Not all brick pavers installers are the same, choose wisely
I have been passionate and an advocate of
interlocking pavers and
modular retaining walls for over 28 years. I have seen the brick paver market mature in
Ann Arbor, Saline, Canton, and Southeast Michigan through good economic times and bad. I have seen contractors come and go and I have witnessed successful and poor paver installations. With the financial investment that a homeowner is making, hiring a good
brick paver contractor is essential.
When
high density concrete paving stones and
modular retaining wall systems first came on the scene during the early 80's here in Southeast Michigan, most installers specialized as
brick paving contractors. They committed their time,equipment, and resources to the quality techniques and installations of
paving stones &
landscape walls.
During the economic boom of the 90's, landscapers began to offer the installation of
paver patios, walkways, driveways, porches, etc.. as part of their many services. This shift from specialized
brick paver installers had a dire effect. Today the results of their inferior workmanship is showing throughout Ann Arbor, Saline, Canton, & Plymouth
When inexperienced and unqualified
landscape contractors began to install
interlocking pavers and
modular retaining walls & steps to keep up with demand, the design, performance, and quality of paver installations began to deteriorate. On one day their workers are installing trees,bushes, and sod, and the next installing a complex
paver step &
raised patio installation. The exception are some larger reputable
landscape companies that do have a designated brick paver crew which perform good paver work.
Quality brick paver installers specialize in the
design, installation, repair, cleaning, sealing, and maintenance of
paver patios, walkways, driveways, porches, steps, and more.
Brick pavers and
retaining walls are usually over 90% of their business.
Professional brick paver contractors educate their customers to the expected performance and yearly maintenance needs of
paving stones &
landscape walls.
Experienced brick paver contractors specify the proper design and products for the customers expectations & needs and delivers with high quality workmanship.
Reputable brick paver contractors offer industry standard warranties and full
after installation services like
repair, cleaning, sanding, and sealing.
There are several quality, professional, experienced, and reputable "full service"
brick paver installers in Ann Arbor. Below are some key factors when getting estimates for
brick pavers or
retaining walls.
I recommend getting 3 quotes for new installations, and at least 2 quotes for repair, cleaning, & sealing. If you are getting more than 3 to 4 quotes then you are most likely just chasing a lower price, and that is not a good idea. Always be suspicious of a very low quote and ask all the questions.
Make sure you are comparing "apples-with-apples". Usually quotes from different contractors will not match up or some are very vague. Make sure you get a detail itemized list of services, sizes, & products that will be used for your project. It is not a bad idea for you to compose your own list of needs or ideas for contractors to bid on. If a good contractor proposes a new idea or concern, you can easily add that to your generated list for others to include in their estimates.
Go with your gut feelings. If the bidding contractor gives you a level of confidence that the work will be performed to your expectations and in a timely manner, give that alot of weight in your final decision.
Paving contractors that have experience, product knowledge, and honesty will exhibit this during the bidding process.
Asking your prospective contractor for references and whether they are fully insured is important, but those contractors that have a
Michigan Builder's License are a step ahead. Landscape licenses are simply a $100 yearly fee and requires no testing.
Brick paving contractors that obtain a
Michigan Builder's License have taken classes, passed a state exam, and take required continuance classes. This factor should have some big weight in your decision to select a quality contractor.
As the prospective customer, it is your job to do the diligent work to hire the right
brick paver contractor for your needs. Ask the right questions and do the proper estimate comparisons and you can avoid the pitfalls of selecting a bad contractor.
Brick Pavers has always been the most flexible pavement available for using colors, patterns, shapes, & textures, at a reasonable and affordable cost. Brick paver patios also offer the best option in long term maintenance & replacement costs. Performing simple seasonal maintenance requirements like sweeping joint sand each Spring, will give a lifetime of performance, function, and enjoyment.
