Virginia Beach, VA on Jul 18, 2011

Paving Project: I was thinking a beautiful project would be tearing out the old concrete patio in my backyard and

putting in a paver patio with steps and a small wall around it on one end. Would this be a do-able DIY or would it be easier to hire a company to do it?

24 Comments

Erica Glasener Atlanta, GA

Nicole,
If you have the time and know how , great. I hired someone to put in a low granite wall and gravel area in front of it. They put in a footer for the wall and did a great job, letting me focus on the fun part the plants.
on Jul 18, 2011 · Like 2
Nichter's Home Services C... Islesboro, ME

Removing a concrete patio requires that you rent a jackhammer and learn to use it.
With hundreds of hours on the end of such a tool, and arthritis to prove it, I respond that it is definitely "easier" to pay to have it done

on Jul 18, 2011 · Like 1
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

Concrete Demo is no picnic, another option to the jack hammer is a backhoe, and diamond concrete saws...these are big boy tools and have a steep learning curve. Installing pavers is very DIY friendly. You will have plenty of owner satisfaction completing that phase...just hire someone to get you the blank canvas on which you can begin.

on Jul 19, 2011 · Like 1
Majestic Tile Virginia Beach, VA

We'll all I can add is that every person that ever did anything in life, there had to be a point where it was their first time. With the right research planning and timing you can do anything. What it really boils down to is what your level of quality acceptability is. Pavers are very easy to do. Concrete demolition is easy was well with the right tools. You can reduce you cost by hiring someone to do the demolition part if you aren't physically strong enough to handle an air chisel or ...»
jack hammer. If you decide to hire someone just make sure that you feel 100% confident in their ability. I you feel the slightest concerns call someone else. But even if you trust them that's only the first of several steps you should take when hiring. The second is to ask them to provide you with the numbers and names of their last three jobs they did doing that type of project. Don't let them give you jobs from years ago. And lastly Don't give them more than what is needed for materials and just a little for their normal operating expenses. If you are buying all materials then don't give more than 30% no matter what unless you just want to do then a favor or something. The goal is to keep the majority of the money over them so that they make sure they have to keep you happy to get paid. I've seen time and time again where the contractor will get the majority of the money before they are even half way done and the quality goes down'n from there because they begin to rush to get the rest.

on Jul 19, 2011 · Like 1
Celeste K Casper, WY

I've removed concrete with a sledgehammer, wrecking bar and wheelbarrow and LOTS LOTS LOTS of sweat! It is not an easy job as other posters have said Perhaps concrete staining or etching might be cheaper/easier if concrete is still in good condition?

on Jul 19, 2011 · Like 0
Clay B Chesapeake, VA

I just had a paver patio installed 12' x 34'. I figured out the DIY price, and got a company quote. I found that 85% of the cost was going to be materials and equipment rentals. The compactor alone is $100 a day, and you will need to have it for each step of installation. In your case, you will have the removal of the current cement also. My patio cost $5000 plus $700 for 4-steps, the steps are wood stringners, composite steps/risers and fiberglass rails. Looks Great. I figure, for 15% ...»
more, you could have it done in 1-2 days, and not break your back, besides taking a long time to do. Plus the pavers my contractor used, are much better quality than the junk ones they sell at the big box stores, mine are color all the way through, not veneered; and the color is infused, will not fade much at all, allowing me to add on later if I want to.
on Jul 19, 2011 · Like 1
Majestic Tile Virginia Beach, VA

I didn't means super easy....But another solution is to put Stone or Exterior Tile on the Slab.
It is easy as opposed to tearing out walls and relocating plumbing and other remodeling projects. Sweat is healthy and yes its work but that's it just sweat and work. It doesn't take a lot of planning and worry. It might take a DIY'er longer than it would take me but There's no magic to it. It is easy for the confident and serious minded. If a homeowner doesn't feel confident then hire ...»
someone that is. Believe me I don't want to Take business away from us but somethings are easily doable for Homeowners. That is why I have a DIY section I'm working in my website.

on Jul 19, 2011 · Like 1
Clay B Chesapeake, VA

One more piece of advice, If the previous patio size worked for you, and you are just replaceing, fine; but if changing size, I always say, fiqure out the size you need, then double it; or at least put a lot of thought into it. By the time you figure in the furniture, you need space around all that as well. We replaced our 12x16 deck with the 12x34 patio.

on Jul 19, 2011 · Like 0
Nicole L Virginia Beach, VA

Wow you all are very helpful! I do want to make it bigger than what's existing. Another question, would I get a return on this if I sold in about 2 years?

on Jul 19, 2011 · Like 0
Clay B Chesapeake, VA

Not much on return on investment. But will make your home more desirable when you do sell it. Put in planting beds/flowers also, make it a backyard getaway. If you can make a buyer say "wow" or "this is really nice", you've done it.

on Jul 19, 2011 · Like 0
Nichter's Home Services C... Islesboro, ME

Return?
In this market?

on Jul 20, 2011 · Like 0
Paul M Fairburn, GA

If your concrete shape is not objectionable and the elevations are ok with you, you could laminate stone to the surface of the concrete and not have to demo it at all. I have successfully done this in several locations. If you do have to demo and start from scratch why not call a concrete cutting/demo company and let them do the demo for you. Concrete removal is a tough row to hoe.

on Jul 20, 2011 · Like 0
Nicole L Virginia Beach, VA

Actually, our market down here in Va Beach isn't all that bad. We are not upside down on our home so with any improvements that we plan on doing I prefer to not lose value. I don't think this project would cause that to happen though. Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I would rather hire a company to do the demo portion at least.

on Jul 20, 2011 · Like 0
Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ

There has been some great suggestions so far, but depending on your ability to handle heavy stone and tools will determine if you really want to do this yourself. Its easy the first day or so. And may also be a bit fun as well. With playing with new cool tools and such. But after a few days of scraped knees and knuckles and running out of aspirin for the aches and pains you may reconsider the DIY route a bit more. ...»

You should consider if your contractors are willing to help with some of the grunt work to help save some money.
Also are you looking into perhaps a retaining wall? If the cement patio is broken with breaking hammers and sized correctly you can oftentimes stack the cement sections you remove and create a one of a kind retaining wall without all that much effort. Saves on materials and saves on removal costs.
As far as paybacks for resale. This will depend on several factors. If the house grounds are a mess, then yes you will see some paybacks, both in value and the savings you get back from selling faster. however, if your yard is already in pretty good shape, your return on investment will not be quite as much as the value of property would be pretty much maxed out. Your best bet would be to contact a local real estate professional and get their opinion. What works well in one area may not be such a good idea in another.
But one fact remains, if its done well and looks good. regardless of where your located the house will sell faster then those that have not had improvements performed.

on Jul 20, 2011 · Like 0
Nicole L Virginia Beach, VA

Would I still be able to do an overlay if there are cracks in the concrete?

on Jul 28, 2011 · Like 0
Paul M Fairburn, GA

Yes but when they do terrazzo the use a fiberglass mesh and a special epoxy, I think it is epoxy, someone else here may know what it is for sure, to stabilize the underlying concrete and keep any cracks or movement from telegraphing up through the terrazzo. The only other option would be to replace the concrete and there is no guarantee that even the new stuff won't move. I have seen several older concrete floors covered with a thin layer of terrazzo but they always stabilized the lower ...»
layer first. Now your floor is probably going to be thicker than terrazzo and less sensitive too but it won't hurt to be cautious and make sure that there won't be any future problems.

on Jul 28, 2011 · Like 0
Nicole L Virginia Beach, VA

Do you think this route could also be cheaper? I've seen some fabulous driveways done in this manner!

on Jul 28, 2011 · Like 0
Paul M Fairburn, GA

I have no idea about the cost involved. But you can track down some contractors in your area and get a few bids both ways and then decide. If you get a bid for the whole project you don't have to give all of it to any contractor but that will give you an idea of your cost even if you do it yourself.

on Jul 29, 2011 · Like 0
Chaya K New York, NY

Hometalk published an article on exactly this subject: http://www.networx.com/article/how-to-remove.... It describes how much work this job entails. Good luck!

on Jul 29, 2011 · Like 0
Amazing Improvements and ... Marietta, GA

Nicole, concrete in motion will always continue to telegraph upward and reappear at some point. If these are static, they can be filled with an epoxy and further stabilize their disjointed appearance.

on Jul 31, 2011 · Like 0
Artistic Paver Mfg. Miami, FL

Hi there! Actually, you don't need to remove the cracked concrete deck do remodel your deck. You can install sand-set pavers right on the top of it. Check our website with pictures of patios that have been remodeled with our pavers. Because the pavers are set on sand, they will absorb the ground movement and will not crack. Call us if you want more info and visit this page http://artisticpavers.com/gallery-pool-renov... ...»
on our website. Hope it helps!
Picture below shows pavers installed over existing concrete deck.
on Feb 16, 2012 · Like 1
Nicole L Virginia Beach, VA

Thank you so much! I'm going to make sure that the pavers will still give clearance for the screen door to open and if so I'm definitely going to just lay them over the top! GREAT idea! And your work is great!

on Jun 09, 2012 · Like 2
Artistic Paver Mfg. Miami, FL

Hi Nicole, let me know how did it go. I'd love to see pictures of your new deck!

on Jun 21, 2012 · Like 0
Nicole L Virginia Beach, VA

I haven't done anything yet but once I do I will certainly post pictures! :D

on Aug 23, 2012 · Like 0