My main concern was what the 'norm' was for doing side/rear...

My main concern was what the 'norm' was for doing side/rear landscaping in terms of water drainage and pooling. I thought by paving or cementing you'd trap water above surface, in which case how do you drain it off? Is there drain grates that need to be made every so often throughout the paving or concrete? Or will it somehow be porous and seep through? Main concern besides pooled water on the surface of the pathway (if paved or concreted) was mainly the footings/foundations of house, so long as the soil or water isn't risking the brand new house then I'm cool with whatever.

As for pavers - if I send it off to the tradies to take care of I will check that they are doing roadbase as you mentioned. Anything else to quiz/check as to how they are installing or materials wise? I assume concreting slabs in are pretty much just concrete and require no base or other prep work underneath?

My builder recommends an incline away from house at 50 degrees, however I thought most side/rear paving always seems straight level when I look outside existing houses?

Does your synthetic grass allow water to pass through below? My only worry is do the weeds and stuff accumulate underneath/through the synthetic grass do they? Where natural dirt or nasties would absorb into organic grass/soil, I assume these stay on synthetic grass a lot longer??

I should be good to chuck in my side gate and air conditioning (ducted reverse cycle, so they'll need to put an outside unit) down the side? As I assume paving/side landscaping can be slotted in easily afterwards? WOrse come worse they can wall bracket mount the air conditioning unit supposedly. Which I will probably do - makes ripping up any paving or things underneath it easier next time I guess (since the unit's off the ground).

Any thoughts?