The parts of a price
- The construction route: a full reconstruction with excavation and a new sub-base costs more than laying a surface over a base that is already sound.
- The area, and the practical minimum that applies to smaller jobs — very small drives still need a crew, plant and a day on site.
- Edge restraint: pin kerbs are the standard inclusion; a block-paved border is an upgrade priced per linear metre.
- Drainage: a channel drain is priced separately, because its length, excavation, bedding, connection and outfall all vary by site.
- Access and ground conditions: restricted access, sloping sites, retaining structures and firm or soft ground all change the work involved.
- Removal and disposal of what comes out of the ground.
Why we don't quote a percentage range
A figure like '£150 to £250 a square metre' tells you almost nothing, because the two ends of that range are different jobs. We give one guide figure when your answers support it, and say 'site assessment required' when they don't.
VAT
Our rates are quoted excluding VAT. VAT is added once, at the end, and shown as a separate line so you can see the subtotal, the tax and the total. Nothing is added twice.
When the price legitimately changes
If something is found once excavation opens up, or you decide to change the specification, that is a variation — we agree it in writing, with its price and its effect on the programme, before doing the work. That is the only way a figure should move.
Getting a figure for your own drive
The project planner on this site asks for the surface, the area, the edging and drainage you expect, and a few questions about the ground and access. Where your answers are enough, it shows a guide figure with the VAT shown separately. Where they aren't, it says what still needs checking rather than guessing.