You can take your outdoor space from drab to fab with a concrete paver hardscape
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Imagine enjoying a beautiful spring day in your current outdoor space. Now imagine relaxing on your dream patio or pool deck. Adding pavers to your outdoor space can give you the backyard of your dreams but hiring the best paver installation contractor is the first step.
Finding a reliable paver contractor who sees your vision and can complete it competently and within your budget parameters can be tricky. There are a ton of contractors out there, but how do you find the right one?
Start out by spending some time online to find paver installation contractors in your area. Then take a look at their online reviews to get a sense of their local reputation, demeanor, and expertise.
Once you’ve found a few professional paver installers to talk to, there are additional steps to take to ensure your hardscaping project turns out just like you’ve imagined. You should have a plan in mind before meeting with your potential contractor.
Take some notes about what you want. Is it your dream patio? A posh pool deck? Having a clear picture of your project can help make this process easier.
Then do some digging to check references and make a list of questions for your contractor. Being thorough is the most important step in making sure your outdoor paradise comes to life.
Don’t just settle for the first pro you find. You should obtain at least three quotes from different pros and discuss what affects the final price. The price you pay is going to be a huge deciding factor when choosing your paver contractor, so be sure they have the most accurate information possible when determining your quote.
There are a number of things to consider about your hardscape project to ensure your quote is as close to the final bill as possible.
Square footage
Slope of yard
Type of paver
Pattern or placement of pavers
Drainage requirements
Landscaping or other elements they’ll need to work around
Checking your pro’s qualifications and references is arguably the most important step in choosing who will ultimately install your hardscape.
Unlike plumbers, electricians, and other specialized contractors, paver contractors are not required to have special licensure. Paving contractors are able to learn their trade via on-the-job training or through apprenticeship programs with established paver installers.
Choosing a contractor with ample experience who is also certified through the Interlocking Concrete Paver Institute (ICPI), which is a voluntary organization, is a great way to determine if the contractor you’re interviewing is the one you should hire for your project.
Also, ask to see a portfolio of the contractor’s previous work so you can see for yourself if you like the results.
To help you choose the best paver installer for your project, there are a few questions you should ask during your initial interview.
Are you insured and bonded?
Are you certified through the ICPI?
Is your work guaranteed? For how long?
Do you offer design services for client projects?
How long will installation take?
Do you have references and/or a portfolio of previous work?
Do you provide free estimates?
Will you provide a written contract before starting work?
Choosing your pro is just the beginning. Once you’ve decided which contractor to hire, it's time to talk business. Signing a contract, discussing payment, and understanding what to do if things don’t work out are essential to your peace of mind, especially with large projects like outdoor paver hardscapes.
Include a list of things the homeowner and pro should agree on, including the down payment, payment structure, final payoff, and more.
Once you’ve hired your chosen contractor, it’s time to get down to brass tacks. Ask your contractor if they provide contracts for their clients. Signing a contract will protect you if the contractor fails to provide the services you agreed upon or does not complete the work up to industry standard.
Finding out how your contractor expects to be paid is also an important step. Do they require a deposit? Is the full payment due when the work is complete or can you pay in installments if you wish? Hammering out payment details beforehand will save you some stress down the line.
Keeping accurate records during the process is vital, especially if it’s an in-depth, large-scale project like a pool deck or intricate pattern work. Taking photos of progress and recording the hours worked will come in handy if things don’t go according to plan. Keep copies of all communication with your contractor, including emails, texts, and transcripts or notes about phone calls.
Once the work on your outdoor paver hardscape is complete, you’re not quite done. After approving the completed work, you should confirm your payment arrangements with your contractor, whether you’ve worked out an installment plan or plan to pay in full.
If you’re satisfied with the work, your contractor may ask to use you as a reference for their future clients. Also, whether you’re satisfied with the work or not, you should decide if you want to leave an online review.
The cost to add pavers to your driveway, patio, or walkway is $10 to $30 per square foot, including the installation fee. Prices vary based on the paver material you choose. Concrete tends to be the cheapest option, followed closely by brick and slate. Porcelain and natural stone are slightly more expensive, costing upwards of $50 per square foot to install.
Yes! Many homeowners can lay pavers themselves, even with no prior experience. It’s a moderately challenging DIY task because it requires physical labor, several tools, and a bit of time, depending on the size of the project. However, it can save a lot of money, especially if you’re covering a large area. On average, purchasing pavers costs $2 to $5 per square foot.
Kristi Pahr contributed to this article.
