Living in one of the largest cities in America has many perks but also has its fair share of challenges. One obstacle you might encounter when making changes to your home is knowing how to sort through the large number of available contractors and businesses. It’s hard to know what company you can trust to perform long-lasting, skillful work on your home or business when there are many options. Looking for a driveway expert in Houston is no different. 

When it comes to paver driveways, finding the right contractor is key. Use this handy guide to help you ask the right questions and find the right driveway contractor for your project.

Choosing The Best Driveway Expert in Houston

How do you know what companies to call and which companies to avoid when looking for a contractor? A great place to start is by asking friends and neighborhood groups who they have successfully worked with in the past. If you combine word-of-mouth referrals with an internet search, you will quickly compile an extensive list. However, once you have a list of companies to call, the real work begins. 

Getting names and numbers of available contractors is necessary, but it’s just the start. These easy steps to finding a trustworthy contractor can help you find the perfect driveway expert in Houston. 

Step One: Identify What Services the Company Offers

One of the first steps in finding a driveway expert in Houston is identifying the company’s services. For example, some companies only offer asphalt or poured concrete driveways. In contrast, others offer many options and materials for driveways. It’s important to identify companies that can meet your needs and desires while providing other options and selections.

Some of these services might include:

• Driveway redesign to eliminate problem spots
• Resurfacing of existing driveways
• Addition of new driveways
• Blackstar Gravel driveways
• Decorative or custom paver driveways
• Permeable driveway construction for flood-prone areas
• Decorative walkways which match the driveway design

An expert should be able to identify what materials and designs would suit your home while also being able to solve problems in the current design. Contacting a driveway company offering a large variety of driveway services will also allow them to present options you might have yet to consider. You can customize the look of your driveway, increasing your home’s value, for a comparable amount to standard options offered by other companies. More options present more opportunities for improvement and ideas. 

Step Two: Ask About Their Qualifications

Experts have extensive knowledge and skill about a subject due to experience, performance, and study. In order to find a driveway expert, you need to look for someone with a long history of working within the hardscapes industry while staying updated on the latest skills, trends, and materials. 

Qualifications that you might consider:

• Experience – length of years in business
• Portfolios – including past and recent work
• Involvement in professional networks
• Certifications
• Partnerships with top-of-the-line product brands

To have a partnership with a top-of-the-line brand, companies must prove they have a high standard of work and be able to showcase their expertise. They often also need to have certifications and training which show the brand that the company has the knowledge and skills to handle those products. 

A company’s qualifications, certifications, and brand partnerships speak to its level of expertise. So please don’t shy away from asking companies about their qualifications. It will help you weed out potentially unqualified companies while narrowing your list of driveway contractors.

For example, the Pavertime team is ICPI certified and have completed extensive training. We are also qualified as a Belgard Master Craftsman, with award-winning work and years of experience with Belgard’s line of products.

Step Three: Inquire About Driveway Permits

Many people do not realize that the construction of driveways, sidewalks, and culverts in the City of Houston and some surrounding areas requires permits. However, the process of getting permits can be difficult and time-consuming. Therefore, it’s best to find a contractor with experience in the permitting process who can quickly and efficiently handle everything if your driveway project requires permits. 

Ask potential contractors if they are familiar with the permitting process and if they can personally assist you with permit applications. 

Step Four: Ask Questions About Your Project

Every driveway project is different. Contractors will have varied ideas and plans for completing a project, which is why asking questions about your specific project is a good idea. 

Some questions which you might consider asking include:

• Will your company perform all the work, or will you use subcontractors? 
• What materials would work best for my driveway?
• Are you insured? Can I see your insurance certificate and license?
• How long will this entire process take from start to finish? 
• Do you guarantee your work or offer any warranties?
• How would you handle cleanup?
• What maintenance would the recommended surface require?
• Can I get these answers in writing?

Sometimes it takes effort to remember questions at the moment. Write down the questions you want to be answered in advance and refer to your list during the consultation. 

Step Five: Quotes and Payment

Any dependable contractor will always be willing to offer clearly defined written project quotes. When searching for a contractor to perform work on your home or yard, it is always best to gather several quotes. In your search for a driveway contractor, qualified companies should be able to provide a free, in-person estimate. While it’s easy to be drawn towards the lowest bid, it’s important to remember that lower-than-average bids could contain potential hidden costs or use lower-quality materials. 

Step Six: Compare Companies and Quotes

The final step is to sit down and compare all the companies and contractors. After meeting with each company, you should have a feel for how they all work and know more about their company culture. Use your personal judgment and the information about each company you gathered to eliminate any company that you do not feel would do outstanding work or provide exemplary customer service. At that point, you should have a list of companies that could efficiently and skillfully perform any required work. Choosing the right company at that point boils down to your price point, the level of customization you need, and which company you want to work with the most. 

Why Pavertime is the Houston Driveway Expert for You

Pavertime is a company you can trust. With over 100 years of combined experience and hundreds of satisfied customers, we have the knowledge, skills, and background in driveways and other hardscape structures you can count on. 

Reasons you can trust Paver Time as your hardscape contractor:

• Licensed and insured
• ICPI Certified
• Licensed Belgard Contractor
• Solid past client reviews
• 5 Star professional listing on Houzz
• Permit assistance
• Free estimates
• Exceptional customer service

Listed as a Driveway Expert by the Better Business Bureau, we also have a strong portfolio of work that speaks for itself. Pavertime is the company that you can trust with all your hardscape needs. Whether you live in Houston or the surrounding areas such as Katy, Sugarland, Kingwood, or Fort Bed, Pavertime wants to earn your driveway business.

Call us today to schedule a free consultation and estimate for your new driveway or hardscape project.