Interlay association - Choosing a contractor

[stumac49]

Good afternoon.

I'm in the process of choosing a contractor for my driveway and would like to ask a quick question.

Should I be avoiding anyone who is NOT a member of the Interlay Association?

Thanks in advance for any replies.
Stuart.

[local patios and driveway]

i would hope not, i know plenty of good contractors who arent part of interlay, but choosing an interlay contractor will give you certain peace of mind. i dont know the criteria to join but its probably that they have paid 500 quid, had a credit check, and have either shown previous work or had customers fill out forms (for customers read friends and family)

[lutonlagerlout]

interlay marshalls and bretts all have approved installer schemes
and AFAIK you have to pay to get on these

personal recommendation and being able to speak with recent clients and view recent work in the flesh are what you need

look for people who have a physical checkable address and a landline number
mobiles and 0800 numbers send out the wrong signals to me

dont be fobbed off with "our clients like their privacy ,so you cant talk to them routine"

this is the most critical time,be painstaking now and save the heartache later
LLL

[haggistini]

plenty of good contractors on here ask about. get at least 3 quotes

[stumac49]

Thanks for the replies gents.

I've had five quotes back and two of them are members of Interlay - they've come out as the most expensive (over £1000 more), so paying extra for reputation and 'peace of mind' maybe?

Anyway the one I like the look of was the most courteous, answered all my daft questions without laughing on his site visit, and his quote came with diagrams and specification fully listed. Which wasn't the case with all the rest.

I was just concerned that he's 'only' on the Brett approved list. I have some addresses to visit showing some of their work so I'll hopefully be able to chat with the owners and ask the relevant questions.

I didn't look at this site for quotes as I didn't think there were any contractors local to me - I'm in Pembury, (Tunbridge Wells) Kent. But if anyone sees this and would like to arrange a vist and quote on it they're very welcome.

Thanks again for the response.
Stuart.

[lutonlagerlout]

you are on the right tracks there Stuart
the guy with the spec and diagram sound clued up
LLL