Questions for the Fredericton Hardscape Contractor before Hiring

Importance of Asking Questions Before Hiring

As with any major home project, hiring the wrong hardscape contractor can end up costing you much more than just money. Beyond installing pavers or pouring concrete, you’re entrusting someone with enhancing your property and outdoor living area.

Taking the time upfront to understand a contractor’s expertise, work standards, communication skills, and references can prevent future issues and disputes that drain your time and wallet.

Asking questions demonstrates your due diligence and protects both parties’ best interests. You owe it to yourself and your investment to approach the hiring decision thoroughly.

Essential Questions to Ask

Background and Experience

One of the first questions to ask is how long the contractor has been in business installing hardscapes. While experience isn’t everything, you’ll feel more confident working with someone who has built and sustained a reputable hardscaping business for many years.

Ask them about the scope and scale of past projects to understand the types and sizes they’ve routinely handled. Find out if they specialize or have particular experience with the hardscaping elements you require, like patios, walkways, or driveways. Don’t just take their word at face value – ask for examples of similar, recently completed Fredericton projects you can drive by and inspect.

License, Insurance, and Certifications

Verify that any contractor you hire carries the proper licensing to perform hardscaping work according to local New Brunswick regulations. Check that their licenses are in good standing. You’ll also want to ensure they maintain active general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage in case of unforeseen on-site injuries or damages. Find out about any relevant professional certifications from manufacturers or trade associations that demonstrate their expertise and credentialing. Only work with fully certified, licensed, and insured hardscaping professionals.

References, Previous Projects, and Warranty

Obtaining direct client testimonials and viewing a contractor’s portfolio provides invaluable insights beyond just their own promotional claims. Ask anywhere from three to five recent Fredericton clients for references you can contact to discuss the contractor’s work quality, communication skills, responsiveness, and value.

Inquire how the contractor handles any unexpected issues or client suggestions, and gauge their receptiveness to your input during the project planning and execution. Reputable firms should willingly provide a warranty on their workmanship and stand confidently behind their projects.

Project Planning and Execution

The hardscaping planning and design process dictates whether projects stay on track, on budget and meet your expectations. Ask about their procedures for on-site assessments, design consultations, material selections and approvals, utilities locating, and permits acquisition to understand their level of preparation, professionalism and attention to detail.

Find out if they will be personally involved in overseeing and managing the project start to finish or if it will be assigned to crew members. For complex or extensive job scopes, you’ll want a hands-on contractor.

Onsite Presence and Involvement

Speaking of hands-on involvement, inquire how regularly the contractor will be on site during the hardscaping installation. Opt for those who commit to scheduled weekly or daily visits over those with cursory drop-ins.

Get clarification on which company representatives you can expect to encounter. The contractor’s guidance helps ensure consistent quality, workmanship meets agreed standards, tasks stay appropriately resourced and timelines don’t slip. You also need easy ways to provide input or request alterations as the job is ongoing.

Payment Schedule and Timeline

Any project timeline and payment schedule should be outlined clearly in your contract. Ask how invoices will be submitted, what portions of payment are due at specific milestone completions like design, materials delivery and installation.

Verify the contractor will issue lien waivers upon receiving installments to release their legal claim over your property until full completion. Make sure you understand cancellation or postponement clauses too. Trust those committed to frequent, transparent communication and fair arrangements.

Meet the Pros Atlantic Brick and Stone for your Hardscaping Needs in Fredericton

When it comes to outdoor living spaces, Atlantic Brick and Stone proudly serves as Fredericton’s most trusted name in hardscape landscaping. For over 15 years, the company’s professionals have completed countless projects, helping local homeowners craft beautifully functional and durable outdoor environments. Atlantic Brick and Stone has earned its stellar reputation through an unwavering commitment to quality work backed by valuable warranties and guarantees.

• Extensive portfolio and experience: Browse Atlantic Brick and Stone’s comprehensive online gallery to view just some of the many satisfied customers they’ve assisted. From patios and walkways to retaining walls and outdoor kitchens, their portfolio highlights an impressive breadth of completed projects.
• Trained experts on staff: Our team has years of hands-on experience professionally installing all types of hardscapes. You can feel confident our knowledgeable labor will expertly execute your project vision.
• Complete warranty protections: All of Atlantic Brick and Stone’s masonry works are protected by strong warranties. Should any issues arise, you’ll appreciate their pledge to stand behind their work.
• Ongoing maintenance services: Enhance your property’s value by signing up for routine cleaning, repairs and sealcoat refreshes to keep your hardscapes looking renewed year after year.
• Positive reviews everywhere: Browse online and you’ll discover many delighted past clients recommending Atlantic Brick and Stone for their responsiveness, aesthetic eye and quality results.

With such a flawless track record of beautiful achievements, it’s no wonder Atlantic Brick and Stone consistently earns top ratings in the Fredericton region. Their proven performances and reputable customer service make them the ideal choice for all your hardscaping needs.

In-Summary

• Understand their qualifications like credentials, expertise and reviews.
• Confirm they maintain proper licensing, bonding and insurance.
• Clarify payment terms, timelines and their involvement level.
• Reputable companies provide references and consultations promptly.
• Thoroughly check backgrounds and ask important questions upfront.

That covers the top questions you should ask a hardscape contractor before hiring them for your Fredericton property project. Being an informed homeowner prevents issues.