IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK PATIO COMPANIES BEFORE WORK BEGINS
If your garden is looking a little lacklustre or needs to be rejuvenated, a patio may well be the perfect place to start. As a focal point of your garden, where many outdoor social gatherings will take place, a garden patio must be designed and installed to perfection to achieve functionality and the desired aesthetics.
Hiring the right pavers is a crucial part of the process. To ensure you make the right choice, we’ve made a list of a few essential questions you should ask potential contractors before work begins.
How much will the patio installation cost?
When making any significant changes to your home, at the forefront of your mind will be the cost, this question needs to be asked sooner rather than later. If the amount a company is charging is out of your budget and they’re not willing to negotiate, there is no point in wasting valuable time that could be spent finding a service that’s more suitable.
It is important to be aware that the cheapest quote may not necessarily be the best option as this could be reflective of a substandard service. It’s always tempting to go for the cheapest price available, but if the company lacks professionalism, it will end up causing you problems further down the line. If they do a particularly awful job, you may have to pay out more money to rectify their mistakes. With this in mind, it’s important to consider prices carefully and look at them in conjunction with other aspects of the business to ensure you’re not hiring substandard paving contractors.
Speaking to a few different companies about your plans for your garden to obtain rough quotes and examine their credentials allows you to compare pricing and choose the option that best suits your budgetary requirements.
Do your patio builders offer a design service?
The design of your patio should well considered in order to maximise space, it should be large and sturdy enough to house your patio furniture, it’s likely you’ll want a patio that creates the right look and provides the desired function in your garden.
It’s essential to assure that your chosen contractor offers design assistance as part of their service. A paver with specialised experience will be able to offer expert advice on all aspects of the design such as the size, layout and materials used. Combining your design ideas with the expertise of a patio design professional will ensure you end up with a patio that’s both practical and aesthetically appealing.
Can they show you a portfolio detailing previous projects?
While paving contractors will likely be able to talk you through their achievements to date, it may be an idea to see if they can show you a portfolio demonstrating previous projects that they have been involved in. Seeing photographic evidence of a contractor’s work will give you more of an idea regarding their capabilities, plus, it’ll allow you to envisage some patio possibilities for your upcoming project.
A portfolio is something contractors will likely be able to provide upon request or, alternatively, they will have it displayed on their website. First impressions can be instrumental in helping you choose a patio paver that’s right for you, looking through a portfolio will demonstrate where a company’s experience lies and whether they’re professional enough for the challenge.
What is the estimated time frame for the project?
When it comes to property or garden renovations, delays and setbacks are sometimes inevitable. A contractor can do everything according to schedule but occasionally, there are unforeseen complications that simply can’t be planned for. From bad weather to drainage/ pipe issues, there are certain obstacles that could delay the completion of your project, however, a contractor should be able to provide you with an estimated time frame for the project so that you can organise your schedule accordingly.
You could also ask what obstacles your contractors are most at risk of facing, this will ensure you’re prepared for some eventualities and you’ll know how to adjust so that disruption to your schedule is kept to a minimum.
It is essential to ensure that the business is covered by public liability insurance. This will ensure that, in the event of an accident or any damage to your property, you will not be held accountable. Before any work begins in your garden, it’s essential to ensure that your contractors are covered or you could be liable for charges further down the line.
At D. McCarthy Brothers Ltd, we specialise in driveways and paving and offer a myriad of services to both domestic and commercial clients. From playgrounds and tennis courts to patios and car parks, our expertise knows no bounds, and our contractors are committed to producing top-quality results on every project.
As a business with over 32 years of experience in the industry, we pride ourselves on offering a service that’s second to none. All our contractors are trained to the highest standard and our customers are at the heart of everything we do. To have a look at a few examples of our work from previous projects, why not take a look at our portfolio on our website. Be assured that we care covered by appropriate, up to date insurance cover and have certification from Safe Contractor, FMB, Construction Line and CHAS. Alternatively, to discuss your upcoming project with a member of our team, contact us today and revamp your garden with D. McCarthy Brothers Ltd.