Getting It Right First Time
A new driveway or patio is a significant investment, and choosing the right contractor makes all the difference between a job you are proud of and one that causes headaches for years. We have been in this trade for over 23 years across Staines, Egham, and Ashford, and we have seen the aftermath of poor work more times than we would like. Here are 7 things we would recommend checking before you hire anyone.
1. Are They Insured?
This is non-negotiable. Any reputable contractor should have public liability insurance. If something goes wrong on your property during the work, such as a cracked window or damage to a neighbouring wall, you need to know you are covered. Ask to see the certificate. If they cannot produce one, walk away.
2. Can You See Recent Work?
Photos on a website are one thing, but Google reviews with photos from real customers are much harder to fake. Look for a contractor with a strong Google presence and recent reviews that mention specific projects. At M&R Property & Paving Services, we have 88 five-star reviews with photos from real jobs across Staines, Feltham, Sunbury, and beyond.
3. Do They Provide a Written Quote?
A verbal quote is worth nothing if there is a disagreement later. You want a clear, itemised written quote that spells out exactly what is included: materials, labour, skip hire, drainage, and any groundwork. If the price changes after work starts, you have something to refer back to.
4. Do They Visit Before Quoting?
Any contractor quoting over the phone or from photos alone is guessing. A proper quote requires a site visit to check access, measure the area accurately, assess drainage requirements, and discuss options in person. We never quote without visiting first.
5. What Sub-base Do They Use?
This is where corners get cut most often, and it is the part you cannot see once the job is finished. A proper driveway needs a minimum of 150mm of compacted sub-base material. If a contractor is quoting significantly cheaper than everyone else, ask what depth they are going to. A poorly prepared base will crack, sink, and shift within a couple of years, and fixing it means starting from scratch.
6. Are They on Any Review Platforms?
Check Google, Trustpilot, TrustaTrader, MyBuilder, or Checkatrade. A strong presence across multiple platforms shows consistent quality, not just one good run of reviews. We are rated across all of them.
7. What Guarantee Do They Offer?
Ask about guarantees on both materials and workmanship. A good contractor will stand behind their work with a written guarantee. We guarantee all our work and are always available if you need us back for any reason after the job is done.
Still Comparing?
If you are getting quotes from contractors in Staines or the surrounding areas, we are happy to provide a free, no-obligation quote alongside anyone else. Call M&R Property & Paving Services on 0800 107 8714 and we will arrange a visit at a time that suits you.
