How to Select a Good Paving Contractor

Quality paving installation comes at a premium. Since 1995 we have seen many paving installations and problems on sites. The installation of paving is a skill and it costs money to do it properly. Herewith some common questions to ask a contractor in order to assess if you will get what you expect.

The questions below will guide you in identifying what aspects a contractor should adhere to in order to ensure a structurally sound paving installation. The table will help you identify the difference between a good, risky and bad paving contractor.

This type of contractor is seen as World Class and are recommended but keep in mind that it will cost more.
Paving installed by these contractors is guaranteed to last a lifetime.

This type of contractor is seen as Risky and should reconsidered.
Although it is a cheaper option, generally these contractors walk a fine line in order to be price competitive.
Paving will last but sagging, ponding and edge failures might appear very early on if any of the above aspects are not adhered to.

This type of contractor is seen as Incompetent and is not recommended. It may be the cheapest option, but sometimes cheap means expensive.
Paving is guaranteed to fail.

 

Type of Contractor

Questions to ask a paving contractor

World Class

Risky

Incompetent
Will you dig up any soil?
Will you construct a foundation layer with G5 material or similar?
Will you compact the foundation layer using a roller or heavy plate compactor?
Do you have a plan for drainage and water runoff?
Will you lay pavers and kerbs on edges in concrete and haunch it with concrete?
Are you going to bed the pavers in moist bedding sand, screeded in sections?
Will you have a plate compactor on site all the time when installing my driveway?
Will you install flagstones on a concrete bed?
Will you move pavers on site without tipping wheelbarrows?
Will you draw pavers from different packs when installing?
Will your cutting be clean, straight and accurate?
Will you grout my flagstones with special paving grout?
Will you have experienced supervision on site?
Will you remove rubble promptly?
Will you have a toilet on site?
Cleanliness and professionalism?
Good admin and systems?
Do you require a deposit? Usually requires 50% upfront If the contractor wants more than 50% upfront, you are at risk. Usually requires more than 50% upfront.
Will you try substitute quality pavers with a cheaper product from an unreliable supplier?
Can I contact the contractor even after installation is complete?
Will the contractor take responsibility if things go wrong?
 

Type of Contractor

Questions to ask a paving contractor

World Class

Risky

Incompetent
Will you dig up any soil?
Will you construct a foundation layer with G5 material or similar?
Will you compact the foundation layer using a roller or heavy plate compactor?
Do you have a plan for drainage and water runoff?
Will you lay pavers and kerbs on edges in concrete and haunch it with concrete?
Are you going to bed the pavers in moist bedding sand, screeded in sections?
Will you have a plate compactor on site all the time when installing my driveway?
Will you install flagstones on a concrete bed?
Will you move pavers on site without tipping wheelbarrows?
Will you draw pavers from different packs when installing?
Will your cutting be clean, straight and accurate?
Will you grout my flagstones with special paving grout?
Will you have experienced supervision on site?
Will you remove rubble promptly?
Will you have a toilet on site?
Cleanliness and professionalism?
Good admin and systems?
Do you require a deposit? Usually requires 50% upfront If the contractor wants more than 50% upfront, you are at risk. Usually requires more than 50% upfront.
Will you try substitute quality pavers with a cheaper product from an unreliable supplier?
Can I contact the contractor even after installation is complete?
Will the contractor take responsibility if things go wrong?