Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Square footage measurement discrepancy?

I have had two estimates on my paver-patio project. The first guy - from a large, well-known landscaping company, gave me an estimate of just over $5000, and had measured it at 349 sq ft. The second guy - self-owned business - gave me a price of $9100 (I just about choked!) based on his measurement of 720 square feet. I told him what the first measurement was, and he did just remeasuring, and brought his price down to $7200. He bases his price on $12/sq ft, so still that is 600 sq ft. How on earth could someone that is supposedly "capable" (he brought a very nice portfolio of previous work) come up with such a different measurement?? He said that his measurement was correct. Is there some trick to this? It is an odd shaped area, with several curves, but I measured it myself, in three separate sections (which was the only way I could do it with a tape measure) and I came up with 355 sq ft.

I am going to get another estimate - I just can't wait to see what their measurement turns out to be!

If there are a lot of curves and irregularitiesm is it possible this contractor increased the area to account for the greater amount of waste to trim the perimeter?

With an "odd shaped area, with several curves", you are going to some variation in the square footage involved. Get a half dozen bids, and make sure that they include a square footage figure. You came up with 355, one contractor comes up with 349 -- that's reasonable. Somebody else might come in around 360 -- not a problem. But, then a guy comes in at 720 sq. ft. -- he's outta here!!

I just had a third estimate - measured at 410 sq ft, and price was $4100. He indicated there was some "float" on that measurement. Okay - I can deal with that, even though that is still higher than I would like. But the other guy - no excuse for that much difference - I think he was trying to scam me. Agree that I need more estimates. I have 3 more scheduled - - so we'll see what they look like. It's been an education if nothing else. I had thought the patio would not cost more than a couple of grand. HA. I guess that would be the case - if I did it myself!

If you were just pouring a slab at 350 to 400 sq. ft., WITH curves, $2K might be a fair price. If you're gonna use pavers, DOUBLE that price. You're looking at more for mat'l and more for labor. Now you've got an estimate at $4100 -- THERE YOU ARE! (The $9100 "CMA Guess" is outta here!!)

The guys who come in at $4K to $4-1/2 -- Go with whatever your gut feeling is after talking to each of them -- (And if you REALLY like the guy who says $4800 -- you're not getting burned) He knows that he's doing premium work, and he's gonna charge a slight premium for it.

Lefty is right. Multiple bids help through out the odd-balls. That's why three bids minimum is always recommended. As in this case, two cast enough doubt on the $9,100/$7,200 guy. His portfolio may have nice pictures, but it is actually seeing the work and talking to previous clients that can give you good insight on a contractor.

In the real estate business in most states, odd shapes and irregular area square footage can vary by 5% but no more.
In my experience, 10 different people can measure the same home and come up with 10 slightly different square footages, but you're right to toss out the high guy. Sounds like a rip attempt to me.
Good Luck!
Mike