[Free2Roam]

We want to have our driveway done with paver stones. Would appreciate recommendations on a good (quality/price) contractor for us to consider. Any comments from lessons learned (like using full vs half thick stones, etc) also appreciated.

OGP

[Pocadot55]

We had our driveway, walk and front porch done by All American Brick Pavers owned by Rocky Colon. His work is excellent. Before we signed the contract he told us which street to go to see his work. He said he didn't have to tell us which driveways he did, it would be obvious. Well, hubby and I had a little chuckle and drove over to that street and sure enough, we could tell. We talked with one of the owners and signed the contract. We love our driveway, etc. Check out as many contractors as possible and take the best. You won't regret it.

[frankiefl]

Originally Posted by OnGoldenPond

We want to have our driveway done with paver stones. Would appreciate recommendations on a good (quality/price) contractor for us to consider. Any comments from lessons learned (like using full vs half thick stones, etc) also appreciated.

OGP

We used A & C - we are very happy with their work, and the price was right.

[mtdjed]

Use caution selecting a contractor, have a written contract that protects you and do not pay in advance.

[gego3650]

They are always breaking. I have had them for 6 years and would not do it again.

[Jim 9922]

My architect neighbor says putting pavers on hard concrete (especially half pavers) is like putting lipstick on a pig. Proper use of pavers is to install on solid beds of sand and fine gravel. The Villages version of a veneer type of installation with glued-on edge pavers does not hold up very well after driving two ton cars over them and subjecting them to the side to side pressure from turning tires. My understanding is that additional sand must be added from time to time to prevent shifting and edge chipping, and without periodic sealing they can become subject to mold and oil stains just like ordinary concrete (only harder to clean). Also pick a varied color pattern because you will never be able to replace damaged pavers with exact matches 4 or 5 years later (even assuming your contractor or his supplier is still around).
My suggestion is to tour around the village areas where pavers have been installed 4 or 5 years earlier and see for yourself how they hold up, which type cracks more than others, how much they stain, how the edge pavers are attached, etc. If you see an owner outside, stop and ask about his experience and what ongoing maintenance is really involved, how easy are they to sweep clean of leaves and clippings, whether blowers and heavy rains remove the filler sand, etc. Also, you'll find out which contractors may be best considered for your project. For me, I'd feel alot more comfortable if a contractor has good recomendations AND he's been around for 5 or 6 years making things right for even the "old customers".
Doing your homework well is important, once pavers are installed you are stuck with them for a long time.
My impression of earlier paver jobs is bought cheap, got cheap! So go with quality if you do it.

[moose]

If you are going to have anything done....call Seniors vs Crime or BBB and find out guidelines for down payments...most say don't put anything down...look on these sites for guidelines.

Check at Seniors vs Crime for how many complaints they might have had filed....remember a settle complaint...was frustration for the buyer. What ever company you choose call and ask them for their complaint record.

Getting any job done in the villages is important...so remember to follow guidelines.

[bkcunningham1]

This is good advise from Lake County government:

Early warning signs of an unlicensed contractor

A large down payment is requested before work begins.

Many requests for money during early phases of construction.

The homeowner is asked to obtain the permit.

Verbal contract only, the person is not willing to put all terms in writing.

The contractor does not have proof of insurance.

The contractor informs the homeowner that the job does not require a permit or inspection. (To verify if a permit is actually required, call Building Services at (352) 343-9653.)

The contractor is only willing to work on weekends or after hours.

Someone other than the person or company contracting to do the work obtains the permit.

Contractor displays only a business tax receipt. (An business tax receipt [aka occupational license] is not a license to perform contracting work.)

The homeowners is asked to make checks payable to an individual when the contract is with a company, or asked to make payments in cash, or to make the check payable to "cash."

Newspaper advertisements, flyers or yellow page advertisements where only the telephone number appears and there is not a business address.

License numbers are not on the vehicle, business cards, contracts, flyers, newspaper or yellow page advertisements.

The homeowner can also ask questions

Ask what type of license they have. The license should be issued from Lake County Building Services or the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Ask to see a copy of their license. To lawfully engage in contracting, a contractor must be either State Registered or State Certified, or Locally Licensed.

Ask for a copy of their liability and workman's compensation insurance. Licensed contractors must have general liability and workers compensation insurance in force at all times.



http://www.lakecountyfl.gov/departme..._yourself.aspx

[George Locke]

All American is not licensed. They are not honest , and will take your money and run. By sticking up for them you give away your identity. Right Trish???

[Diemaker]

All of the brick pavers we have received quotes from will do the job within one-two weeks of signing the contract. One company wanted no money up front, one wanted $500 in earnest money, and one company wanted 50% upfront. All American Brick Pavers wants the money upfront before they will even start the job. Offer a discount if money is paid in full and promise to move you up the list. Then you never hear from them again. You call and call them, and all you get is their voice mail saying they are with a customer and will call you back within two hours. They never ever return your calls. They lie, give you false promises and take your money and run. Also, they have you write the check out to Trish Colon so they don't have to report their earnings to IRS. They are crooks.

[Joyce Beeman]

Originally Posted by OnGoldenPond

We want to have our driveway done with paver stones. Would appreciate recommendations on a good (quality/price) contractor for us to consider. Any comments from lessons learned (like using full vs half thick stones, etc) also appreciated.

OGP

I'm considering to do pavers on my little lanai and possibly on the driveway but there is a slight slope from the house to the street. Any suggestions or experiences you had since your posting? THANKS joyce

[Maschutt]

Agree with comments about finding a quality contractor that has installed pavers 5 years or more back so we can be sure they hold up to the conditions. I would love to hear from anyone who has had them installed several years ago and what is the required maintenance.