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There are rogues in every field, driveway installation included. You might have heard one or two stories about contractors accepting money and not delivering as previously agreed, or not even showing up. Maybe you’ve even been a victim yourself and are now suspicious of the searches that turn up in a driveway companies near me query.
Well, you have every right to be. The landscaping industry isn’t closely regulated, and rogues with no experience can get into the business. Now you don’t have to lock up and forget about home renovations. In this post, we’ll share a few tips and tricks on spotting rogue driveway installers.
- They’re incredibly cheap.
Don’t jump on everything that looks like a bargain. Everyone wants to save money; rogue installers know this and prey upon that desire. If you’re not careful, you might wind up hiring a fake or an inexperienced contractor. Beware of services that try to lure you with ‘one-time special offers.’ In the long run, shoddy work could cost you more.
- They’re readily available.
Why shouldn’t a contractor be readily available? It shows how serious they are if they’re ready to get to work immediately, right? Well, not always. Look at it this way. If they’re prepared to start on your driveway right away, it means they don’t have any project to conclude. While that’s not bad, it is unusual. Professional driveway installers are in high demand, and more often than not, will schedule a later date to come and look at your property.
- They don’t use written contracts.
Trust is excellent!However, you would never enter a business based solely on trust, right? So why should any professional driveway installer do the same? Yes, reading through written documents can be cumbersome, but if one party doesn’t hold up their end of the deal, it’s easier to get a settlement. Oral contracts tend to become a ‘he said, she said’ fiasco, and if you hire someone with no intention of honoring your arrangement, you will be on the losing end.
- They don’t offer references.
Often time driveway installers share their customers’ testimonials on their website. It’s one of the most common ways of getting more clients. So if you’re considering a company with no references, who aren’t willing to provide one, then there’s most likely something off. They probably either have no experience or are bad at what they do. It’s in your best interest to find as many references as you possibly can before hiring an installer.
- They’re unwilling to provide more details.
One of the reasons a rogue contractor might not have referenced is that they don’t provide details to their previous clients. Profitable businesses are eager to share their contact, either a telephone number or address, so you can contact them for more work or refer them to someone else. If they’re not forthcoming with details about their company, they might be hiding something.
- They’re eager for you to pay upfront.
This tip cuts across several services, but it’s important to highlight it here nonetheless. Projects such as driveway installation take several stages to complete, so reliable companies ask for payment in phases, or at the end. Paying the entire fee upfront means you’re at risk of receiving sub-par work or even having your project abandoned halfway. You should always insist on breaking the payments if you can.
- They want you to decide on the spot.
Reliable driveway installers understand that you might need time to think about your options, and they have no problem checking in later. Rogue installers can’t afford that patience. Whether it’s pushing you to take advantage of the last day of a special promo, or just being in the nearby with the left-over mix, they always seem a little too eager for you to say yes. Don’t allow anyone pushes you into making hasty decisions about your home.
You’ll have an easier time detecting and avoiding scam driveway installers with these tips. Applying the opposite of these tips is an excellent way of finding an established company, because:
- You get quality service.
Industry accredited companies take their jobs very seriously and are thorough with their services.
- Your driveway lasts longer.
The base of your driveway on which the concrete rests is a critical element in determining how long it lasts. Inexperienced driveway installers are more likely to ruin it, but reliable contractors know how to create a stable base that will serve you longer.
- It saves your time
If you’re eager to get your driveway done quickly, your best bet is a professional. Years of experience allow them to save time through the entire driveway installation process.
Conclusion
These seven tips should help you avoid rogue driveway installers as their services are likely to leave you unhappy and dissatisfied. Always go with established companies that work according to specifications, and you’ll reap the rewards in the long run.
