How do I check my new Vancouver paver install for issues at handover?

When your Vancouver paver installation is complete, conduct a thorough walkover inspection before making final payment. Look for proper drainage, level surfaces, secure edge restraints, and quality workmanship that will withstand Metro Vancouver's heavy rainfall and clay soil conditions.

Surface Quality and Levelness
Walk the entire installation slowly, feeling for any pavers that rock, sit high, or have settled below adjacent pavers. Use a straight 2x4 board to check for dips, humps, or uneven areas — gaps larger than 1/4 inch indicate poor screeding or inadequate compaction. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas like the center of driveways and main walkway routes. Check that all pavers are seated firmly without rocking when stepped on. Look for chipped, cracked, or damaged pavers that should be replaced before handover.

Drainage and Slope Verification
This is critical in Metro Vancouver's wet climate. Pour water from a garden hose onto different sections of the installation and verify it flows away from your house foundation and doesn't pond anywhere on the surface. The minimum slope should be 2% (1/4 inch per foot) away from buildings. Check that water flows toward designated drainage areas, not toward neighboring properties. If you see standing water after 10-15 minutes, the slope is inadequate and must be corrected. Verify that any drainage pipes or catch basins are properly connected and functional.

Joint Sand and Edge Details
Examine the polymeric sand joints — they should be filled to within 1/8 inch of the paver surface and properly activated (hardened). Joints that are underfilled, overfilled, or show white haze on paver surfaces indicate improper installation. Check all edges for proper restraint systems — snap-edge or aluminum restraints should be installed along every unconfined edge and spiked securely into the base. Pavers should fit tightly against edge restraints without gaps. Look for any areas where pavers appear to be spreading or separating.

Base and Excavation Quality
While you can't see the base directly, look for signs of inadequate preparation. Pavers that have already settled, areas that feel soft or spongy underfoot, or sections where pavers have shifted indicate base problems. Check the excavation depth against your contract specifications — walkways and patios should have 6-8 inches of base, driveways need 10-12 inches. If the contractor removed less soil than specified, the base is likely too shallow.

Pattern and Workmanship
Verify the pattern matches your contract specifications and is consistent throughout. Check that cuts around obstacles, curves, and edges are clean and properly fitted. Look for consistent joint spacing (typically 2-3mm between pavers). Examine any soldier courses (border rows) to ensure they're straight and properly aligned. Check transitions between different materials or pattern changes.

Metro Vancouver Specific Checks
Given our clay-heavy soils and high rainfall, pay extra attention to areas near downspouts, low points, and anywhere water might collect. Verify that the installation doesn't create new drainage problems for your neighbors — water should not be redirected onto adjacent properties. Check that any required permits were obtained and that the work meets municipal setback requirements. For strata properties, confirm the installation matches approved plans and materials.

Documentation and Warranty
Request photos of the base preparation, compaction process, and any drainage installation before pavers were laid. Get written confirmation of materials used (paver manufacturer and style, base depth, edge restraint type, polymeric sand brand). Understand your warranty coverage — reputable contractors typically provide 2-3 years on workmanship and will honor manufacturer warranties on materials. Get clear instructions for maintenance, including when to replenish polymeric sand (typically every 3-5 years in Vancouver's climate).

Red Flags to Reject the Work
Don't accept the installation if you see standing water, rocking pavers, missing edge restraints, inadequate joint sand, or any areas that appear to have settled. Pavers installed during heavy rain without proper protection often show contaminated joints or uneven surfaces. If the contractor cannot demonstrate proper slope with flowing water, require correction before final payment.

When to Hire a Professional Inspector
For large or expensive installations (driveways over $15,000, complex retaining wall projects), consider hiring an independent hardscape professional for a final inspection. This is especially valuable if you're unfamiliar with interlock standards or if the contractor seems reluctant to address your concerns.

A properly installed paver system in Metro Vancouver should provide decades of service with minimal maintenance. Taking time for a thorough handover inspection protects your investment and ensures you'll enjoy your new hardscape through many rainy seasons.