Walkway RenovationGASTONIA, NCAUGUST 2015

Project Explanation Remove existing walkway materials (2.5’ x 80‘) Remove landscaping timbers Grade ground for appropriate 1/8” fall allowing proper drainage Install 12”x12” concrete pavers (3’x 80’) Install treated landscaping timbers Sweep sand into gaps to ensure firm placement of pavers

Project Estimation 6 hours labor for completion (Project was completed in 5 hours) Material = approximately $500 Labor = approximately $65/hour (Industry average is $100/hour) Total Cost of Project = $1800 (Industry average is $3200)

This is a residential walkway that adjoins a concrete patio and sidewalk.

The original walkway was created using moulded brick, laying them end to end, covering approximately 2.5 feet in width and 80 feet in length. On both sides of the structure, landscaping timbers were installed.

Several years later, a thin set mortar was spread over the entire walkway to match the patio and other adjoining walkway. Over time, the mortar began to crack and break which created a tripping hazard. Additionally, the landscaping timbers faded and rotted.

All of the thin set mortar was broken into manageable pieces with a sledge hammer and removed.

Next, all of the bricks were dug out and removed along with the rotten landscaping timbers.

The dirt was then graded for proper fall to ensure water would not puddle and there would be proper drainage.

The treated landscaping timbers were installed to ensure proper spacing between both flower beds on either side of the walkway.

The 12” x 12” concrete pavers were then placed in position, 3 wide, expanding the original path by six inches.

Every 12” x 12” paver fit perfectly into place with the exception of the final three.

The front three pavers had to be customized to fit the angle of the existing patio which was not apparent at initiation of the project.

All of the treated landscaping timbers were effectively joined together and created solid structural support for the pavers.

Clean, precise cuts rendered the desired results to create a safe and aesthetically pleasing walkway.

Sand was then swept into the gaps of the pavers to remove the possibility of shifting.

Before & After

What sets this project apart from others

The thin set mortar and some of the bricks removed were used to create a fire pit, free of charge.

I also believe in leaving places in better condition than they were when I arrived; in addition to the walkway, the flower beds were weeded and cleaned out also free of charge.

Other contractors sometimes leave the clean-up for the homeowner, but I ensured the removal of waste products that were not reused.