Choosing a Contractor, Driveway and Patio Tips
When people use a service or purchase a product and are happy with the results they will usually recommend the company to 5 people. So the first thing to to is ask family and friends if they have used anyone and if they were happy with the results. You will also get tips about the behaviour of the workers too- did the job start and end when supposed to? did they leave mess at the end of the job? were they pleasant to have around?
Another good way to choose a contractor for your driveway or patio is just too keep an eye out when driving around, most will leave a sign board outside jobs they are doing so when you see work in your area be nosey, many people will chat to the men while working and snoop around- this is quite normal so don't feel shy as the workers are very used to it. At the end of the job knocking on the customers door to see what they thing is also common, again dont be shy, most people will be happy to show off their new driveway or share the fact that they've had a bad experience.
Word of mouth is very important in this business, the better companies will do very little advertising as they know this. In fact it is advisable to not let any advertising or salesmen convince you in any way, just get the company name and ask around. Selling door to door is very common and its is advisable to never let anyone convince you on your doorstep, just ask for a card and get rid of them.
Apart from word of mouth recommendations, the next thing to look at is the Marshalls Register of apporved contractors. Marshalls is the biggest company selling concrete paving and has an excellent reputation. Only a certain amount of companies are allowed on this list and they have to prove they are worthy, so check their weblist or call them and they will be happy to recommend people to you.
It is advisable to invite 3 contractors to give you a quotation for the work. Start judging and analysing them straight away, you'll soon get good or bad feelings about them. Ask them the questions on the driveway and patio advice checklist but use your instincts too. Prices can vary massively but picking the cheapest price is asking for trouble. Try to base your choice on other factors, if one company is 1,000 cheaper you will feel very very good if you get a perfect job, but the chances of that happening will be likely be slim.
Make sure you have a written quote which will help avoid misunderstandings, be wary of contractors that won't provide this. If you are unsure of any aspects e.g. materials to be used and specifications, ask for them to be detailed in writing before agreeing to the deal. Also if you can wait it's likely that you will get a lower price in winter months especially just before of after Christmas, as this is the quietest time of the year for contractors.
Another good way to choose a contractor for your driveway or patio is just too keep an eye out when driving around, most will leave a sign board outside jobs they are doing so when you see work in your area be nosey, many people will chat to the men while working and snoop around- this is quite normal so don't feel shy as the workers are very used to it. At the end of the job knocking on the customers door to see what they thing is also common, again dont be shy, most people will be happy to show off their new driveway or share the fact that they've had a bad experience.
Word of mouth is very important in this business, the better companies will do very little advertising as they know this. In fact it is advisable to not let any advertising or salesmen convince you in any way, just get the company name and ask around. Selling door to door is very common and its is advisable to never let anyone convince you on your doorstep, just ask for a card and get rid of them.
Apart from word of mouth recommendations, the next thing to look at is the Marshalls Register of apporved contractors. Marshalls is the biggest company selling concrete paving and has an excellent reputation. Only a certain amount of companies are allowed on this list and they have to prove they are worthy, so check their weblist or call them and they will be happy to recommend people to you.
It is advisable to invite 3 contractors to give you a quotation for the work. Start judging and analysing them straight away, you'll soon get good or bad feelings about them. Ask them the questions on the driveway and patio advice checklist but use your instincts too. Prices can vary massively but picking the cheapest price is asking for trouble. Try to base your choice on other factors, if one company is 1,000 cheaper you will feel very very good if you get a perfect job, but the chances of that happening will be likely be slim.
Make sure you have a written quote which will help avoid misunderstandings, be wary of contractors that won't provide this. If you are unsure of any aspects e.g. materials to be used and specifications, ask for them to be detailed in writing before agreeing to the deal. Also if you can wait it's likely that you will get a lower price in winter months especially just before of after Christmas, as this is the quietest time of the year for contractors.
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