Choosing the right material for your new driveway is a pretty important decision. Not only will it impact significantly on the appearance of your property, it will affect its value too.
Of the surfaces available, asphalt is one of the most popular, and for good reason. It’s extremely durable, having been designed to withstand forces placed on it by even the heaviest of vehicles.
You’ve got a plan, you’re ready for a brand-new surface to be constructed – your next challenge? Finding the right surfacing contractors to get the job done.
For many, instinct draws towards the cheapest option, but often, this doesn’t lead to the best job being done.
To help you make the right choice, we’ve put together this article, pinpointing key things to consider when researching your options.
Every manager’s nightmare is to get caught out by a rogue trader. To avoid this, there are a few things you can look out for.
Firstly, you can take a look at the company’s customer reviews. Sites such as SafeBuy pool reviews from legitimate review sites, including Google and Trustpilot. If there are consistently good reviews, then chances are the surfacing contractor is one you can trust.
You can also look at their history, including their list of clients. If plenty of well-known company names show up on the list, then you’re likely to be in good hands.
Another indicator of a reputable surfacing contractor is whether they have any awards or accreditations. If a company is City & Guilds accredited for instance it means the contractors are properly trained for the job and can complete the work to a high standard.
Again, the best way to check customer service is to look at customer reviews. However, getting to know a company’s customer service is not just about checking for 5-star ratings.
As a business or organisation, finding a surfacing contractor who will work around your needs and tailor their contract and services to suit you is important.
Do you require a contractor who can surface outside business hours? Are you looking for a contractor who goes above and beyond to provide high-quality surfacing? Do you need help choosing your surfacing material, or have you got all the specifications down to the last detail?
Making sure you choose a contractor who can meet your needs and work in a way that suits you is important – and that’s where checking how flexible a company is can make all the difference.
If you’re not sure how flexible they are, you can always give them a call.
Most surfacing contractors should offer a free site survey. Why? It gives both you and the contractor the opportunity to discuss the project before signing any binding contracts.
It’s also the most effective way to provide a quote.
Seeing the contractor in person before you pay any money is also another way to ensure you’re choosing a reputable surfacing contractor.
Those that confidently showcase some of their previous work on their website is always a good sign. Have a good look through it all to ensure that it aligns with what you’re after.
If there are few or no images on their website, don’t let this be the only thing that puts you off – it’s common for construction companies to have less polished websites, or even no website at all. Instead, check their social media or online reviews, such as on their Google Business Profile. Previous clients often include images of the final product in their reviews.
Although surfacing is surfacing, the process often varies depending on the material used and the specific area where the work is required. Make sure any contractors you consider has a good amount of experience working on similar projects to yours. Just because they can do a good job of surfacing roads doesn’t always mean they can do a great job of driveways.
A family-run surfacing company with over 50 years of experience, A&MT Contractors is ready to assist with all your surfacing needs. Operating from our depots in Peterborough and Romford, we serve clients across the UK, having worked with major brands such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose. Whatever surface you need constructing, however big or small, our expert team will get the job done.
We are fully accredited by Street Works Certification and City & Guilds, so you can rest assured that all our contractors are highly qualified for the job.
By choosing us, you can be sure your surfacing project will be completed on time and to a high standard. Contact us today to arrange your free site survey.
When it comes to choosing a surface for your driveway, you want to get it right. It’s not just about having the right aesthetic and structural strength, it’s also about potentially bumping up the overall value of your property.
Formulated with a mixture of clear resin and natural aggregate stone this material creates a smooth, compacted gravel finish that should look flat and seamless once completed.
From companies to private homes, resin bound surfaces are the driveway of choice for many properties across the UK and are increasingly favoured by landscapers and architects. Why?
In this article, we’re exploring some of the top benefits of resin bound surfacing that could be the key to explaining its growing popularity.
Groundworks set the foundations for any construction project. The work you do on top will only ever be as good ground beneath it – if it’s unstable, unsecure, and not level, it sets a standard for the rest. So, groundworks, it’s clearly important, but…
In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more, giving you a clear understanding of why groundworks matter and how to get them done properly.
Groundworks refers to all work done to prepare sub-surfaces for the start of a construction project. Typically, this includes everything from clearing sites and excavating to installing drainage systems and utilities, and laying foundations. Whether building houses, office blocks, and hotels or constructing roads, car parks, and yard surfaces, groundworks is the first essential step in the process.
Good groundwork is the foundation of any successful construction project. Without proper preparation of the sub-surface, many issues can occur that could have been avoided by having it done well in the first place.
The groundwork sets the foundation for everything that follows. If something goes wrong with the ground, it will likely affect whatever has been built on top, whether that’s a building or surface. Good groundwork ensures the site is properly prepared for what will be constructed above it, providing the longevity and stability your project needs for years to come.
Not having good drainage in place can lead to dampness, flooding, and structural damage, all of which will affect your project. Good groundworkers create level surfaces, but also consider where slopes should be so water drains effectively.
Further down the line, having good groundwork will likely save you money. Repairs often mean everything has to be ripped up and replaced, with the added risk of the building above collapsing. It’s simply best to pay for groundworks to be done properly the first time round.
Choosing the right contractor to handle the groundwork of your project to a high standard is essential. Price is, of course, is an important consideration, but it shouldn’t be the deciding factor. Here are some important points to look out for and consider before making a decision on who to go with:
Checking what others have to say about them locally is always a good place to start. Review their social media and the posts they’ve been mentioned in, and check reviews on well-known sites. All in all, if what people are saying about them is good, it’s usually a positive sign.
Look for contractors registered with recognised accreditations like City and Guilds. Usually displayed on their websites, these signal that they know what they’re doing. Ensuring they’re registered with proper insurance coverage and all required licensing is also a must, reducing the risk and protecting against any damage or accidents.
To ensure you’ll have the best job done, ask to see their portfolio, specifically projects on the lines of what you’re looking to be done. Just because they can do dig and lay solid foundations for a house, doesn’t mean they can do it just as well on a larger scale for a commercial building.
At A&MT Contractors, we take great pride and care over our construction projects and make sure everything is exactly as it should be. From groundworks right through to the finishing touches on your landscaping, our experienced construction workers will complete the job to a high standard every time.
If you’re looking for reliable and efficient groundworks, we can help. We’ve completed groundworks for stores and businesses across Great Britain, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Wicks, B&Q, McDonalds and Travis Perkins. We work around your schedule and offer an accessible service. Give us a call today to arrange a site survey for your free, no-obligation quote.
When it comes to driveway resurfacing, you’ll need to consider what type of material it best for your requirements. Will it need to be durable enough to hold heavy vehicles? Do you have a longer driveway which requires a certain aesthetic? Or perhaps there is a very specific colour that you’re looking for.
Whatever your reason for researching driveways, we’re providing a round-up of the top 3 different driveway resurfacing options available to help you make the right choice. We’ll also weigh in on which is the best.
