Question to 311. Have you priced pavers? With the prices for stamped concrete, it may be worthwhile to get bids on pavers. The look is better IMO and the added benefit is in this climate, cracks in a concrete patio are 199% certain and it’s only a matter of time. Pavers give the joints so no cracking and if eventually, they have issues with dips or sags they can be reset at a modest cost.
I have installed two paver patios myself on previous houses and considered it, but my time is more valuable to me these days and I don’t know that I can find to get it done in a reasonable amount of time (5 kids now). Might end up going that route in the end of I can’t find someone to come out and give a bid. Unfortunately I don’t have easy access to a 3/4 truck anymore to go rent a skid steer otherwise I would take care of demo and most of the dirt work which would help.
Tried one of the contacts above and they are based out Minneapolis and Anoka/Dayton is outside of there service area. Waiting on a call back from two others.
Tear out is actually 260 sq ft and new patio officially would be 500 sq ft. No fill is needed but may need to lower the elevation a bit based on future plans (dirt can stay on site). That is where I am looking for someone to come out to look at the work.
I don’t have a problem paying the right price for good work. Just not looking to get gouged and if it has to wait until next year so be it. Even without considering tear (lets say $1k) out $35/ft for a 550 sq ft stamped concrete patio seems excessive.