Stake out location and depth of pipes and wires. Removal of the existing pavement, turf, or existing soil to the proper depth. The proper depth will be finish surface, less paver thickness, setting bed depth, and base material. The amount of base material is often determined by a soil engineer and depends on the propensity of the soil to expand, saturate, or hold water. In extreme soil or other conditions, the base can be up to 18-inches deep.
Conditions are substantially different on the East Coast versus the West Coast.
It is critical you learn what works best in your area. Soils engineers can provide guidance in this area. If the subgrade is clay, compaction must be done with a roller or rammer so the subgrade is fully compacted. If sandy soils, a vibraplate is often sufficient for subgrade compaction. A compactor is used to compact the material.