Not all driveway and surfacing contractors are as ethical or dependable as they should be. A small number of companies give the rest of us, who work hard to deliver excellent results, a bad name. Here are some red flags to look out for when dealing with a contractor for the first time.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Trust plays a vital role in choosing a contractor. Based on our years of experience in the surfacing industry, we recommend looking out for the following:
- Contractor Requests 100% Upfront Payment
If a contractor asks for full payment before starting any work, they are likely using your money to fund the job. A reliable, experienced contractor will rarely request full payment in advance. - No Written Quote or Breakdown
A trustworthy contractor should have no hesitation in providing a written quote by post or email, clearly detailing the work and associated costs. If someone is vague about pricing or only gives a rough estimate, this is a warning sign. They should understand their costs and be transparent. - No Use of Membranes Under the Surface
This can be easy to miss if you’re not present during the work. Ask whether the contractor will use a membrane underneath the surface and what type it will be. If they avoid the question or claim it’s unnecessary, get a second opinion. - Use of Cheap Rubble or Incorrect Sub-Base
Some budget contractors use crushed brick or large rubble as a sub-base. These materials shift over time. If a contractor mentions crushed brick, ask how it’s prepared. Poorly crushed materials compromise the durability and appearance of your driveway. - Tardiness
Punctuality might seem like an old-fashioned concern, but it matters. If a contractor can’t turn up on time for a quote, they may not be reliable when the work starts. A professional contractor should be prompt, polite, and respectful of your time.
Tips for Choosing a Reliable Contractor
At Lakeside Surfacing, we’ve worked with and observed many contractors. These are the traits we look for in a great one:
- Honesty Over Hype
A good contractor will not just agree with you to make a sale. If you ask about a certain material and they suggest an alternative, explaining their reasoning clearly, that’s a good sign. It shows they prioritise your long-term results over their convenience. - Clear and Understandable Quotes
You should be able to read a quote and understand it without any industry knowledge. If technical terms are used, they should be explained in plain English. - Visual Proof of Previous Work
Excellent contractors are proud of their results. They will happily show you photos or videos of past projects and may even share addresses of completed work so you can see the quality yourself. - Ownership of Equipment and Team
Top contractors usually own their equipment and employ their teams. This creates accountability and ensures consistent quality. If a contractor talks positively about their team, that’s a good sign that they take pride in their work. - The Ability to Say “No”
If a contractor is willing to say “no” and explain why, it shows they care about doing the job properly. They should also offer suitable alternatives to meet your needs in a responsible way.
In Conclusion
There are companies that deliver quality driveway and surfacing work on time, for the right price, and without hassle. Others may not meet these standards. Ask questions during the quoting process. A good contractor will answer honestly and clearly, no matter how unusual the question may seem.
And trust your instincts. If you don’t feel comfortable with a contractor or if they seem pushy or dismissive, move on. There are other options. A good contractor wants you to be so pleased with their work that you recommend them. A pushy contractor is less likely to care about their reputation and more likely to cut corners.
To speak with us about your driveway or surfacing needs, call 01787 869 974 or visit our contact page.