Choosing who lays your patio matters as much as choosing the stone itself, since poor installation is the most common cause of problems down the line. Before any Ledbury homeowner signs off on a quote, there are a handful of straightforward questions worth asking.
Questions about the groundwork and process
Ask exactly how deep they'll excavate and what sub-base material they'll use — a genuine, compacted MOT Type 1 (or similar) sub-base of adequate depth is the foundation of a patio that won't sink or crack. Ask how they'll handle drainage and falls, particularly important on the sloping or clay-heavy ground found in parts of Ledbury and the surrounding villages, and where the water will actually go once it leaves the paved area. It's also worth asking whether they'll remove old materials (an existing patio, concrete or turf) and what happens to the waste, since disposal is sometimes a hidden extra.
A reasonable installer should be happy to explain their process in plain terms without getting defensive — vague or dismissive answers about sub-base depth or drainage are a warning sign, since these are the details that determine whether your patio lasts 5 years or 25.
Questions about the business itself
Ask to see photos of completed work, ideally similar in scale to your own project, and if possible speak to a previous customer. Confirm what's included in the quoted price — materials, labour, waste removal, edging — since a quote that looks cheap can sometimes be missing items that get added later. Ask about timescales realistically, given weather can affect groundwork, and confirm what guarantee or aftercare is offered on the finished work. A contractor who answers these clearly and doesn't pressure you into a quick decision is generally a good sign.
It's also worth asking about insurance and how they handle unexpected issues — for instance, what happens if they dig down and find old foundations, tree roots, or drainage problems that weren't visible at quoting stage. A straightforward contractor will explain how that's typically handled before work starts, rather than leaving it as a surprise once the job is underway. Being upfront about these possibilities is generally a sign of someone who's done a lot of groundwork in gardens like yours before.
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