If you are cold called by a block paving contractor there is nothing to say whether they are genuine or not. They well could be, but if you want to avoid the cowboy driveway installers then you must first check to see if they re what they say they are. Always make checks to see if the block paving contractors are genuine by following some or preferably all of the advise given below. You should never say yes to any paving work being carried out straight away. If possible sleep on the decision, if they are a genuine business they will know this is fine. Always consult a friend or family member before agreeing to any work to get another opinion on having paving laid and the prices quoted.
Ask to See Their ID.
If they don’t have any ID then don’t trust them. Don’t just accept a business card as ID. The business card could belong to anybody. If you do accept a business card from the contractor then keep it in a safe place. If there is a number on there give it a ring before you agree to any work being done on the driveway or patio.
Look at Their Previous Work.
A good reliable block paving installer should be able to show you block paving work that they have carried out before. If they cannot show you any work they have done why take the chance. If they do show you previous work then go and have a look. Make sure that the block paving work they show you was actually installed by them. Knock on the door and ask the owners for confirmation. Most people will be glad to help when asked. If possible always look at a few different kinds of work they have carried out and not just recent work. If you want to be really sure always look at block paving jobs that were carried out a few years ago. Block paving is designed to last 10 years or more so their work should still be OK after a few years.
Do They Belong to a Trade Body.
There are plenty of trade bodies associated with paving and landscaping contractors that install block paving so it can be easy to check out the paving company before you agree to any work being carried out. If they are a member of a trade body then ring the trade body up and check to see whether they are still a member. For all you know they could have been thrown out yet they are still using the information.
Do They Have a Business Telephone Number.
Almost all good companies will have a fixed line telephone number. Don’t just accept a mobile number as a contact telephone number. Ring up the number and speak to the person that you have spoken to about the block paving installation. If there is any problem with the driveway or patio at a later date then you at least have a phone number that is fixed by an address.
Do They Have a Home or Business Address.
There address should be clearly written on any contact details that they give you. Check to see whether this address is genuine. You can easily check postcodes on line. if it means going to the tradesman’s address that is displayed on the business card or other paperwork that is given to you by the paver to have a look to see if they do live at the address then that may satisfy you that the contractor is genuine.
Can They Give You a Trade Reference.
Many suppliers of block paving bricks and sand, like builders yards and hire centre’s will know the contractors well, so check with them to see if they would recommend them.
Check to See What Guarantee They Offer
Many of the leading manufactures of block paving offer a 10 year guarantee against faults with their paving bricks which will be passed on by good contractors. In addition to the paving manufactures guarantee the paving company should also offer a guarantee on how the paving is laid and how many years guarantee you get against workmanship.
Summary
Check Organizations like trading standards, Safe Trader and Help Direct if you are looking for recommendations for driveway companies in your local area. Remember if you are unsure about hiring a block paving contractor to carry out a paving installation then don’t hire them. Never make snap decisions or take an offer that sound to good to be true. Find someone you do trust. Remember one of the best sources of information is word of mouth. If you can get 3 or more estimates for doing the work then this is always recommended. I would always suggest getting three written estimates to carry out block paving work. You don’t necessarily have to choose the cheapest or dearest but choose the one who satisfies most, if not all of the above recommendations.
Remember also, that you have a 7 day cancellation period to any work you agree to under the law. This is called the seven day cooling off period.