Leen Van Bergen, vice president of Union City’s System Pavers, says it’s not unusual for paving companies to be asked to repair jobs that have been abandoned by other crews. He’s even been asked to testify in court cases involving unscrupulous crews who’ve taken advantage of clients and their money. “When you hire a paving company, it’s absolutely crucial to make sure it’s legitimate,” he says.
Mr. Van Bergen notes the existence of rules that regulate the maximum deposit allowable for a paving job, how payments can be collected, and who must be licensed. He advises consumers to confirm their contractor is licensed, insured, bonded, and carries full workers’ compensation. “As a homeowner, make sure you have no liability,” he says.
Reputable contactors are also far more likely to follow basic installation guidelines that, when ignored, can cause pavers to fail prematurely. “I’ve seen installations with too much sand, hardly any base material, or pavers that have been used in the wrong application for a driveway,” says Mr. Van Bergen. Homeowners should confirm that their contractors are using the best available stone materials rather than “seconds,” he says.
Like most homeowners considering a paving project for their home, you’re probably unfamiliar with these best-practice guidelines. Therefore, your best recourse is to hire a reputable company. That way, you’ll feel comfortable trusting its employees to act with integrity and skill.
