Getting a new driveway?

[nameisme]

I did at first ask about BS standards etc for the first few and about guarantee and getting a receipt. They all declined doing the job.

the last few I didn't mention most of it just asked about the guarantee, how drainage would work, about how they would do the subbase and that was it. Missed out the BS stuff and a receipt of the type of purchase of tarmac used and personal liability insurance. Just stuck to what they would do etc but unfortunately that still was too much for them and they also all either ghosted me or made up a reason not to do the job. Now there's no one left in the area to try unfortunately.

if a homeowner can't even ask about the guarantee, if VAT is included, how job will be done and the subbase etc without them declining the job then I just don't know what to say.

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

What you need to say is that you're not getting a new driveway by the sound of it.

It's a matter of tone. Obviously check the details but don't go piling in demanding that they comply with Space Corps Directive 97.5d or whatever, it just irritates and suggests that you're going to be a right pain.

 

[nameisme]

Thanks
Yes first 2 or 3 I was asking more questions and asking for a receipt of the type of permable tarmac used on condition of payment and they all were not interested in doing the job.
The next 3 or 4 tone was friendly and nice and just asking how they would do drainage and subbase. Only thing that may have put them off of asking how long the warranty was for and if they had personal liability and if the quotes would include VAT. That was it and despite a great friendly chat in person and they would send me over the quote later they either blanked me or just sent me a email saying how they can't do they job now for some reason.

There's no other companies left to ask now.

But if just asking for a receipt and those above questions which are honestly nothing and that causes them to not be interested, then that's very odd.
Maybe they perfect customers who they just give a quote for, tarmac, resin or monoblock and that's it.....

 

[nameisme]

Very annoying as one of the guys who was going to do the driveway he said he needed to check under driveway to know how best to do it. So in 3 places he dug up like 7 or 8 mono blocks and either didn't put them back or didn't put them back properly. Then I asked him if he could give me a receipt at the end and that was all. He then sent a message saying he is too ill to do anymore driveways.
I ask him if his guys who dug up the driveway could please pop them back level how they were but ofcourse he has ignored my call and texts. Mrs is not happy

 

[Nige F]

Are there any driveways near you that have been done ? Lucky for us we had a local firm quote, and as soon as the digger driver appeared I could see he was good . Then the other guys were A1 too. Though the salesman was a bit of a geezer - lol. Thing is you pick up a bit of nous being on the building for donkeys years, even if in 1 trade.

 

[yorksbuilder]

There's no other companies left to ask now.

I bet!

 

[noseall]

There's no other companies left to ask now.

Whilst I agree there are plenty of unscrupulous rip off merchants about, there are also customers to avoid, too.

 

[nameisme]

I always find "...minimum 100mm compacted MOT Type1..." usually works for me.

So literally just ask for that and thats it?

Well the quotes I was given ranged from nor ally 3k/4k range. A couple were around 6k.

Then got a company to give a quote today and this is their quotes.

"Apologies for my late response been one of those days!

Did you receive both quotes over okay? I am happy to assist with any questions you might have .


I have attached both below for your convivence:

Quote 1: Resin –

Excavate driveway area.

Supply and properly compact the area using type 1.

Supply and install new 4ft fence sticking with current layout.

Supply and install rumbled kerb edging around perimeter of the driveway.

Supply and install chosen colour of resin in driveway.

All waste removed off site.

All labour included.

All materials supplied.

£12,850 + VAT

Quote 2: Tarmac –

Excavate driveway area.

Supply and properly compact the area using type 1.

Supply and install new 4ft fence sticking with current layout.

Supply and install rumbled kerb edging around perimeter of the driveway.

Supply and install permible tarmac in the driveway area.

All waste removed off site.

All labour included.

All materials supplied.

£11,750 + VAT"

 

[nameisme]

The quote I got from a company a few weeks ago was this below:

He said I would get a receipt and 5 year guarantee not insurance backed. He said price doesn't include VAT as he's a sole trader. Not sure if he has PL insurance but don't want to ask.

 

[noseall]

So literally just ask for that and thats it?

Well that along with....

Local - reliable - recommended.

 

[^woody^]

Quote 1: Resin –

Excavate driveway area.

Supply and properly compact the area using type 1.

Supply and install new 4ft fence sticking with current layout.

Supply and install rumbled kerb edging around perimeter of the driveway.

Supply and install chosen colour of resin in driveway.

Does he know how to lay resin drives?

They should be laid on top of a firm base such as concrete, tarmac or asphalt, not straight on to stone

 

[nameisme]

Does he know how to lay resin drives?

They should be laid on top of a firm base such as concrete, tarmac or asphalt, not straight on to stone

Doesnt sound like he does from the quote. Plus to quote £12,850 + VAT ???
What I dont understand is how the other quotes I got were all between 3k - 4k and his 12k plus???

 

[HERTS P&D]

He over priced the job not to get it!

But if he did then he has enough money to put up with you.

Andy

 

[nameisme]

Well to put up with me I was only following advice given to me on here.