What questions should I ask before signing a paver installation contract?

Before signing any paver installation contract in Metro Vancouver, ask detailed questions about base preparation, drainage design, material specifications, and warranty coverage. The quality of your interlock installation depends far more on what happens below the pavers than the pavers themselves, so focus your questions on the foundation work.

Base and Drainage Specifications

Ask your contractor to specify the exact base depth and materials in writing. For patios and walkways, you need minimum 6-8 inches of compacted granular base. For driveways, require 10-12 inches minimum. The base material should be 3/4-inch minus crushed gravel (also called road base or Class 2 aggregate) compacted in 2-inch lifts to 95% compaction. Ask: "What is your base depth and compaction procedure?" If they can't give you specific numbers, keep looking.

Drainage is critical in Metro Vancouver's wet climate. Your contractor should explain how surface water will drain away from the installation (minimum 2% slope away from buildings), where low points will drain to, and whether perforated drain pipe is included. Ask: "How will you handle drainage, and is drain pipe included in the price?" Properties with clay soil, high water tables, or poor existing drainage may need additional drainage measures that should be identified upfront.

Material Quality and Specifications

Specify the exact paver manufacturer, product line, colour, and thickness. Standard residential pavers are 60mm thick for patios and walkways, 80mm for driveways. Ask for the manufacturer's spec sheet showing compressive strength (should be 8,000+ PSI for concrete pavers). Verify that polymeric sand is included - this is essential in Vancouver's rainy climate and costs $3-5 per bag more than regular sand.

Ask about edge restraints along all unconfined edges. Professional installations use snap-edge or aluminum L-channel restraints spiked into the compacted base every 12-18 inches. Without proper edge restraints, pavers will spread and shift over time, especially along driveway edges.

Excavation and Site Preparation

Confirm what excavation depth is included and how existing materials will be disposed of. Removing old concrete or asphalt typically adds $3-8 per square foot to the project cost. Ask about underground utilities - BC One Call locates must be completed before excavation begins. Verify whether geotextile fabric is included between the subgrade and base material, which is essential in Metro Vancouver's clay-heavy soils.

For sloped properties common in North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby, and Coquitlam, ask how grade changes will be managed. Retaining walls over 4 feet require engineering and permits under the BC Building Code.

Timeline and Weather Contingencies

Metro Vancouver's rainy season from October through March affects installation quality. Ask how the contractor handles weather delays and whether they tent or tarp the work area during installation. Bedding sand and polymeric sand cannot be properly installed in heavy rain. Quality contractors schedule the critical phases (base compaction, screeding, paver laying, and polymeric sand activation) for dry weather windows.

Warranty and Maintenance

Ask for specific warranty terms in writing. Reputable contractors typically warranty their workmanship for 2-5 years against settling, shifting, or structural failure. Material warranties come from manufacturers (concrete pavers typically carry 25+ year warranties). Understand what maintenance is your responsibility - polymeric sand replenishment every 3-5 years, periodic cleaning, and moss/weed control are normal homeowner maintenance in Metro Vancouver's climate.

Ask about post-installation support. Will they return to address minor settling in the first year? Do they offer maintenance services like re-sanding, sealing, or releveling?

Permits and Compliance

Verify who obtains required permits. Retaining walls over 4 feet need building permits and engineered drawings. Driveway modifications may require municipal permits. Strata properties need alteration agreements before work begins. Ask: "What permits are required and who handles the applications?"

Confirm the contractor carries valid WorkSafeBC coverage and general liability insurance. Ask to see current certificates - this protects you from liability if workers are injured on your property.

Payment Structure and Change Orders

Avoid contractors demanding large upfront payments. Typical payment schedules are 10-20% to start, progress payments tied to completion milestones, and final payment upon completion. Never pay the full amount upfront.

Establish how change orders will be handled. Scope changes during excavation are common when unexpected drainage issues or poor soil conditions are discovered. Ask for written change order procedures with pricing approval required before additional work proceeds.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious of contractors who won't provide specific base depths, skip drainage discussion, quote significantly below market rates ($10-15 per square foot installed is unrealistically low for quality work), demand full payment upfront, or pressure you to sign immediately. Door-to-door contractors and those without local references should be avoided.

Quality interlock installation in Metro Vancouver typically costs $15-30 per square foot installed for concrete pavers, including proper base preparation, drainage, and materials. Quotes significantly below this range often indicate corners will be cut on base depth, compaction, or drainage - the most expensive mistakes to fix later.

When to Hire a Pro

Professional installation is essential for any driveway, patio over 200 square feet, retaining walls, or permeable paving systems. The specialized equipment (plate compactors, laser levels, wet saws), material knowledge, and drainage expertise required for lasting results make this a professional trade in Metro Vancouver's challenging climate.

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Find a Interlock & Paver Contractor

Vancouver Interlock connects you with experienced contractors through the https://vancouverconstructionnetwork.com:

• Effervescent construction Ltd ✓
• Adept Projects Inc ✓
• Premier Grounds Contracting ✓

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