Estimate

[NewHorizon's Land]

I am starting to install patios and walkways in my area. I am doing one now charging by the hour. Lets say that I charge $45 an hour ($25 for me and $20 for my helper). We install the ICPI standard of at least 4" of base the 1" setting sand, blah blah blah. How long do you think it would take two guys fairly new at hardscaping to completely install a straight walkway 5' by 15' including hand excavation. (75'sq so I will need 1.5 tons of stone, no more than 1/2 ton of setting sand, and about 2 bags of the joint sand.) The pattern is Random. Access is easy and will not remove any soil from the site. If you need more info let me know. Thanks

[tthomass]

3 days slow.......2 if you catch on...........1 if you're good

[NewHorizon's Land]

Ok thanks and I am assuming your talking 8 hour days?

[tthomass]

yup...........honestly, if you have common sense and decent help...........2 days

Don't forget to factor your travel and gathering of material.......that can sometimes take almost as long as the constuction.

I'm assuming the hourly wage is just labor, no material included? I would not price the job hourly, to the customer, if i were you.

Example: $10ft2 = $750 + whatever other factors say $1,000.

So if its 2 days, 16 hrs you're at $720 + material......not bad but if you're good and do it one day you losing money for being too fast. I would just figure a price to give them. Figure all of your expenses............gas, tax EVERYTHING........the numbers don't lie. Just know your cost.

Also, if you're looking for experience to get things going be careful not to price yourself out of a straight forward job that will give you the basics you need.

[NewHorizon's Land]

Thanks. So your example of $10ft2 is for labor? How fast can two guys with one tamp compact that base? I am thinking 3-4 hours? Is that a good estimate? I am not trying to lowball or even highball. I need the experience but I dont want to pay the customer in the end.

[tthomass]

Once material is at hand you should be able to do the base in an hour max......leveling it just right etc. I could do it in 15 min really.

Dump it in with a wheel barrow and spread smoothly with a rake. Compact ever 2". Check your grade and get it just right in prep of you sand bed.

Just make sure you rake it out good. The plate tamper will compact but it does more of a smoothing out action vs filling in holes........nothing to be worried about, you'll see.

[tthomass]

You're using a vibratory plate tamper correct? About $70 to rent if you haven't looked into it.

[cedarcroft]

sounds like he was talking about hand tamping. if thats the case, I would skip that idea and rent the plate compactor. you can install a much better base in much less time and actually still have arms left to use in setting the pavers, which is nice.

[mrusk]

Never do any paver base with a hand tamper.

Second, you should be charging atleast 45 an hour just for your self. Then atleast 45 an hour for your helper.

[tthomass]

If this helps.........I wouldn't do the job for less than $1500

[MRBsx2]

MRusk is absolutly correct 45 and hour for 2 people is way too cheap! You should at least be getting 30 per hour for labors and 50 to 55 for yourself and guys who know how to install. I do mostly all masonry work and i get 60 per hour for all masons on the wall and 30 for labors. If i was doing that paver install and i had to do hand excavation i wouldnt do it for less then $2000.

[neversatisfiedj]

Try to come up with a way to lay that with NO or very little cutting. It will get you out of that site alot quicker.
Josh:weightlifter:

[NewHorizon's Land]

cedarcroft I was not talking about hand tamping. I would be using a vibratory tamp.
Thanks for all the advise.

[STONE SCAPES]

Neversatisfied is right find a way do as little cutting as possible. Cut takes time and is wear on your saw [$]. Think about it or try a pattern back at yard while the customer is not looking over your shoulder.plan out delivers of your materials

[btammo]

MRusk is absolutly correct 45 and hour for 2 people is way too cheap! You should at least be getting 30 per hour for labors and 50 to 55 for yourself and guys who know how to install. I do mostly all masonry work and i get 60 per hour for all masons on the wall and 30 for labors. If i was doing that paver install and i had to do hand excavation i wouldnt do it for less then $2000.

$2000 for a 75sq ft walkway???? Wow I need to move where you are. Maybe half of that in my neck of the woods.