How do i choose the right contractor - Block paving drive

batty betty · Post: # 36600Post **batty betty** Mon Apr 13, 2009 12:18 am

i am thinking of having the drive block paved.i've had afew quotes but i don't know who to go with.are there any specific questions i need to ask?also ,if i choose clay,does it need a sealant?one contractor said a new sand has come on the market which will help to maintain the drive for longer.is this so?thanks :;):

williams · Post: # 36601Post **williams** Mon Apr 13, 2009 12:59 am

Do some research on whats meant to be done and then ask specific questions like how deep is the sub base, are the edges laid on concrete, ask to see previous work and take note of attention to detail.
Go with who you believe will be the most genuine.

I think i have heard of this sand, its like kiln but water is applied after so it doesnt wash out or get any weeds allegedly, im not sure how true that is, i had a leaflet through my front door a few months back.
Normal kiln dried sand will suffice imo, theres always a bit of maintenance involved, look after it and it will look good for a very long time.

Mon Apr 13, 2009 1:09 pm

always go on recommendation and visual inspection of previous work, the cheapest is unlikely to be the best
LLL

batty betty · Post: # 36629Post **batty betty** Mon Apr 13, 2009 9:39 pm

thanks for replies,but its not always easy to know what to look for.does anyoneknow of a good paving company in s.staffs or west midlands.thanks

Mon Apr 13, 2009 10:42 pm

theres a regular poster on here matthew wakeman "the driveway company" think he is in brum somewhere
aha here it is
driveway webby
best regards LLL

MatthewWakeman · Mon Apr 13, 2009 11:32 pm

Thanks for the mention Luton

We are currently booking into 1st week of June

regards

matt
the driveway company

Post: # 36649Post **Tony McC** Tue Apr 14, 2009 9:40 am

There's a whole page on the main website detailing the best strategies to find a decent contractor.

batty betty · Post: # 36736Post **batty betty** Wed Apr 15, 2009 11:00 pm

:;):
thanks for all the suggestions.i will ring the comp. mentioned tomorrow.i am finding this w.site very helpful.one contractor said [when queried about the edgings]that he cemented them with sand and concrete.is this ok?

Post: # 36760Post **Tony McC** Fri Apr 17, 2009 8:57 am

How can anything be "cemented" with sand?

batty betty · Post: # 36764Post **batty betty** Fri Apr 17, 2009 9:16 am

i don't know but those were his exact words ! by the way there does not seem to be any interlay reg.contractors inthe west mid/south staffs!

williams · Post: # 36776Post **williams** Fri Apr 17, 2009 11:42 am

must have meant sand and cement i,d have thought.

MatthewWakeman · Fri Apr 17, 2009 6:26 pm

well

had a long chat with betty yesterday evening. I think ive done my self out of the work as she now knows enough to complete the work on her own, 20 years of experience given away in 40mins.

LOL

regards

Matthew
The Driveway Company

Fri Apr 17, 2009 7:03 pm

well betty interlay is a thing that contractors have to pay to be in, I would go with someone who has good references and does driveways a lot, wink-wink matthew wakemen wink wink

LLL