A paver project is a big investment. Whether you’re redoing your driveway, adding a patio, or transforming your whole backyard, the planning stage sets you up for success or frustration.
Rushing into a project without clear answers leads to budget surprises, delays, and sometimes results you’re not happy with. Taking time upfront to think through the details makes everything smoother.
Before you sign any contracts or pick out materials, work through these seven questions.
1. What Do I Actually Need This Space to Do?
Start with function, not appearance. How will you use this area?
A patio for quiet morning coffee has different needs than one built for hosting 30 people. A driveway for two sedans is different from one that needs to handle a boat trailer or RV.
Think about:
Traffic type: Will this area see foot traffic only, regular vehicles, or heavy loads like delivery trucks or trailers?
Activities: Dining? Lounging? Kids playing? Fire pit gatherings? Each activity might need different features or layouts.
Furniture and fixtures: Will you have heavy planters, an outdoor kitchen, a hot tub, or a fire feature? These need to be planned into the design, not added as afterthoughts.
Access: How will people move through the space? Where do you need steps? Where should pathways connect?
Future plans: Thinking about adding a pool in a few years? A pergola? Plan for those now, even if you’re not building them yet.
Write down your must-haves and nice-to-haves. This list guides every decision that follows.
2. What’s My Realistic Budget?
Paver projects vary widely in cost. A simple walkway might run a few thousand dollars. A full backyard transformation with multiple areas, walls, and features can reach six figures.
Before you get quotes, decide what you can comfortably spend. Then add 10 to 15 percent as a buffer for surprises. There are always surprises.
Your budget needs to cover:
Design fees: Some companies include design in their bids. Others charge separately for detailed plans.
Materials: Pavers, base rock, sand, edge restraints, polymeric sand. Material costs vary based on what you choose. Natural stone costs more than concrete pavers. Premium brands cost more than basic ones.
Labor: This is often the largest portion. Professional installation requires skilled crews, specialized equipment, and time.
Site prep: Does your yard need grading? Drainage work? Demolition of existing concrete? Old sprinkler lines relocated? These add cost.
Permits: Depending on your project and location, you may need permits. Fees vary by city.
Extras: Sealing, lighting, irrigation adjustments, landscaping repairs.
If your budget is firm, be upfront about it with contractors. A good contractor can suggest ways to get the look you want within your means. Maybe that means doing the project in phases or choosing a different material.
Financing options can also help spread costs over time if paying everything upfront isn’t realistic.
3. Do I Need Permits?
Permit requirements depend on your city, the scope of work, and what you’re building.
In many Southern California cities, basic paver patios and walkways at ground level don’t need permits. But permits are often required for:
- Driveways (especially if you’re changing the location or size)
- Retaining walls over a certain height (often 3 or 4 feet)
- Structures like pergolas, outdoor kitchens, or covered patios
- Work that changes drainage patterns
- Electrical or gas lines for outdoor features
Your contractor should know local requirements and can usually handle the permit process. But it’s worth asking early so you understand the timeline and any extra fees.
Skipping permits might seem easier, but it can cause problems later. Unpermitted work can complicate home sales, void insurance coverage, or require costly removal.
4. What’s the Realistic Timeline?
Paver projects take longer than most people expect. Understanding the timeline helps you plan around it.
A typical project has several phases:
Design and planning: Depending on complexity, this can take one to four weeks. You’ll review designs, make material selections, and finalize details.
Permitting: If permits are required, add two to six weeks. Some cities are faster than others.
Material ordering: Standard materials may be in stock. Custom orders, special colors, or specific brands might need four to eight weeks lead time.
Scheduling: Good contractors are busy. You might wait several weeks for a spot on the calendar, especially in spring and summer.
Installation: The actual work depends on project size. A small patio might take three to five days. A large driveway and backyard combination could take two to three weeks.
Curing and finishing: Polymeric sand needs time to set. Sealers need dry weather. Plan a few extra days before heavy use.
Add all that up and a project you start planning in March might not be finished until June or July. If you have a specific deadline (a graduation party, a home sale), work backward from that date and start early.
5. How Do I Choose the Right Contractor?
The contractor you choose matters as much as the materials. Great pavers installed poorly will fail. Average pavers installed well will last decades.
Here’s how to find the right fit:
Get multiple bids: Three to four bids give you a sense of the market. Be wary of prices far below or above the others.
Check credentials: Look for contractors who hold industry certifications. Certifications from organizations like ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute) show a contractor has trained in proper techniques.
Review past work: Ask for photos of completed projects. Better yet, ask if you can see a finished project in person or talk to past clients.
Read reviews: Online reviews give you a sense of how the company handles communication, timelines, and problems. Look for patterns, not just individual complaints.
Ask about their process: How do they prepare the base? How thick is it? Do they compact in lifts? What kind of edge restraint do they use? What sand goes between the pavers? Contractors who can explain their methods clearly are more likely to follow them.
Understand the warranty: What’s covered? For how long? What’s not covered? Get it in writing.
Trust your gut: You’ll be working with this company for weeks or months. If communication is frustrating during the bidding process, it won’t get better once they have your deposit.
6. What Materials Are Right for My Project?
Material choices affect cost, appearance, durability, and maintenance.
The big decisions include:
Paver material: Concrete, natural stone, or porcelain. Each has pros and cons depending on your project. Our guide on comparing paver materials breaks down the differences.
Paver style: Size, shape, color, texture. These should match your home and the look you want. Our guide on choosing colors and patterns can help.
Base materials: For most projects, your contractor specifies these. But understanding what goes into a proper installation helps you evaluate bids.
Joint sand: Polymeric sand is the standard for most residential projects. It locks pavers in place and resists weeds.
Sealer: Optional but recommended for some materials and uses. Ask your contractor what they suggest for your situation.
When comparing bids, make sure you’re comparing the same materials. A bid using premium pavers and thick base prep will cost more than one using builder-grade materials and minimal base work. The cheaper bid isn’t always cheaper in the long run.
7. What Questions Should I Ask During the Bid Process?
When contractors come to give estimates, have these questions ready:
Base preparation:
- How deep will you excavate?
- What base material do you use?
- How thick will the compacted base be?
- Do you compact in layers?
Installation details:
- What edge restraint system do you use?
- What kind of joint sand do you use?
- Will you compact the finished surface?
Logistics:
- How long will the project take?
- Will the same crew be here throughout?
- What time do crews arrive and leave?
- Where will materials be stored during the project?
- Will I be able to use my driveway/access my garage during work?
Money:
- What’s included in this price?
- What’s not included?
- How is payment structured? (Avoid paying more than 30 to 50 percent upfront)
- Are there potential additional costs I should know about?
After the project:
- What warranty do you offer?
- What maintenance do you recommend?
- Who do I call if there’s a problem later?
Write down the answers. You’ll want to compare them across contractors.
A Planning Checklist
Before moving forward, make sure you can answer:
- What will I use this space for?
- What’s my maximum budget (including a buffer)?
- Do I need permits, and who handles them?
- When do I need this done, and is that realistic?
- Which contractor do I trust to do quality work?
- What materials will be used?
- What’s included in the contract?
If any of these feel unclear, keep asking questions until they’re not.
Ready to Start Planning?
The planning phase can feel slow, but it’s where good projects are made. Rushing past it leads to problems that cost more time and money than taking it slow ever would.
If you’re ready to start talking through your project, contact us for a free consultation. We’ll look at your space, discuss your goals, and help you understand what’s involved.