Patios & driveways: questions to ask before you hire

For patios & driveways

1. How deep is the base, and what is it made of?
2. Which way will water drain off it, away from the house?
3. Pavers or poured concrete: which suits my job, and why?
4. How do you control cracking (joints, reinforcement)?
5. Do you seal it, and how often will it need resealing?
6. How long before I can walk on it, and drive on it?

Ask every contractor

1. Do you have a business licence that covers my city? Can I see it?
2. Can you send me a WorkSafeBC clearance letter? It means I'm not on the hook if one of your crew is hurt on my property.
3. Do you have liability insurance? Can I see the certificate?
4. Can I get the quote in writing, broken down into materials and labour?
5. How much is the deposit, and when are the other payments due? (Be wary of a big payment up front.)
6. When can you start, and how long will the job take?
7. Who will actually do the work: your own crew or subcontractors?
8. Does the job need a permit, and who gets it?
9. What warranty do you give, on materials and on your work? Can I have it in writing?
10. Can I see photos of similar jobs you've done recently, or talk to a past customer?
11. How do you leave the site at the end of each day, and when the job's done?

My notes