What should be included in an interlock patio quote?
A good interlock patio quote should tell you what is being built, how it is being built, and what is not included. If the quote is vague, you cannot compare price fairly.
Short answer
Your quote should clearly list the area, demolition, excavation depth, base material, bedding layer, paver or slab selection, edge restraint, polymeric sand, disposal, drainage assumptions, access conditions, warranty, payment schedule, and exclusions.
The quote checklist
Project area
Total square footage, shape, and whether walkways, steps, curbs, or landings are included.
Removal and disposal
Old pavers, concrete, soil, sod, roots, or other material that needs to leave the property.
Excavation and base
Depth, base material, compaction approach, slope, and whether the base is new or reused.
Paver or slab selection
Brand, product, thickness, color, border, pattern, and any premium material upgrade.
Edge restraint
How the patio edge will be held in place. This matters for long-term movement.
Drainage and grading
Where water will go, how slope is handled, and whether drains or grading changes are included.
Access condition
Side entrance width, stairs, hand-carry areas, shared driveway limits, and material staging.
Warranty and exclusions
What is covered, for how long, and what is excluded because of existing site conditions. Industry standard in the GTA is often 1 year on workmanship. We give 3 years — long enough that base prep and drainage issues surface before the warranty expires.
Red flags in a patio quote
- The quote only gives one lump-sum number.
- Base depth is not written down.
- Paver brand, product, or thickness is missing.
- Disposal is vague or excluded without explanation.
- Drainage is not mentioned on a yard that clearly slopes toward the house.
- There is no warranty language.
- The contractor pressures you to decide before explaining the scope.
How to compare two quotes
Do not compare only the final price. Compare the work. A recently delivered Richmond Hill backyard patio scope came in at about $18,400 all-in for roughly 600+ sqft of hardscape work. The useful part was not just the number; the quote separated the patio area, material direction, site assumptions, edge restraint, drainage notes, fence/gate scope, warranty, and what would change if the homeowner upgraded materials later.
The right question is not "Why is this one more expensive?" The better question is "Which parts are included in one quote but missing from the other?"
What SpaceShift writes down
Our quotes are built to be readable. We separate the project area, material direction, site-specific assumptions, optional upgrades, and next steps so you know what is being priced before work starts.
If you are still setting a budget, start with our GTA interlock patio cost guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What warranty length is standard for interlock work in the GTA?
Many GTA interlock quotes only offer about 1 year on workmanship, or use vague warranty language. SpaceShift gives 3 years on workmanship for interlock projects, long enough for base prep, slope, and drainage issues to show up through multiple seasons instead of expiring before problems appear.
How do I compare two interlock quotes that look very different?
Compare the written scope, not only the final price. Check area, excavation depth, base material, disposal, edge restraint, drainage, paver selection, warranty, and exclusions. If one quote is cheaper but leaves out base depth or edge restraint, it may not be pricing the same patio.
What's "edge restraint" and why does it matter?
Edge restraint is the system that holds the outside edge of the interlock in place. Without it, pavers can spread, joints can open, and the patio edge can lose shape over time. It is a small detail on paper but a major part of long-term patio stability.
Should the quote include excavation depth and base material?
Yes. A patio quote should say how deep the area will be excavated and what base material will be used. In the GTA, base prep is one of the biggest drivers of durability because freeze-thaw cycles expose weak excavation, poor compaction, and drainage shortcuts.
What's a red flag in an interlock patio quote?
A major red flag is a quote that gives one lump-sum price without explaining base prep, disposal, paver choice, edge restraint, drainage, warranty, or exclusions. Another red flag is pressure to sign before the contractor explains how the patio will actually be built.
Do I need permits for a backyard interlock patio in Ontario?
A simple at-grade backyard interlock patio usually does not need a building permit, but rules can change if the project includes retaining walls, raised structures, covered features, major drainage changes, protected trees, easements, condo rules, or conservation restrictions. Always confirm with your municipality for unusual site conditions.
Need a second look at your patio scope?
Send photos and the rough scope. We will help you understand what needs to be clarified before you commit to a patio project.
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