Guide for Building The Perfect Paver Patio

Question to Ask

What to Look for in Each Answer

How long have you been installing pavers?

A trustworthy contractor should have installed a minimum of 10,000 square feet of pavers or installed pavers for a minimum of two years.

Will you follow ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute) specifications for the installation?

You should expect the contractor to either be ICPI Certified or be able to provide documentation of their process and the exact specifications for your project.

Do you guarantee your work for at least one year?

A contractor that is willing to come back and fix any flaws—and willing to provide documentation that they will follow through, is worth trusting.

Will you return in one year to inspect it?

Your paver installer can’t do a shoddy job if they are required to come inspect it after some wear and tear.

How long will the project take and what hours of the day will you be working?

Look for consistency and specifics, such as, “We’ll work on your project Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until it’s complete.” This is the sign of an organized and professional operator. An answer like “We’ll be in and out depending on the projects going on,” is a sign that your project will be an expression of their mess of a business.

Do you have a CCB/LCB number and current liability insurance?

Your contractor should be insured for any damage or injuries that occur on your property—and be able to prove it.

Please provide documentation that your contractor’s worker’s compensation insurance covers the whole job and crew.

A contractor that’s willing to provide this documentation, and has it onhand, is a good sign. Don’t trust anyone who doesn’t have or can’t prove worker’s comp insurance.

Will you do a written, itemized proposal outlining the scope of work and terms of payment?

A detailed proposal, scope, and specifications for your specific project will give you confidence in the contractor and their work. However, a quick and dirty quote is a sign that the contractor doesn’t have the experience to back up their work, or they’re not thorough enough to critically think through the requirements of your project beforehand.

Question to Ask

What to Look for in Each Answer

Can you access the area easily?

It’s important that you, your contractor, and your supplier can access your area to deliver and install your paving stones. If it’s a difficult area to work in, is there a way to make it more accessible?

Are there roots you’ll have to cut through to establish your base?

Roots won’t stop you, but they can create more work. Just be aware so you have the tools and the time to remove any roots.

Do you know where utilities are, and where they aren’t?

Before you start your project, call 811 and get a locate on your utilities. This will help you know where you can place your project, and where you can dig when you’re ready to start.

Where can you get gravel and sand?

In addition to paving stones and retaining wall blocks, you’ll need gravel and sand. Be sure you know where you’re going to get that before you start.

If you need to return, how do you do that?

Be prepared to have leftover material at the end of your project. Know where you can return, recycle, or remove after the project is complete.

If you need more material, what do you do?

Make sure you have available a truck, trailer, or know someone who does before you start because you might need it to get more supplies at some point in your project.

Where are you going to put the dump truckload of material?

When your contractor has a plan, that should give you confidence to hire them. In their initial walkthrough of your project, they should have a good idea for where a good place to dump the material would be.

Where are you going to put the product?

Just as it’s encouraging when your contractor has a plan for where to put the aggregate material, they should also have a plan for where to place the product. Be sure to have the conversation so you’re on the same page.

Is your land level?

Plan for any grading that you’ll have to do as a part of your excavation phase. Know where you’ll slope your project for drainage.

Is any additional drainage needed?

If your project is at the bottom of a slope or next to your house, prepare for any additional drainage needed, whether that’s a strip of permeable pavers, a dry well, or a french drain.