When selecting a contractor, ask him a few questions. These questions should include:
A) Have you installed my product of choice before? You want him to nave knowledge of your product of choice to avoid unnecessary problems arising on site.
B) Are you able to supply me with a reference from a previous client? Always get a referral. A paying client is a trustworthy testimonial.
C) Please explain the installation process to me. Read through our blog articles, as well as our installation guide on our web library, and make sure you know what you expect to hear.
D) If SmartStone or Mobicast paver are your product choice, ask your contractor what causes colour patching. Ask him a couple of random questions based on information on our website – you want him to be able to answer all your questions.
E) If SmartStone is your product choice, ask your contractor how they would handle the product on site. This is important! Your product must be handled with care and not thrown around on site.
F) How often do you supervise your team on site? — You want your contractor or his foreman on site throughout the installation process
If your contractor is unable to answer these questions, he might not be the right guy for the job.
How to choose the RIGHT contractor for the job:
- Uneven color or "patching" can occur if installers fail to draw products from various pallets during installation. This is because slight color variations might exist between batches due to the manufacturing process.
- Sunken or lifting paving. This happens if a contractor has failed to implement a proper drainage system on site.
- You could be left with an uneven surface. This happens when the sub-base of your area has not been prepared and compacted correctly.
- Cement is porous. Your living space can be irreparably damaged if wet cement is messed on your concrete product. If this happens, the area must be washed immediately with a medium textured brush and water.
- Improper installation can lead to movement in your paved area. One of the main culprits is failing to secure the border with cement. In addition, an inadequately prepared and compacted sub-base, or the absence of retraining edging, can also contribute to movement.
- Product damage due to compaction of your product. When installing SmartStone — your contractor MUST NOT compact your installed area on the bare product. He must make use of a rubber mat or conveyer belt to protect the surface area of your product. Compacting directly on your SmartStone product, will damage your product.
- Make informed decisions!
