Before you get that custom brick driveway or gorgeous brick patio out back, you’re going to need a brick paving estimate. This is the first step in your outdoor transformation, and it may feel a bit daunting if you’ve never had a quote before. Have no fear – these quick tips will help you weed out the bad pavers from the good. Here are some red flags to watch for during your project quote.
The Price Sounds Way Too Low
If the price seems too good to be true, trust your gut. Some contractors are quick to bid half of what a project is actually going to cost, and that’s because they plan to do about half the work.
Over 30% of our work involves redoing a project that’s less than five years old. We recently redid a long brick walkway that another contractor completed just five weeks ago. Every element of the workmanship was questionable, from the edging to the leveling to the brick placement and more. The homeowners thought they were getting a bargain with the first bid, but they ended up spending more in the long run redoing the poor craftsmanship.
Don’t fall for a low price that seems suspicious. If you spend a little more to work with an experienced and insured brick paving company, you’ll get a much bigger return on your investment.
You Don’t Get an Itemized Quote in Writing
If the bricklayers give you a verbal quote or a blanket price for the project, that’s a red flag. One of two things is going to happen. Either they’re going to find ways to up the price while they complete the project, or they’re going to do less than what you were expecting. Transparency is critical for any home improvement project, so make sure you get an itemized quote in writing (digital or paper copy with company info on it).
The Brick Paving Company Is Not Insured
Verify that the brick pavers you’re working with are fully insured. This is a telltale sign of a reliable company. Accidents can happen, no matter how careful the crew can be. You want workers on your property who are completely covered in the event of the unexpected.
You Have Questions – They Don’t Have Answers
You should feel confident about who you’re working with. They’re the experts, after all. If you have basic questions that they cannot answer or they’re unwilling to provide answers for, that’s a red flag. They don’t have to know all the answers, but they should have resources to utilize. You can tell pretty quickly if bricklayers know what they’re talking about. And if not, you deserve to find someone who does.
They Can’t Get Started for Several Months
An extensive delay in scheduling is usually a sign of poor time management or an insufficient crew. Some factors, such as weather and material availability, may slow down brick paving times. Those factors shouldn’t postpone the project for months on end though. Ask about availability during your consultation so you can plan accordingly.
Get a Reliable Brick Paving Estimate from It’s The Brick Guys
If you want a dependable, itemized, transparent and fair brick paving quote, we’ve got you covered. It’s The Brick Guys offers a range of brick paving services, including brick driveways, brick porches, custom fire pits, outdoor kitchens, walkways, retaining walls, and more. Give us a call at (833) 627-4257 to schedule your consultation.
