The short version
You’ll have a measured paver plan with the fall called out, the base build written layer by layer, and a takeoff you can hand to a mason and a supplier without getting surprised later.
I measure on site, set the falls with water in mind, and count pavers with cuts and waste so the base and the quantities don’t get guessed. Next, I’ll book a visit and take the site dimensions.
I start with measurements you can check, then I work forward from the water. I map levels, pick a fall direction that keeps runoff away from thresholds, and write the base build as layers with depths. Then I count pavers, cuts, edging and jointing sand with a clear waste allowance so ordering is straightforward.
How the work runs
I keep the job in five short steps: measure, set falls, quantify, allow for restraints and drainage, then price it in writing.
1. Measure on site Day 1 Measure the full paved footprint, fixed edges, openings and pinch points. Note thresholds, door swings, steps and drain locations. Record existing high and low points so the takeoff reflects what the courtyard will accept. 2. Set out falls Day 1 Check levels and propose a fall direction and slope that moves water away from the house side. Flag any spots where I will need a small change in level, a channel drain, or a local regrade to stop puddling. 3. Calculate base build Days 2-3 Write the base specification as a buildable section: excavation depth, geotextile placement, compacted base thickness, bedding layer thickness, and notes on compaction. Adjust depths where levels force a change. 4. Take off pavers Days 3-4 Count pavers by size and laying pattern, then add a stated waste allowance for cuts, breakage and edge work. Include edge cuts around drains, walls and columns, and include jointing sand and bedding quantities by area and depth. 5. Allow for edges and drainage Day 5 Quantify edging restraints and fixing method so the field can’t creep over time. Add allowances for any channel drain, gully connection, or local soakaway approach that the falls check shows is needed.
On-site measurement record
Dimensioned paver area footprint with fixed reference points, openings, thresholds, steps and existing drainage points noted so a mason can set out without guessing.
FALL AND DRAINAGE NOTES
Proposed fall direction and target slope, with level checks and notes on where a channel drain or local adjustment is needed to keep water off thresholds.
BASE BUILD SPECIFICATION
Written section for excavation depth, geotextile placement, compacted base layer thickness, bedding layer thickness, and compaction notes, adjusted where site levels force changes.
Paver takeoff by unit
Quantity of pavers by size and pattern, including an explicit allowance for cuts and breakage, plus a note on where the main cut lines will fall.
EDGING AND RESTRAINT TAKEOFF
Lengths of edge restraint by edge type, with fixing approach noted so the perimeter can be priced and built as a restraint, not left as a free edge.
WRITTEN COST BREAKDOWN
Line-by-line costs for materials and labour tied to the measured quantities, so you can compare quotes and order materials with the same numbers.
What it costs
These numbers cover the full paver base takeoff as described, from the courtyard visit through the written cost breakdown.
Priced items
Add-ons
Add these only if you want them included in the same write-up.
Priced items
Getting started
If you want me to lock in a date for the site visit, sign below and I’ll send the booking invoice for the deposit.
1. Sign and return this proposal to confirm the paver base takeoff. 2. Pay the 40% booking deposit within 14 days of the invoice date. 3. Book the measurement visit and start the on-site takeoff.
Signature
Fee summary
Scope
This proposal covers paver base takeoff only: on-site measurement record, fall and drainage notes, base build specification, paver takeoff by unit, edging and restraint takeoff, and a written cost breakdown.
Payment. 40% is due to book the work when you sign. The remaining 60% is due when the job is finished. Each invoice is payable within 14 days of its date.
Schedule. I book the site visit for a specific date and time, then complete the calculations and write-up over the following working days. If access changes, the delivery date moves with it.
Access. You’ll need to provide access to the full paver area, including any locked gates, side passages, and drain covers. If furniture or pots block edges and thresholds, I’ll measure what I can and flag the rest.
Changes
If the measured area changes after the visit, or you switch paver size or pattern, I’ll update the takeoff and cost breakdown. I’ll tell you what changes before I do the extra work.
Assumptions. My takeoff is based on what I can see and measure on the day. If I find hidden voids, soft ground, or unknown fill once the surface is opened, the base build depth and quantities may need adjustment.
Use of figures. The quantities and costs are for ordering and booking. Final material orders should match the product you choose and its pack sizes, and the installer’s method for cuts, jointing, and compaction.
Ownership. Once the final invoice is paid, you own the measurement record, notes, specification, and takeoff, and you can hand them to your mason or use them to price the build.
