16 Sep 5 Tips When Hiring a Paver Installation Contractor
Adding a new patio, driveway or other paver installation to your home is a decision literally as hard and binding as concrete. You shouldn’t trust just anyone for such an important job, so here are some pointers on what to look for in a paver installation company before signing a contract.
1. Choose a Company that Specializes in Installing Pavers
I realize this might seem intuitive, but it is worth pointing out. There are a lot of landscaping companies that offer paver installation. Paver installation is delicate work. Mistakes are difficult to correct, so make sure your project is done to perfection the first time by only considering companies with several years of experience and expertise in installing pavers.
2. Research the Company’s Reputation
- Make sure their license and insurance are up to date by checking the Contractors State License Board website.
- Check the Better Business Bureau website to make sure the company has no unresolved consumer complaints.
- Read customer reviews from reputable online sources.
- Make sure the company is certified by the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute.
- Check the company’s website and brochures for badges of recognition that indicate working relationships with well-known manufacturers.
3. Prepare for the First Meeting
Once you’ve assessed the company’s credibility, you’re ready for an onsite meeting to discuss your project. Before scheduling the appointment, look at the contractor’s online catalog to get an idea of what you want your installation to look like and what purposes it will serve. This will help the contractor determine which materials are needed and how long the project should take. You should ask for a consistent start and stop time to make sure their schedule works around your own.
All contractors should guarantee their work and offer free repairs during a warranty time after the project is completed. Experienced contractors will gladly show off their work, so be sure to ask for referrals. Meeting people who have used the contractor previously is the best way to get a sense of their reputation.
4. Get a Price in Writing
Once the project details are discussed and before the contract is signed, ask for a fixed price in writing. This could require some calculations on the contractor’s part, so they may send you a proposal by mail or email a few days after the first meeting.
5. The Contract Checklist
Before you sign your name, read over the contract several times to make sure everything you discussed is in writing including a sketch of the finished project. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – this is a potentially life-long decision!
BONUS:
American Outdoor Living meets all of the criteria listed above, but we offer one feature that makes us stand out from other contractors: our 3D Design Center. Instead of providing clients with a simple sketch, we can build a digital model of your ideal patio, driveway, walkway or retaining wall to make sure it perfectly fits your vision before we start work. In addition to simple brick pavers, our options for stone pavers include Travertine, slate and other high quality materials that will add an air of elegance to any yard which can all be seen in our beautiful showroom and outdoor living area. Call us for a consultation to start planning your paver project today.
Call us for a consultation to start planning your paver project today. Call us at 407-847-9322 or fill out our online request for quote. One of our design consultants will meet with you to discuss your paver project.