Where’s the job?

Scope of Works

• Inspect existing patio levels, drainage and substrate condition

• remove loose or broken paving, vegetation and any unsuitable bedding

• excavate and prepare or replace subbase, compact and set correct falls for drainage

• apply levelling screed or mortar bed and check levels across the area

• lay chosen tiles or pavers, cut to fit, point joints and ensure tidy falls

• protect adjacent surfaces, remove waste, sweep site and leave area safe for use

• use PPE and basic dust/mud control; report contamination or buried services before works proceed

Typical Cost

Time on Site

Small patios (up to ~10 m2) with minor levelling typically take 1–2 days on site; medium jobs 10–25 m2 take 2–4 days; extensive subbase replacement or structural repairs add days. wet weather, hidden drains or buried services and tile delivery times can extend duration

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

• do you inspect and certify the subbase and drainage before tiling

• who supplies materials and can you itemise tile, bedding and jointing costs

• how will you protect walls, doors and planting during works

• what disposal method and cost do you allow for rubble and old paving

• do you carry public liability insurance and can you provide references for similar jobs

• will any additional work (e.g. major subbase replacement) be quoted as a variation before proceeding

How to Avoid Surprises

• clear furniture and fragile items from the area and provide unobstructed access for plant

• confirm parking or drop-off space near the work area and let tradie know access restrictions

• point out buried services, drainage runs and boundary restraints before work starts

• agree waste removal method and skip placement in writing to avoid surprise charges

• check whether permits or neighbours' consent are needed for boundary work or scaffold

• ask for a written schedule of works and payment milestones to avoid scope creep