Start with the property
Square-foot pricing is only a rough comparison. Access, removal, excavation, grade, drainage, base requirements and finish complexity can materially change the scope.
A useful estimate should state what happens below the finished surface and how changes will be approved—not only the total price.
The main cost drivers
Compare these items line by line before choosing a contractor.
- Equipment access and distance from the street
- Removal and disposal of old material
- Excavation, base and drainage requirements
- Size, steps, borders and elevation changes
- Broomed, colored or stamped finish
Compare scope before price
Two proposals can show similar totals while including different preparation, reinforcement, finish and cleanup. Ask questions until the written scopes are truly comparable.
The final recommendation should come from the actual property, written scope and contractor—not a generic article.