Brick laying patterns and approved installers

[stealth]

Hi

I'm going to have my drive paved in the next few weeks. As I know next to nothing about paving, I started to do some research, and very luckily for me, I found this site.

I'm going to pay someone to do it for me. But before I ask for installers to give me a quote, there was just a couple of things I need to clarify. Hopefully someone on here may be able to help.

Firstly, reading through the "Laying Block Paving" guide on here, it states "A fully interlocked 'Herringbone' pattern should be used for areas to be trafficked by vehicles whenever possible or practical. Other patterns are fine for foot-traffic areas such as paths and patios.".

Now having walked around my local estates looking at the different types of paved driveways for inspiration, I saw, what I thought was a really nice drive. The bricks/blocks were 3 different sizes, layed out in parallel rows in a traditional brick style (half/quarter brick overlap type thing). I liked this pattern. It was different from the 45/90 degree herringbone patterns that most drives seem to have around my way. However, I'm worried that the pattern I like, isn't herringbone, and therefore isn't suitable for my drive which is going to be used for parking 3 cars.


My second question is regarding installers (if that's the right term?). I requested a brochure from both Brett and Marshalls. With the brochure came a list of installers in my area. When I phoned up to ask for a brochure, I was told that the installers on the list had been vetted, and their workmanship guaranteed for 5 years (10 years for the product).

Now does the fact that someone is on this list show me that they are properly trained / qualified / have the experience to do a proper competent job? eg Does Marshalls/Bretts ever check their work? Or are Marshalls/ Bretts happy to have anyone on their list providing they are pushing their products? I was going to get 3 quotes off the installers list with the assumption that if they are on the list they must be ok. Am I right with this assumption?

I'm just trying to filter out the people who do general building work and maybe do the odd drive, from those who do drives day in day out who have the expertise I'm looking for.

I understand that probably a fair percentage of posters on here are 'listed' with either Marshalls or Bretts so some opinions may be biased, but thought I'd ask the question anyway! If anyone has any other thoughts on how I can find a good reputable installer then I'd appreciate it. I know that recommendation is a good thing, but it needs to be a recent job because a change in personnel can make a huge difference on a job, and the company is only as good as the people on their books.

[Pablo]

Any pattern of block is fine on a driveway as long as it's done properly (excepty basketweave which can be trouble). There is no difference in the way a driveway is prepared and installed in terms of materials and quantities used etc. An installers list is a good way if finding competant pavers (I'm on neither because they don't trade here) but you should still satisfy yourself that they are up to the job. Get min 3 quotes and get 3 references off each quoter. Talk to the client and have a look at the work paying attention to the cuts and whether there are any lumps bumps or dips in the paving. If someone on the Marshalls list cocks the work up then you'll get it fixed for free.

[stealth]

Thanks pablo for your response.