Whether you are thinking about making a decorative walkway from your driveway to your front door or from the deck to the pool or to the fire pit in the back of the yard, pavers are definitely the way to go. Sure, you could lay down those pavers that claim to create a great walkway on grass or any surface but this is the aesthetic and value of your home being affected here.
You should also know that although laying pavers is wise decision for any home, it is certainly not the easiest project to handle yourself. This is a job for a landscaping contractor, but not to worry. The project won't cost much if you follow this advice!
Is a Contractor Necessary?
Sure, it's spring and you are probably eager to get out there and work on your yard and breath in some fresh air but surely there are enough other projects that you can tackle other than risking making a mess of your lawn and ending up with a walkway that has to be redone next season.
Before you think this is a project you want to tackle yourself rather than hiring a landscaping contractor, there are a few things you should know regarding this type of install. First, if you have an old walkway already there, that will need to be removed which can be a nightmare in itself.
Then, you have to map out the path and dig the bed for the pavers. Maybe this doesn't sound so hard but in addition, you need to make sure that the ground is perfectly smooth and level or you won't have a flat walkway. This of course could result in serious injury if someone trips. You should probably also be aware that the bed needs to be about eight inches deep! That's a lot of digging.
After you level the trench, a four inch layer of base material such as crushed gravel needs to be laid and also completely level and compacted. Next comes a layer of sand and you haven't even begun to start laying the pavers yet! Do you have any curves in your design? Have you considered how you are going to fit the pavers into these areas? Do you have the appropriate tools to cut them? A licensed landscaping contractor can do this job in a fraction of the time and it doesn't have to cost you a small fortune either.
Hire Locally
One of the smartest things that you can do to save money on your install is to hire a local landscaping contractor. Not only are you supporting jobs in your own community, you won't be paying extra for unnecessary travel time. Now, if you live in a city with an exhausting supply of landscapers, choosing the right one can be tiresome. How do you know that the professional you hire has experience doing the job you are looking for?
Your best bet is to make use of a referral service. They can set you up with someone who is local and they have already looked into the contractor's references, experience and will know if they are licensed and insured. The last thing that you need is a worker getting hurt on your property and filing a claim against your Homeowners Insurance.
Buy Your Own Materials
Quite often, the largest cost associated with hiring a landscaping contractor for this kind of project is the markup on the raw materials. Just like nearly any other business transaction, when you eliminate the middleman, you save a significant amount of money.
Your landscaping contractor should be able to give you an idea of how many pavers and how much gravel and sand is needed. Otherwise, if you simply tell the dimensions of your plans to the person you are purchasing the materials from, they can likely help you as well. Always remember to buy extra pavers in case some are damaged during the install, especially if you have a curved layout.
Hiring a landscaping contractor doesn't have to cost as much as you think. If you are choosy with who you hire, buy your materials and make sure the area is ready when the workers arrive, you will save yourself a significant amount of money.
Posted by: TrustedProsSuggested Reading For You
Transforming Your Outdoor Space: Comprehensive Guide to Landscaping, Gardening, and Boosting Curb Appeal
Step into a world of boundless possibilities with your outdoor space—it's an extension of your home,...
How Landscaping Can Increase the Value of Your Home
Landscaping is an excellent way to enhance the appearance and value of your home. A well-designed and maintain...
