Alameda – Paving Stones

Use a list of prepared questions as you interview local paving stone contractors in Alameda County, including those in the cities of Alameda, Union City, Pleasanton, Newark and Dublin. This will help you stay focused during your interview and you will be able to compare answers from each contractor more satisfactorily. It also may become clear which Alameda County paving stone company is the best choice for you.

The following questions will get you started:

• Has your paving stone installation company earned and maintained a Diamond Certified rating?
• Do you charge for estimates?
• Do you offer paving stone design services?
• What guarantees and warranties do you offer on your paving stone products and pavers installation?
• Do you carry liability insurance?
• Do you have worker's compensation insurance?
• How long have you been in business?
• How long have you been installing paving stones in Alameda County?
• How many paving stone installation projects have you completed?

It's best to choose a Diamond Certified paving stone contractor because all certified companies have passed an in-depth ratings process that most other companies can't pass. If you want quality from a paving stone contractor in Alameda County and the greater Bay Area, you can have confidence choosing a Diamond Certified company. Diamond Certified reports are available online for all certified companies. And you'll never be fooled by fake reviews. That's because all research is performed in live telephone interviews of actual customers.

If you can't find a Diamond Certified paving stone contractor within reach, you'll have to do some research on your own. If you do, it's wise to call some references provided by your paving stone contractor. Keep in mind, though, that references provided to you by the paving stone contractor are not equal in value to the large random sample of customers surveyed during the Diamond Certified ratings process. That's because references given to customers from companies are cherry-picked instead of randomly selected from all their customers. So the contractors will likely give you a few customers to call that they know are satisfied.

If you do call references on your own, specifically ask for a list of the company's 10 most recent customers. This will help avoid them giving you the names of only customers they know were satisfied.

• Were you satisfied with the service from this local paving stone contractor?
• What type of paving stones were used for your job? (Concrete pavers, natural pavers, non-pourous pavers, interlocking pavers, etc.)
• Did the paving stone company finish the work on schedule?
• Did they show up for work on time?
• Would you recommend this paving stone contractor to your friends and family?
• When you need this work done in the future, will you choose this same company?
• Did they clean up after they completed the job?
• Did they keep communication with you up to date on the status of your project?
• If you live in a smaller area such as Russell City, San Lorenzo and Sunol, did the paving stone contractors charge you extra to cover travel expenses?

Paving stones do not have to be a major financial setback. Plan your budget and stick to it. After you have found an Alameda County paving stone company in Alameda County that you can trust, you will have peace of mind having your paving stones installed.

First, meet with the contractor. Use the notes that you have taken so you can accurately describe any concerns that you have. Be as detailed as possible and don't be in a rush. It is as important for you to hear their suggestions and observations as it is for them to hear you. If you don't understand something, ask for an explanation. You need to completely comprehend the plan and any problems or solutions.

Be sure to get all estimates in writing before any work begins. The estimate should include an itemized list of the cost of supplies and the labor. Don't ever sign a blank estimate.

Committing To an Alameda County Paving Stone Contractor You Trust
When you feel satisfied with the information you have received from your Alameda County paving stone contractor, sign the contract. Be sure that they have a phone number where you can be reached at all times.

Expect the contractor to stay within the estimate. However, if the actual paving stone costs exceed the original amount of the estimate, the contractor must get your approval before moving ahead.

Preparing Your House and Yard for Installing Your New Pavers
Professional paving stone contractors are able to handle the very small to very large aspects of their work. However, there are some things that you can do to prepare for them and to make their progress in putting in your paving stones go more smoothly and more quickly. Doing these things may even cut down on their labor costs and can keep your home and belongings from being damaged.

Remove any furniture or movable items from the area where the paving stone contractor will be working. Before they begin work, remove anything that may be in the way such as barbecues. The more you do the more quickly they can get to work.

Keep your pets and children away from the area. Your paving stone contractor will be focused on installing your paving stones and should not have to watch out for your pets or children at any time. This not only prevents accidents and injury but also any expense that comes from accidents that may happen because of children and pets being in the way.

Provide parking space and room for their work vehicles to maneuver. Some paving stone contractors have large vehicles that require more space than average. Contact your contractor before they begin and ask them how many parking spaces they need and how much room they need for oversized vehicles. It is also helpful to walk through the area with your contractor so any hazards or clearance issues can be pointed out before installation of your paving stones.

Trim plants and bushes that are in the way. You can save money and time by preparing the area for building by trimming or removing any plants, trees or bushes that are in the way. Ask your contractor what they recommend and the amount of space they require.

When your paving stone installation is complete, most good contractors will give you a written invoice that details the completed work.

This type of invoice usually includes:

• The concrete paver contractor's name, physical address and license number.
• Any applicable warrantees or guarantees provided by the paving stone manufacturers and the installation company.
• An itemized list of all concrete pavers/natural stone pavers and installation supplies purchased.
• A list of all services performed.
• The total cost for supplies, including the amount due for labor.

It's smart to compare the completed work with the written invoice. Ask your paving stone contractor to walk through the jobsite with you and show you the completed installation. During the walk-through, ask if there are any special instructions for cleaning and maintaining your paving stones. This is also a good time to verify warranties and ask any questions you mayhave about the work or materials.

The top requests for types of pavers and paving stone services in Alameda County are listed below.

Brick Paving Stones
Brick pavers are made with cement, sand, water, and other materials. After being mixed together, they are fired at a very high temperature. Brick pavers are very durable.

Concrete Paving Stones
Concrete pavers come in a variety of colors and styles. They require very little maintenance and are very strong. Repairing is easy and interlocking paving stones allow them to move without damage.

Natural Stone Paving Stones
Natural stone paving stones are not manufactured as are concrete pavers, but rather are naturally occurring. They may be mined stone or cut stone. Natural stone pavers are often more expensive; however, they are one of the most popular choices for gardens and natural areas.

Interlocking Paving Stones / Interlocking Pavers
Interlocking paving stones connect to each other so that it limits their movement. They are usually made of concrete or cement and don't require mortar. Sand is used as the base.

Garden Paving Stones
Garden paving stones are used for a variety of areas including paths and sidewalk areas. Many use them as stepping stones. Garden paving stones also work well for edging garden areas. They keep your garden from being trampled by unknowing guests. The way garden paving stones are laid out can provide direction for walking around a garden area.

Glass Paving Stones
Glass paving stones can be used for paving but they are not the same as those used for windows and walls. Glass paving stones can be illuminated and as a result they have a striking appearance. If you are putting in lighting, there will be other considerations such as drainage that will need to be taken into account.

Pool Paving Stones
Pool paving stones are used around a pool area. They have many colors and styles and a variety of materials to choose from. One of the issues with using pavers is to choose a foundation and sealer that is stable. Sand needs to be kept from washing into the pool. Also, the pavers must be non-slip for safety.

Walkway Paving Stones
Walkway paving stones can be used for both commercial and residential projects. They can be used for driveways, courtyards, balconies and patios. They come in many colors and shapes and sizes. Walkway paving stones add elegance and beauty. They are very easy to maintain with sweeping and rinsing or washing.

Driveway Paving Stones
Driveway paving stones are becoming very popular. They not only look beautiful but they can increase the value of your home. A paving stone driveway does need a protective coating applied every couple of years. You can choose from brick, concrete, interlock and many other materials.

Granite Paving Stones Granite paving stones have been around for a long time. It is used for patios and walkways. Granite is quarried and comes with a large variety of colors and patterns. Granite is completely fireproof and heat resistant which makes it an excellent choice. Granite is one of the more expensive materials but it will last for years.

Top Brand Requests for New Pavers
The following brands of stone pavers are some of the most commonly requested. Ask your paving stone contractor which brands of pavers they recommend for your particular job.

• CST Pavers
• Pavers By Ideal
• Nicolock Interlocking Paving Stones
• Cambridge Pavingstones
• Unilock Paving Stones
• McNear Brick & Block
• American Pavers
• Cambridge Cobble
• Belgard Pavers
• Oldcastle Pavers

aggregate
Aggregate is a combination of crushed rock, sand and gravel. It is used as a base for pavers.

Base
Base is a layer of aggregate which is used as a foundation for pavers. This base supports the pavers.

Also known as: base material

blending pavers
Blending pavers refers to when 2 or more colors of paving stones are used.

Also known as: blending paving stones

brick pavers
Brick pavers are made from clay and shale and are fired. They are usually stronger than bricks.

Also known as: brick paving stones

cambridge pavers
Cambridge pavers are made by Cambridge Pavingstones. They are sturdy and have a coating that protects their strength and color.

cantera pavers
Cantera pavers are made from volcanic ash. They are lightweight and can be used in fountains, barbecues, etc.

cement-aggregate ratio
Cement-aggregate ratio is the ratio of cement to aggregate and is measured by weight usually.

clay
Clay is used for pavers which are best for paving driveways and patios. The color doesn't fade and they are strong.

Cobblestones
Cobblestone pavers are made from riverbed rocks. They are usually used in decorative paving.

concrete paving stones
Concrete pavers are concrete based paving stones. They are strong and durable and come in many colors, shapes and sizes.

Also known as: concrete pavers

concrete sand
Concrete sand is used for aggregate and base layers for paving stones.

crushed rock
Crushed rock is used an an aggregate and base for pavers. It can also be used for a decorative layer.

denated pavers
Denated pavers are round or odd-shaped.

Also known as: denated paving stones

edge pavers
Edge pavers are pavers that are used to edge paths or sidewalks or driveways. They can be purchased with straight edges or made straight by the contractor.

Also known as: edge stones

edge restraints
Edge restraints are used to keep pavers in place at the edge of driveways or sidewalks.

engraved pavers
Engraved pavers are pavers that have been engraved or etched with images. Words may also be engraved.

Also known as: engraved paving stones

erosion
Erosion happens when weather wears away soil or rocks. Some pavers are made to limit erosion.

freeze-thaw durability
Freeze-thaw durability is the ability of pavers to stand up to freezing and thawing cycles.

frost action
Frost action is the action of freezing and thawing on paving stones which causes cracking and chipping.

frost heave
Frost heave is the movement of the ground upward which may lift pavers. Pavers should have some room for frost heave.

installing
The process of putting in or installing for use.

Also known as: installation

interlocking paving stones
Interlocking paving stones are pavers that are locked together creating a solid surface.

Also known as: interlocking pavers

landscape paving stones
Landscape paving stones are pavers that are used for landscaping yards.

Also known as: landscape pavers

paving stones
Paving stones are bricks or stones used for paving.

Also known as: pavers, paver stones, paving bricks

paving stones designs
Paving stones designs are bricks or stones used for paving that are put into a planned pattern or design.

Also known as: paving stone designs,

paving stones installation
Paving stones installation is the process of installing or laying paving stones.

Also known as: paver installation, installing paving stones, laying paving stones

types of paving stones
Types of paving stones are the choice of different materials or types of paving stones which can be made of granite, concrete, or other materials.