty (I'm not a fan of pavers set in sand with no concrete underlayment for a long term solution).

 

Wow- My guy was comparably cheaper, although we had a smaller patio. We did 475 sq feet in set flagstone w/ 6 steps, 5 pillars, and 3 seating walls for around 12K. We also had a small landing installed. Let me know if you want to see some pictures. I'm not sure if he is still around the area but the name was Mattai Masonry out of Manassas VA. PM me for mobil number.
I do have to say, 700 sq feet would be huge!