Client–Contractor Patio and Driveway Questionnaire
Choosing the right professional for your garden, patio, or driveway project starts with asking the right questions. Knowing the essential questions to ask your landscaping contractor helps you separate skilled, trustworthy tradespeople from those who may cut corners. From checking experience and qualifications to understanding contracts, British Standards, and aftercare guarantees, this guide highlights what every homeowner should ask before committing — along with the warning signs to avoid.
25 Key Questions to Ask a Landscaping Contractor
- Are you experienced in projects similar to mine?
- Do you have any formal training?
- What is your experience in landscaping and paving?
- Are you accredited? BALI, APL, Bradstone or similar?
- Could we arrange site visits to two of your previous projects? A recent project, and one that is approximately 12 – 24 months old, both with references.
- Do you provide a contract with terms and conditions and a payment schedule?
- Will I receive a written quotation detailing all works, materials, and VAT?
- Are you familiar with your responsibilities under CDM 2015, and will the contractor/principal designer ensure these are met for this project? Will the you the contractor prepare a Construction Phase Plan as is legally required on all projects?
- Will risk assessments & method statements (RAMS) be provided for site works?
- How will hazards (e.g., underground services, excavations) be managed?
- Email communication throughout is our preference. Are you ok with this?
- Do you work to BS 7533 standards?
- Do you carry out a subgrade analysis/CBR test? If so, how?
- Will you use a non-woven separation membrane above the subgrade?
- Will you use MOT type 1 or 3 and not reclaimed crush?
- What compaction equipment do you use, and how thick will the type 1 or 3 layers be between each compaction?
- Will you use sharp sand or crushed rock/grano, not builders’ sand, for the laying course?
- What jointing material will you use? We do not accept a single-part brush in grouts.
- Would you be prepared to take daily pictures of progress and send them to us?
- Do you provide maintenance advice (e.g., sealing, general upkeep, weed prevention)?
- How do you address settlement or defects if they occur after installation?
- Do you know the Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires you to guarantee your work for 6 years?
- Could you share your insurance documents?
- Could we have your full address?
- Do you take milk in your tea and do you like your bacon well done? 😉
Warning Signs When Choosing a Contractor
Be cautious of:
- No written quote or contract.
- Lack of knowledge about CDM 2015 responsibilities.
- Informal communication via text/WhatsApp only.
- Reluctance to reference British Standards or regulations.
- Cash-only deals or unusually low pricing.
- No insurance provided.
- “I’ve done it this way for 20 years and never had a call back” – dismissing standards.
- Offers to start immediately (be mindful of the 14-day cooling-off period).
Client Check Points
1. Pre Construction Phase
Site Survey & Design
- Confirm site levels, drainage falls, dimensions of paving and boundaries are accurate.
- If applicable ensure design/drawings up to date and meet expectations .
- Verify compliance with UK Building Regulations and local authority requirements.
- Review CDM 2015 documentation with the contractor and ensure actions are in place as per CDM plan.
Materials Are As Agreed
- Approve paving type, for example, Penryhn Welsh Slate, porcelain type.
- Check materials against BS EN standards (e.g., slip resistance, thickness).
- Confirm supplier and delivery schedule.
Utilities & Services
- Confirm no underground utilities will be compromised.
- Ensure service covers (e.g., manholes) are set to correct height.
Sub-base & Bedding Specification
- Verify sub-base depth and type as per CBR reading (e.g., MOT Type 1).
- Check bedding layer material (e.g., sharp sand and mortar for flags).
- Review edge restraint design (essential for stability).
2. Construction Phase
Site Prepation
- Confirm excavation depth matches design (allowing for sub-base, bedding, and paving thickness).
- Check soil type and compaction (use of plate compactor or roller).
Sub-base Installation
- Confirm excavation and even compaction of sub-base (MOT Type 1 or equivalent).
- Confirm correct falls are installed.
Bedding Layer
- Verify even thickness and correct material (sharp sand for block paving, mortar for slabs).
- Ensure no contamination (e.g., clay or debris mixed).
Surface Course Inspection/Snags
- Ensure surface falls are correct.
- Check out for raised lips, no more than 2mm.
- No loose paving slabs.
- Jointing/Grout is level with the aris of the paving slabs and joints are full.
- Channel drains work.
- Sign off.
