What are the most important questions you should ask your contractor before they start paving your driveway?
Your paved driveway is the starting point of your home, and if it’s old or dysfunctional, it can detract from the overall appeal of your property. If this is the case at your place, it may be time for a replacement. Considering it is a big job, it’s worth asking your contractor some questions before work commences.
Finding someone to do the job is the easy part, finding someone who is reputable and going to produce a top-notch finish is another thing. When a driveway isn’t done up to standard, it can cause a mountain of problems.
Here are some important questions to ask your paving contractor:
Table of Contents
What is the price?
The cost is a major factor, you want to know you are getting the best value for your hard-earned money. While they are likely to give you a quote before work starts, it’s really important that you clarify whether the quote is all-inclusive or not. If it’s not, you could end up paying significantly more than you had thought you would. Factors that can affect the overall cost of your driveway:
- The type of material you use
- The complexity of the design
- How large your paved driveway will be
- Whether existing structures need to be removed beforehand
Always source a few quotes before committing to a contractor and ensure they are fixed, not subject to change.
How much experience do you have?
Laying a paved driveway requires precision and skill. Not installing them with the correct technique can have monumental consequences that not only puts your home at risk but can be very expensive to rectify. The contractor you choose must have plenty of experience in paving driveways. The more experience they have, the more likely they have dealt with complex projects and know how to get the best result without having to compromise on integrity due to lack of knowledge.
Who will be conducting work on my driveway?
More often than not, there will be more than one contractor on site for a paved driveway installation. It’s always a good idea to ask who will be working on your driveway and what kind of qualifications they hold. All workers should be trade professionals who have extensive experience with this type of work. It’s one thing for the contractor to be highly skilled and experienced, but if the rest of the team isn’t, you may potentially run into issues with the standard of workmanship down the track.
What materials will be used in the installation process?
A driveway is a high traffic area that is exposed to the elements and excessive weight for extended periods. It needs to be sturdy, and the right materials need to be used from the get-go to ensure it lasts. It’s an expensive endeavor and not something you want to have to do in the near future. Ask your contractor what’s involved in the installation process and what kind of materials will be used at each stage. A major consideration for any hardscaping project, such as a driveway is drainage. Ensure this has been factored in, as well as the weight-bearing capabilities of your Commerical Pavers, they need to be able to withstand constant pressure from vehicles driving and parking on it.
Are you licensed and insured?
This is a really good question to ask your contractor, and surprisingly, it’s one that many don’t ask. A licensed contractor will ensure that you have a legally binding contract drawn up between the two of you, and they will execute work to meet industry standards. Insurance covers you if something goes wrong or if something gets damaged in the process of installing your new driveway. This prevents you from being out of pocket for the repairs and with a big job like this, they can be excessive depending on the damage.
Do you have references and examples of previous jobs?
Just taking a contractor’s word for it without any prior research isn’t the smartest idea, you should ask to see examples of their previous jobs and check out their references as well. Seeing the quality of their projects and looking at what others have to say about their work is a great way to check if they are legitimate or not. If the contractor is reluctant to do this, you should be asking yourself why. Most reputable paving contractors will be happy to do this, and many will even provide it to you without even asking.
Do you organise permit approvals if needed?
If you are planning on changing the design of your driveway, you should ask your contractor if you need a permit, and if you do, if they will organise it on your behalf. Failing to do this when necessary can result in fines.
Ensuring you hire someone reputable can save a lot of headaches down the track!
A driveway repair or replacement should be handled by a reputable professional. Spending a little bit of extra time now to find someone who completes work of a high standard can save you time and money later on.
If you are looking for a paving contractor here in Perth, contact us here at Bonita Stone, we handcraft pavers and work closely with a few teams that deliver superior work each and every time. Get in touch today for more information.