With so many paving contractors advertising around Redditch, working out who's actually reliable before you've handed over any money can feel like guesswork. A bit of checking upfront saves a lot of hassle later, and it doesn't take long to do properly.
What to Check Before You Book
Recent, genuine local reviews are one of the best indicators available, particularly ones that mention specific jobs rather than vague praise. Photos of completed work in gardens similar to yours, ideally with some age on them rather than only freshly laid images, tell you more about how a job actually holds up than a brand-new photo ever can. It's also worth asking directly how they build a sub-base and what depth they excavate to, since a contractor who can answer that clearly and specifically is usually one who takes groundwork seriously rather than rushing to get the visible slabs down.
A written quote that breaks down groundwork, materials, pointing and any drainage work separately is far more trustworthy than a single vague total figure. It lets you see exactly what you're paying for and gives you something concrete to hold the contractor to if the finished job doesn't match what was agreed.
Red Flags Worth Avoiding
Be cautious of anyone who wants a large deposit upfront before any work has started, pressures you to decide on the spot, or can't provide any previous local work to look at. A reliable contractor is generally happy for you to take your time, ask questions, and even speak to a previous customer if you'd like to. SPR Paving is used to fielding exactly these kinds of questions during a free quote, and any contractor worth hiring should be too.
Insurance is another thing worth confirming before work starts, not after. Public liability cover protects you if something goes wrong on site, whether that's accidental damage to a fence, drain or neighbouring property, and a contractor with nothing to hide will usually provide proof without being asked twice. It only takes a few extra minutes to check, and it can save considerable stress if anything does go wrong partway through the job.
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