How to Hire a Paver Contractor to Transform Your Outdoor Space

Imagine enjoying a beautiful spring day in your current outdoor space. Now imagine relaxing on your dream patio or pool deck. Adding pavers to your outdoor space can give you the backyard of your dreams, but hiring the best paver installation contractor is the first step.

What Services Does a Paver Contractor Offer?

Most paver contractors offer three categories of services: new construction, repair, and removal or replacement. Smaller paver contractors may only have repair capacity due to crew size, time, and equipment limitations. Paver contractors can also vary in terms of specialty. For example, some contractors may only handle building concrete paver driveways, whereas others may be more experienced in decks and patios.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Paver Contractor?

Installation labor costs $5 to $10 per square foot. If you don’t already have the material sitting around, you also need to factor in the cost of the actual pavers. Cost factors affecting your quote include the size of the surface, the type of paver, elevation, and the surrounding landscape, whether old pavers need to be removed, and whether additional sealing or treatment is needed. For example, a standard paver driveway costs $6,000 to $18,000 on average, with a one-car driveway sitting on the lower end of the price range.

Can You DIY Paver Installation?

Overall, most homeowners can lay pavers themselves even if they don’t have prior experience. However, laying pavers is labor-intensive and time-consuming. While you may be able to DIY paver installation on a small project or spot fixing an existing paver walkway, we recommend you hire a pro if you need to cover a larger area with new pavers.

How to Find a Paver Contractor

Finding a reliable paver contractor who sees your vision and can complete it competently and within your budget parameters can be tricky. There are a ton of contractors out there, but how do you find the right one? 

Start out by spending some time online to find paver installation contractors in your area. Then take a look at their online reviews to get a sense of their local reputation, demeanor, and expertise. 

Tips for Hiring a Paver Contractor 

To make sure you get the most out of your budget, it is important to do your homework before and after contacting a paver contractor. These include getting multiple quotes from different contractors, taking your own measurements before reaching out to a pro, and ensuring the contractor you speak with is qualified and has a good reputation. Doing so will protect you from scams and fraud, and greatly enhance your chances of getting the project done right.

1. Plan Your Paver Installation Project for Accurate Quotes

Don’t just settle for the first pro you find. You should obtain at least three quotes from different pros and discuss what affects the final price. The price you pay is going to be a huge deciding factor when choosing your paver contractor, so be sure they have the most accurate information possible when determining your quote. 

There are a number of things to consider about your hardscape project to ensure your quote is as close to the final bill as possible. 

• Square footage

• Slope of yard

• Type of paver

• Pattern or placement of pavers

• Drainage requirements

• Landscaping or other elements they’ll need to work around 

2. Check Your Paver Contractor’s Qualifications and References

Checking your pro’s qualifications and references is arguably the most important step in choosing who will ultimately install your hardscape.

Unlike plumbers, electricians, and other specialized contractors, paver contractors are not required to have special licensure. They can learn their trade via on-the-job training or apprenticeship programs with established paver installers

Choosing a contractor with ample experience who is also certified through the Interlocking Concrete Paver Institute (ICPI), a voluntary organization, is a great way to determine whether the contractor you’re interviewing is the one you should hire for your project.

Also, ask to see a portfolio of the contractor’s previous work so you can see for yourself if you like the results.

3. Get a Contract and Arrange Payments With Your Paver Installation Contractor

Include a list of things the homeowner and pro should agree on, including the down payment, payment structure, final payoff, and more. 

Once you’ve hired your chosen contractor, it’s time to get down to brass tacks. Ask your contractor if they provide contracts for their clients. Signing a contract will protect you if the contractor fails to provide the services you agreed upon or does not complete the work up to industry standard. 

Finding out how your contractor expects to be paid is also an important step. Do they require a deposit? Is the full payment due when the work is complete or can you pay in installments if you wish? Hammering out payment details beforehand will save you some stress down the line.

4. Keep Records of Your Paver Installation Project

Keeping accurate records during the process is vital, especially if it’s an in-depth, large-scale project like a pool deck or intricate pattern work. Taking photos of progress and recording the hours worked will come in handy if things don’t go according to plan. Keep copies of all communication with your contractor, including emails, texts, and transcripts or notes about phone calls.

Questions to Ask Your Paver Contractor

To help you choose the best paver installer for your project, there are a few questions you should ask during your initial interview. 

• Are you insured and bonded?

• Are you certified through the ICPI?

• Is your work guaranteed? For how long?

• Do you offer design services for client projects?

• How long will installation take?

• Do you have references and/or a portfolio of previous work?

• Do you provide free estimates?

• Will you provide a written contract before starting work?

After Your Paver Contractor Has Finished

Once the work on your outdoor paver hardscape is complete, you’re not quite done. After approving the completed work, you should confirm your payment arrangements with your contractor, whether you’ve worked out an installment plan or plan to pay in full. 

If you’re satisfied with the work, your contractor may ask to use you as a reference for their future clients. Also, whether you’re satisfied with the work or not, you should decide if you want to leave an online review.