Question
Hey Sean, I'm in Fort Worth TX. You mention in your profile landscaping and "hardscaping". I'm hoping that means things like patios. I am thinking about doing a small, 18x15, Flagstone patio in my backyard under a beautiful big pecan tree.

I was wondering if you could give me your thoughts on tackling something like this myself versus having a pro do it. I'm very handy and have tackled many home projects myself and I have a couple of buds who are very helpful with home improvement stuff.

I've been to several DIY sites and have seen step by step instructions for a dry installation ie: digging the four inch deep pad, 2x4 frame, weed barrier, screeding the sand...all of that. I'm pretty sure I can handle it.

What I would like to ask your opinion on is this.  Living in this part of the country, what it might cost me to DIY vs. having a pro like yourself do it for me. And, of course, I'm just looking for ballpark figures here.

In regards to the project itself, nothing to elaborate design-wise. Just a rectangular design, using standard 2" Flagstone, from one corner of my backyard fence out to, and possibly encircling the trunk of the pecan tree with possibly a brick border. Again Sean, I know you don't have the details, I'm just looking for your general thoughts and opinions. Thanks for your time.

Answer
In general, hardscape is typically around 3 times the cost of materials.
You can do it for just the cost of materials so you save 60 to 70%
If you hired some one to do a Stone Patio on compacted gravel will run $8-20 sf depending on stone, ease of access, frost depth etc. Plus if it is a small one day job you may pay a premium if you go with a larger contractor...we affectionately call it a nuisance fee. In other words the administrative cost are the same for a $3,000 job as a much larger job so you may pay for that.

Good Luck
Sean J Murphy, LA
Southeastern Engineering, INC
Civil & Transportation Engineering, Land Surveying, Planning and Landscape Architecture
www.seengineering.com