(1) Make sure you hire a contractor that carries personal liability insurance and workers compensation insurance. Avoid doing business with contractors that don’t carry the appropriate insurance. Otherwise you may be held liable for any injuries & damages that occur during the project.
(2) Ask the contractor to provide you with the names of references from recent jobs completed in the last 6 months. Make sure to follow up and contact these references for their opinion.
(3) Ask how much training and experience the actual installers have.
(4) Make sure you understand every part of the project plan to avoid any confusion.
(5) How long have they been installing pavers?
(6) What percentage of their total business consists of installing concrete pavers?
(7) Ask to see samples or photo samples of the colors you are considering for the project.
(8) Ask the installer what type of workmanship guarantee and project warranty he offers and ask for it in writing.
(9) Insist on a written proposal or contract before the project commences. Make sure it includes a detailed description of the project and a time schedule.
(10) Ask if the installer offers a maintenance plan to provide ongoing repairs, cleaning and sealing over a set period of time.
(11) When comparing estimates or proposals, make sure each one is based on the same scope of work, same set of specifications and the same set of plans. This will insure you are comparing apples with apples.
(12) Do not help contractors or their workers and do not lend them your tools. If a worker is hurt while you are assisting (e.g., holding a ladder) or is hurt using one of your tools, you may be liable via a “tort claim” by the worker or contractor.
