Indicative 2026 ranges: spot repairs of a small area often run $200 to $600, and a lift and relay of a larger section or whole driveway $1,500 to $5,000. The price depends on the area, how deep the base failure goes and access. A photo gets you a rough range; a site visit gets you a written quote.
Almost always the base. A thin or poorly compacted granular layer, soft clay underneath, water getting in along the edges, or backfill beside the house that kept settling. Replacing the pavers without fixing the base only resets the clock.
Usually, yes. Concrete pavers are durable. Cracked or badly stained stones get swapped for the closest match available, and we tell you up front if your product has been discontinued.
Once the ground has fully thawed and dried in spring, through to late fall before freeze-up. Polymeric sand needs dry weather for about a day after installation, so that part is scheduled around the forecast.
Replacing a driveway surface on your own lot does not usually need a building permit, but widening a driveway or changing the curb cut involves City of Ottawa rules on driveway width and right-of-way work. Retaining walls above a certain height need a permit. Check with the City before work that changes the layout.
A base rebuilt to current practice, with edge restraint and proper slope, should stay level for many years. Joints need topping up or re-sanding every few years, which is routine maintenance.