Hiring A Contractor To Construct A Patio Of Unilock Pavers
Unilock pavers are the original outdoor paver introduced over thirty five years ago. The company is considered an industry leader in the production of pavers. Unilock pavers’ durability is backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Installing, cleaning and sealing can be done yourself, but be prepared to put forth quite a bit of physical labor in doing so. Many people choose a contractor to do the physical labor; and they do the designing themselves instead. When hiring a contractor, you must be prepared and careful. In order to better inform you about a possible contractor you would like to hire; the following list of questions is recommended by the manufacturer. Utilize this list when interviewing potential contractors.
• Experience:
Does the contractor know how to install Unilock pavers specifically? It is important that the contractor have experience in installing pavers that you want installed.Have they completed other Unilock projects? Have they received the specialized training that Unilock offers?How many years have they been a contractor?Were they employed as a construction laborer prior to be becoming a contractor? If not, where did they gain their expertise?Do they have any type of formal education in the construction trades? A degree in construction engineering is not always an indication a contractor is knowledgeable but does let you know they have formal training.
• References:
Can the contractor provide references to you? Satisfied customers are a good indication a contractor is reputable.Does the contractor have a portfolio that chronicles projects they have completed? Look for thoroughness in completion and the ability to complete complicated projects.Is the installer recommended by a licensed Unilock dealer? Dealers have contact information for contractors that meet the quality standards of Unilock.Does the contractor have a license in the state you live in? State licensure guarantees the contractor has passed a test of their basic construction skills and extent of their knowledge. Most reputable contractors will be licensed.Are they a member of the Better Business Bureau? Contacting the Better Business Bureau can tell you if there have been any complaints against the contractor as well.
• Professional Character:
Are you comfortable with the contractor during the interview? This is more important than you think. You will be working with this contractor closely for several weeks. It will be a much more pleasant experience if you get along.Does the contractor offer their bids and proposals in writing? You should get everything in writing. You can eliminate confusion and legal issues later by obtaining written verification of everything.If the project exceeds your budget with the addition of a contractor’s fee, is the contractor willing to give you a discount? Many contractors are willing to give a discount during off season times in order to have work. Both the homeowner and contractor benefit from this. Is the contractor interested in doing your project at a reduced rate during slow times?
If a contractor is out of your budget, you may consider hiring someone to do only the heavy labor such as hauling pavers, digging the foundation, laying pavers and similar tasks. You will be ultimately responsible for the final installation of the Unilock pavers. Unilock does offer comprehensive installation instructions to consumers.