Our concrete driveway was 35 years old, well-worn and cracked in numerous areas. It was unsightly and detracted from the overall look of the house and yard. It is also over 300 feet long covering 5200 square feet. We decided to have it replaced with pavers along with the walkway to our front door. Once that decision was made we had to figure out the contractor to use and the pavers to use. I got eight bids from small companies, midsized companies and the large national companies. The price difference between the lowest to the highest was $54,000. The two big companies were nearly twice the cost of the lowest ones. I also found that there are different methods of installing the pavers. I have a fairly steep grade on the driveway. One of the large expensive companies wanted to put 22 bolsters on the driveway. Some of the small companies weren't going to install any. The majority were going to install 3 or 4 bolsters. These keep the pavers from sliding down the grade. I ended up contracting with Eminent Pavers owned and operated by Mark (Web Site; eminentpavers.com) (Phone No. 323 842-9464) (Email;
[email protected]). Mark has been installing pavers for many years and knows his business. He also has only one crew that is overseen by his foreman, Santiago. Several of the companies I got bids from run several crews. Mark has one crew of extremely hardworking and talented craftsman. He is not overreaching and bringing in labors to operate several jobs at once. Most of Mark's employees have been with him for several years. His foreman, Santiago, has been with him for nearly ten years. Mark's cost for the project was more than fair. He was not the lowest bid, but he did much more than the lowest ones and even more that those big expensive companies. Mark also has an eye for design. Our driveway was not a box. It had curves and sweeps as it flowed to the garage. Mark was on his hands and knees making sure the finish product looked right, and it did. Picking out the right pavers is not an easy task. There are two primary suppliers and numerous colors and designs. One recommendation I have is to drive to the supply house Mark will recommend and look at them in person. The brochure photos don't always look the same in person. Once we had signed the contract we added a planter. Not a problem. Mark gave us a very fair price for the additional work. Mark's did such a great job our daughter had contracted with him to put pavers in at her house and our son is going to get a bid from him for his driveway. I rarely leave reviews. However, Mark, Santiago and the craftsman that completed this project deserve these acylates and thanks.