Price for slabbing?

[A.Lee]

Could someone who has either paid someone to do some slabbing, or does it for a living, give me a rough idea of what they charge?

I've done a bit recently, and found I do a good job at it. Unfortunately, I dont seem to be making much profit out of it. I have been adding up the price of materials, estimating how long I'll take, then given the price to the customer - it has taken longer than expected, so I lose 6 - 8 hours for the same price.

I've now worked out a charging structure, where I can quote immediately, by having set prices per square metre/yard, and inbuilt in that is an over-run 'factor'.

For basic 'riven' slabs (typically, £1.75 for a 450mm slab), I'm thinking of £24 per square yard. These are laid on a washed sand/cement mix.

Any edging stones are charged extra, - basic grey round top edging will be £6 per 3 foot.

I think I can make a reasonable living at these prices, but I still get the feeling that they are way too low. Any thoughts? Ta Alan.

[Mr Uncalled-For]

There are professional paving chappies on the forum at the pavingexpert.com site that might be able to help you.

[Newshound]

I don't think I would baulk at that price for decent slabs nicely laid and not developing puddles.

[A.Lee]

The trouble is, I can just about make a living from that, but I'll never be able to have days off! So, although I can get work at that price, I still think it may be a little low. I gave this price to a Business today, they baulked at it, and tried to knock me down to £20/sq M. I'd still make a profit on that, but it works out at around £80/day, so after overheads etc, it is not really enough to make a decent living. Alan.

[The Medway Handyman]

Paving Expert has this to say; "These prices are for guidance only. Due to the wide variation in prices across the UK, you should consult local suppliers. The prices stated are to construct a 30m² residential patio in various flag types. The guide price includes skips to remove excavated material, bedding sand, flags as described and mortar to point the joints. All prices include VAT. "

And then quotes £40:75 sq/metre for budget slabs @ £0:99 each or £55:75 sq/metre for mid range slabs @ £3:50 each. So it looks like you are way to cheap.

You can't run a business on £80 a day. Can you bring in a cheap labourer? I have a mate who is happy to work with me for £50 a day. You could then do the job in half the time - elves & shoemakers.

[The Medway Handyman]

Just had a look at a local companies web site where they have an online price guide. Thery quote 'Patios from £48 per sq metre inc labour & materials'. Interestingly they quote £52 per sq metre for decking - I know what I'd rather do for the money.

[A.Lee]

......

Yes, I havent quoted many prices for decking yet, but when people ask, i tell them roughly double the price of slabs - so that is very near the £50/sqm quoted above for me. I gave a quote for slabs yesterday, £850, I didnt think they'd go for decking, as it was so expensive, and would be a nightmare to keep clean where they want it, so I said in the region of £1500 for a slightly smaller area in decking, so again, roughly double the cost of basic slabs. Ta Alan.

[The Medway Handyman]

I still reckon you are way too cheap matey!

[A.Lee]

Yes, noted, so I will up the prices somewhat. I was working on £100 a day for me in my price, but as you know, delays happen, obstructions shopw up, so the amount I get done in the day may not add up to the amount I was expecting to do. Ta Alan.