Don’t Get Burned by the Lowest Patio Bid: What You’re Really Paying For

September 13, 2024

So, you’ve decided it’s time to transform your outdoor space with a beautiful new patio. After talking to a few hardscape contractors, the bids are starting to roll in. Everything seems pretty standard — until one bid jumps out. It’s surprisingly low, maybe even 50% less than the highest one.

At first, this might seem like a stroke of luck. Who doesn’t love saving money? But before you start spending your savings elsewhere, ask yourself: Is this low bid really a good deal or is it a costly mistake waiting to happen?

Let’s break down the hidden costs of that too-good-to-be-true bid.

Why So Cheap? It’s Not Always a Good Thing

A low bid isn’t inherently bad. Sometimes, contractors who are new to the area offer lower rates to build their client base. But without an established track record, can you be sure their work will stand the test of time?

Do they understand your local soil conditions? For example, installing pavers in clay soil is a completely different challenge than working with sandy soils. An inexperienced or unfamiliar contractor may not have the expertise to handle your specific project.

Cheap Materials = Costly Replacements

One of the easiest ways for a contractor to lower their bid is by cutting corners on material quality. You might not notice the difference immediately, but your wallet certainly will in a few years when those inferior pavers start to break down.

Not all pavers are created equal. Brands like EP Henry, Techo Bloc and Belgard are trusted for a reason — they produce durable, long-lasting materials. If you cut corners on materials now, you might find yourself replacing your patio much sooner than expected.

Did You Know? CKC Landscaping is a certified installer for all these top manufacturers and we’re even featured in their catalogs! We know quality when we see it and ensure you get it.

Corners Cut, Projects Fail

A low bid often signals shortcuts, especially on crucial installation steps.

Are they using the proper base material? Are they installing it at the correct depth? Are they compacting it properly? If these steps aren’t handled carefully, your patio will shift, settle and crack faster than you’d ever want to admit.

It’s also essential that they use woven geotextile fabric—a critical layer that prevents your pavers from sinking or shifting over time. If it’s not included in the bid, your project is vulnerable from the start.

Watch Out for Sneaky Upcharges

Some contractors lure you in with an impossibly low bid, only to surprise you with extra costs later.

Suddenly, your “all-inclusive” price doesn’t cover essential things like drainage or edging. Before you know it, that low bid has ballooned into something far less affordable. Always make sure your contractor is willing to sign a detailed contract based on the original estimate and don’t forget to read the fine print before committing.

No Warranty, No Thanks

Many contractors who offer suspiciously low bids skip out on post-installation support. A warranty may seem like a luxury, but it’s an investment in peace of mind. What happens if something goes wrong a few months (or even years) down the line?

If the contractor’s response is vague or non-existent when asked about a warranty, consider it a red flag.

Underestimated Costs – But You’ll Pay for It

Low bids can also indicate poor planning. Some contractors don’t thoroughly account for labor and materials, only to realize their mistake halfway through the project. Guess who will likely cover those “unexpected” costs? That’s right — you.

When a contractor doesn’t take the time to fully understand the scope of your project, it’s you who ends up paying the price.

Get What You Pay For

Building a new patio is a significant investment — one that should bring you joy for years to come. While that shockingly low bid may seem like a great deal, more often than not, it’s too good to be true.

By carefully evaluating your options, you can ensure your outdoor space is built to last without any nasty surprises down the road.

At CKC Landscaping, we pride ourselves on doing things right the first time. We use only top-quality materials, adhere to industry best practices and offer post-installation support that provides peace of mind. Don’t settle for less — work with a team that delivers exceptional craftsmanship and lasting results.

Let’s transform your outdoor space into the perfect place for making memories. Reach out today and let’s start building your dream patio!