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Last updated: 23 May 2024

How To Find The Right Driveway Company For Your Needs

  • There are three categories of driveway installers: new driveway installation, driveway maintenance, and driveway resurfacing. When choosing one, consider your project, driveway size, and preferences.
  • Choosing a local driveway company will save you money on transportation costs for materials and labour. They will also have in-depth knowledge of local regulations in your area.
  • To ensure a driveway company's credibility, it is essential to check its online reviews, assess its experience, verify its insurance, and review its quotations.
  • Working with an insured driveway specialist is essential to protect you and your property from damage and financial losses.
  • Driveway quotes should include a detailed breakdown of the quotes, the company's information, insurance, the project timeline, and the terms and conditions.
  • Driveway installers don't need to hold any qualifications, but clients can expect more reputable driveway specialists to possess qualifications showcasing their expertise, training, and experience.

Your driveway is a vital aspect of your property that can enhance its curb appeal and functionality. So, choosing the right driveway company is essential to ensure they install and maintain your driveway to the highest quality standards. However, with so many driveway specialists available, finding the perfect fit that meets your needs can take time and effort. 

Our article will explore the most essential factors when selecting a driveway company. We aim to provide you with valuable insights that will enable you to make an informed decision that aligns with your vision for your property.

Whether you're seeking expertise in driveway surface options, exceptional customer service, or competitive pricing, our guide will help you find the ideal driveway company for your project.

Do you need help finding the right driveway company to meet your needs? Have you been searching for a while but are tired of going through numerous options without finding a driveway specialist who suits you? 

Look no further! Our 30-second form will provide four free, personalised quotes tailored to your requirements and preferences. 

We are confident that our service will save you time and energy while providing you with the best possible results. So why wait? Take the first step towards your perfect driveway, and click below to get started!

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What type of driveway installer will you need?

When choosing a driveway installer, you must consider several factors, including the project's complexity, budget, and preferences.

Different driveway installers specialise in various materials and services, so choosing one that meets your requirements is essential. Hiring a professional driveway specialist offers benefits like top-notch results, efficient installation, quality materials, expert guidance, and warranties, ensuring peace of mind.

There are three categories of driveway installers: new, driveway maintenance, and driveway resurfacing installers. We have provided detailed information on each installer type to help you choose the one that is most suitable for your needs.

  • Driveway resurfacing installers specialise in restoring your driveway by repairing cracks and filling potholes. They then apply a new layer of driveway material, such as tarmac or concrete, based on your budget and preferences, resulting in a smooth surface. Driveway repair costs usually range from £40 to £100 per square metre, depending on the level of damage.
  • Driveway maintenance specialists are experts in maintaining your existing driveway. While they may have experience creating a new driveway from scratch, their primary focus is ensuring your current driveway lasts as long as possible. Maintaining a driveway alone can be hard work, so many people hire a driveway maintenance specialist. According to PriceYourJob, the average specialist typically charges between £100 and £150 daily.
  • New driveway installers create functional and beautiful driveways, removing old ones or transforming front gardens into parking spaces. They work within your budget and recommend the best materials. They also provide a maintenance plan for durability. Costs range from £150 to £200 per person per day.

On average, a new two-car driveway costs approximately £6,000. However, selecting the right driveway installer can help you minimise your expenses and stay within your budget while creating a durable, long-lasting, and functional driveway.

A skilled installer can save you time, money, and stress by avoiding costly mistakes and repairs. They can also suggest cost-effective options, such as gravel, the most affordable driveway material.

Conduct thorough research and choose a reputable and qualified installer to ensure excellent service, clear communication, and reliable support throughout the project.

Driveway specialists: who to search for?

When in need of driveway specialists, it's crucial to find professionals with the required expertise and a proven record of quality work.

Start by asking for recommendations from friends, family, or neighbours who have recently had driveway work done. Additionally, you can check online directories, review platforms, and industry associations to find reliable specialists in your area. 

Choosing local driveway installers provides an array of benefits to you and your new driveway. 

Driveway specialists located outside your area will incur higher transportation costs, increasing the price of your new driveway even further. Furthermore, local contractors understand the area and will communicate more easily.

To find the best driveway specialist in your area, look for those with relevant credentials, such as certifications from TrustMark or the Marshalls Register. 

These credentials demonstrate their commitment to high standards and professionalism. You can also read customer reviews and testimonials to understand their reputation and satisfaction. 

When choosing a driveway specialist, prioritize comprehensive services, transparent pricing, and excellent customer support for project success and satisfaction.

Local driveway contractors

When looking for a reliable driveway company, it is advisable to hire a contractor who operates within your local area to get the best outcome. There is no fixed recommended distance for the proximity of a driveway installer to your home. The distance can vary based on location, contractor availability, and personal preferences.

However, it's always better to find driveway companies that are as close to you as possible so that you can benefit from the expertise of local driveway specialists. Below are the benefits of going local:

  • Cheaper travel costs: Choosing a local driveway installer can help reduce travel costs, as they are closer to your home. This can lead to lower equipment, materials, and labour transportation expenses.
  • High quality and standards of work: Local driveway specialists in your community are highly recommended due to their expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional results while effectively serving the community.
  • Familiar with the area: Local driveway contractors are well-versed in the region, which includes the complexities of specific regulations and weather conditions. Having someone familiar with the community will help your project go more smoothly.
  • Better communication: Getting in touch with local driveway specialists is often easier as they are more accessible. You can easily visit their office if you need to speak with a representative, which makes the process smoother and ensures that you get the desired outcome for your home.
  • Better follow-up: Out-of-town driveway companies often leave once the project is done. If issues arise later, it's your job to find someone else. Local contractors are more accessible and can handle simple repairs.
  • Supportive of the local economy: Choosing a local driveway company benefits you and supports your local community and its economy.
  • Familiar with local regulations: Local driveway specialists know the rules and regulations in your area and can help you plan your new driveway by providing suggestions, such as permeable driveways, to help you stay within regulations and prevent the need for planning permission. Out-of-town contractors may not understand the regulations, which could cause delays or problems.

Choosing a local driveway specialist can save you money on travel and transportation costs and ensure effective construction. Local specialists understand regional regulations, climate conditions, and reliable suppliers, leading to higher quality work and tailored materials.

Reputable companies

Finding a reputable driveway company is crucial for the longevity and durability of your driveway, protecting your investment. 

A reputable installer brings expertise, quality materials, and proper construction techniques, reducing future repair and maintenance costs. They also adhere to local regulations and standards, providing peace of mind and enhancing the value of your property.

Finding a reputable company may feel overwhelming, so we have provided some tips to help you find the best driveway company for you: 

Experience

It's essential to find driveway contractors with extensive experience in the industry. Less experienced contractors may offer lower rates but might lack the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality work. 

A professional driveway specialist will have a portfolio of previous work demonstrating their abilities and giving you an idea of what to expect from your project. This ensures that the finished product meets your expectations and enhances the curb appeal of your property.

Insurance

It's crucial to hire driveway specialists with general liability and builders' risk insurance to protect against property damage or injuries. A reputable company will have insurance for you to file a claim if needed.

Check reviews

Checking reviews of the potential driveway company you are considering will provide insight into other people's experiences with the company. Examining online reviews can help you determine the company's reputation.

Communication

Effective communication is essential to prevent misunderstandings and address concerns promptly. Reputable driveway companies will listen to your needs, understand the project, keep you updated on progress, and be responsive to your questions and concerns.

Review quotations 

When choosing a reputable driveway company, be cautious of selecting the lowest-priced option. Low-cost services may sacrifice quality. Always get quotes in writing, as verbal quotes may lead to conflicts later.

When obtaining and comparing multiple quotes from different driveway companies, it is also essential that those companies offer non-binding quotes. This will ensure that you do not enter into a binding contract. 

Household Quotes streamlines the process of finding reputable driveway companies and comparing multiple quotes, saving you time and effort. 

Complete our quick 30-second form to discover the perfect driveway specialist for your project. We will then promptly deliver four free, non-binding quotes from top driveway specialists, ensuring you get the best value for your money.

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Selecting the best driveway builders

Selecting the best driveway builders is crucial for achieving a durable, visually appealing, and cost-effective result. 

Experienced builders bring valuable expertise, provide you with several driveway ideas, use high-quality materials, and employ precise construction techniques to ensure the longevity of your driveway. Driveway builders should prioritise staying within your budget rather than upselling you. They can help using cost-effective materials like asphalt, concrete, or gravel and advise you to build a smaller and simpler driveway. 

They may also advise against certain features, such as lights and electric gates, to help you achieve a more affordable driveway.

In addition to providing exceptional paved driveways that stay within your budget, driveway builders should offer excellent customer service, clear quotations, and insurance against potential accidents. These key factors are important to consider when choosing driveway builders.

Conducting thorough research and selecting reputable builders with positive customer feedback and proper certifications ensures high-quality, efficient project completion. This careful selection process saves you time, money, and potential headaches.

Installers with good customer service

The UK Institute of Customer Service (ICS) has found that customer satisfaction is decreasing each year, with nearly 17% of consumers reporting issues with traders, according to the Guardian.

Poor customer service can leave you feeling frustrated and exacerbate the issues you are experiencing. That's why the best driveway installers have excellent customer service. They take pride in helping their clients and are not afraid or slow to resolve any current issues they may face. 

There are a few ways to figure out if the driveway installer you are looking to hire provides good customer service:

  • They are easy to reach: Many companies make it difficult for clients to reach them. Driveway specialists with good customer service should have an easily accessible phone number and email address. Moreover, response times should be quick, and hold times should be brief.
  • They actively seek customer feedback:  Good customer service in any industry should actively seek to improve the client's experience. Providing feedback at the end of a call, email, or chatbox indicates that a company is looking to enhance the client experience further.
  • They keep their clients informed: Driveway installers with good customer service should provide prompt updates, whether it's positive or negative news, to show respect and transparency.

If a driveway installer is hesitant to provide proof of good business practices, offers vague quotes, is unwilling to give a timeline or guarantee when the project is finished, and demands overpriced deposits or advanced payments, it should be a clear indication that not only their customer service is bad, but their business ethics are not up to scratch. Keep an eye on these considerations when searching for a driveway installer with good customer service.

Honest driveway and landscaping quotes

Understanding driveway and landscaping quotes can be challenging for most people if you're not an expert in the field. Yet, it is crucial to find reputable driveway specialists. Honest quotes help you budget effectively and avoid surprises. 

By providing honest quotes, driveway installers demonstrate their integrity and foster trust in their work. Reputable driveway contractors should provide a detailed quote that itemises project elements, including total cost, material, and labour. 

The quote should also reflect other factors impacting prices, such as site complications and permit costs.

Below is the breakdown of what makes an honest driveway and landscaping quote:

  • Detailed Breakdown of Costs: Quotes should itemise all costs, including labour, materials, equipment, and any additional services (such as removal of the old driveway, site preparation, and cleanup).
  • Materials Specifications: The type and quantity of materials should be clearly defined to ensure cost transparency
  • Labour Charges: Labour costs should be outlined, indicating the expected hours or days to complete the job and the corresponding hourly or daily rates.
  • Project Timeline: The quotation and the project timeline should define critical milestones and start and completion dates.
  • Payment Schedule: Your driveway quote should clearly outline payment terms, including any required deposits, progress payments, and final payment upon completion.
  • Warranty Information: The quote should highlight details covering the warranties for materials and workmanship, including coverage and duration.
  • Contingency Plans: Extra costs due to unforeseen circumstances should be included in your driveway quote for proper planning.
  • Company Information: Your driveway quote should include contact details, licensing information, and proof of insurance.
  • Terms and Conditions: The quote for your new driveway should clearly state all policies regarding changes and cancellations.

An honest driveway quote should be comprehensive and leave no room for ambiguity, ensuring you completely understand your driveway landscaping project. 

Only trust insured driveway specialists

Uninsured driveway specialists can expose you to financial risks if you work with them. Not only can damage occur to labourers or yourself, but property damage may also occur during construction.

Hiring an uninsured driveway installer means you can't claim compensation if they cause harm, leaving you responsible for the costs.

While you may think it's unlikely that any incidents will occur during the installation of your driveway, an estimated 561,000 workers sustained a non-fatal injury at work in Great Britain in 2022/23, according to new HSE statistics. So, it is paramount to ensure you work with insured driveway specialists.

There are three essential coverages for driveway specialists. Ensure that the driveway installer you work with has at least one of these insurances, although it is better if they have more than one:

  • Builders risk insurance: Covers building projects during their process and projects against damage to the project from bad weather, vandalism, and other issues that you can’t predict or control.
  • General liability insurance: Covers various faults in the work and the work of employees and subcontractors.
  • Professional liability insurance: If there have been miscalculations and other errors, this insurance will cover the costs of these errors.

Working with an insured driveway company is essential because it provides financial and legal protection for you and the contractor. Insurance covers accidental damages and safeguards you from liability if a worker is injured. 

The driveway specialists' professionalism and adherence to legal requirements provide peace of mind and protect your investment.

Requirements and qualifications for driveway installers

Driveway installers in the UK are not legally required to hold any qualification. Experienced and reliable driveway specialists encourage ongoing skills improvement and certification through apprenticeships and college courses.

These qualifications include:

  • Intermediate apprenticeship in hard landscaping or pavement construction  
  • Level 2 Diploma in hard landscaping  
  • Level 3 Diploma in landscape construction 

Anyone can become a driveway installer without formal qualifications; having expertise, training, and experience in driveway construction is highly beneficial. Ensuring industry standards and best practices are followed in your driveway construction.

Their focused experience allows them to anticipate and effectively address potential issues, minimising errors and delays. 

Local driveway contractors' accreditation in the UK

In the UK, local driveway contractors can obtain certifications from industry organisations and regulatory bodies to demonstrate their expertise and adherence to industry standards.

TrustMark: The Trustmark scheme recognises reputable tradespeople and businesses in the construction industry. Accredited contractors meet high standards of artistry, customer service, and business practices.

Marshalls Register: Marshalls, a leading supplier of paving and landscaping products, operates the Marshalls Register as a network of accredited installers who have demonstrated excellence in installing Marshalls products.

The Guild of Master Craftsmen: A trade association representing skilled craftsmen and tradespeople in construction and home improvement industries. Members must adhere to a strict code of practice and undergo skill and professionalism assessments.

British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI): BALI is the leading trade association for landscape professionals in the UK. Members are committed to delivering high-quality landscaping services and adhere to industry best practices and standards.

British Standards Institution (BSI): BSI is the UK's national standards body, responsible for developing and publishing standards for various industries, including construction. 

These are just a few examples of the accreditation and certification schemes available to driveway contractors in the UK. 

Homeowners looking to hire a reputable contractor for driveway installation or repair should consider checking for accreditation from recognised industry organisations and verifying the contractor's credentials before deciding.

You can expect a personalised experience and a top-notch driveway by teaming up with a trusted driveway specialist. 

Household Quotes can provide four free quotes if you're searching for the best driveway specialist. Complete our 30-second form to receive these quotes promptly. Click below to learn more.

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