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Paving labour in Soweto usually runs R100 to R300 per m², around R200 on average. With standard paving bricks, sand and cement supplied and laid expect R400 to R700 per m², and R700 to R1,200 or more for cobbles or large-format pavers. Get labour and materials as separate lines, because buying bricks yourself is one way to control the cost.

A yard where a car parks needs 60 mm pavers on at least 100 mm of compacted base, while a walkway to the backyard room can be 50 mm on a thinner bed. Spend on the base first, because that is what stops ruts. A paver who compacts in layers with a plate compactor is doing it right.

Paving costs a bit more than a plain concrete slab but it looks far better, drains properly and can be lifted and relaid if a pipe ever needs work. A concrete slab that cracks stays cracked. For a family home you take pride in, paving is the finish that keeps its value.

A front yard or driveway of 30 to 50 m² is normally done in two to three days, with the base compaction taking most of the first day. Removing old concrete or a lot of rubble adds time, and summer rain pauses base work. Ask the paver to leave you a path to the door each evening.