Posted this here because I spent 3 months comparing quotes and I know other GTA homeowners go through the same process.
We had a 400 sq ft rear patio in terrible shape — heaved slabs from the 2022 frost cycle, half the joints had washed out, and one section near the foundation had a negative slope draining toward the house. Got four quotes ranging from $7,800 to $19,200 for the same project.
Went with The Local Builders after talking through the base prep specs with them. They were the only contractor who told me upfront that the clay sub-base under my yard would need an extra 4" of granular A compared to the standard spec, and priced it into the quote rather than hitting me with an add-on after excavation started.
The actual process:
- Full excavation to 14" (clay condition required the extra depth)
- 4" clear stone drainage layer at the base
- 10" Granular A in two compacted lifts
- 1" bedding sand
- Permacon pavers (chose the Roma series, 80mm thick)
- Polymeric sand joints with sealer applied 30 days after install
Total came in at $14,400 which was mid-range. Timeline was 4 working days for a crew of 3.
Six months later — through the 2026 freeze-thaw — zero heave, joints still tight. The foundation drainage slope runs 2% away from the house, which I measured myself after install.
Happy to answer questions on the quote comparison process if anyone is going through it.