Working with a Unilock Authorized Contractor is working with the best of the best. Our UACs possess the knowledge and expertise to bring your dream project to life, and deliver stunning results that will exceed your expectations.
Driveway Contractors
Find the best driveway contractors from North America’s most trusted and premier hardscape manufacturer.
What is a Driveway Contractor?
Driveways are largely considered one of the first things a person will see when they pass by your home. Logically, it makes sense to make a lasting first impression, which is why redoing your driveway is a worthwhile investment that will set your home apart from the rest of your neighborhood.
Driveway contractors are experienced hardscape professionals who possesses the knowledge and expertise to build a highly durable, aesthetically pleasing driveway design that will not only stand the test of time but enhance the overall curb appeal of your home.
Advantages of Hiring a Unilock Authorized Contractor Near You
If you’re looking to remodel or replace your asphalt or old paver driveway with a brand-new paved driveway using Unilock pavers, hiring a Unilock Authorized Contractor is the best choice you can make for your project. Some of the benefits of hiring a UAC include:
· UACs follow Unilock Installation Standards for all projects.
· UACs adhere to the Unilock Authorized Contractor Code of Ethics.
· UACs keep their skills up-to-date with continuing education courses.
· Hiring a UAC brings you extra peace of mind with a minimum two-year Workmanship Guarantee.
When you hire an Authorized Contractor, you are hiring someone who is an expert in proper site preparation, grading, base materials, and compaction. This is incredibly important for your driveway project because you’ll want to ensure your driveway not only looks great, but will last for years.
Choosing a UAC means you gain access to:
· Knowledgeable design advice;
· A comprehensive project estimate;
· Quality base materials and installation practices;
· A project that stands the test of time and looks great;
Let us connect you with a local Unilock Authorized Contractor who can provide you with a free estimate for your project.
Tips for Choosing the Right Driveway Contractor
Here are some tips you can use when hiring a driveway contractor for your next project:
1. Workmanship
Review Past Projects: Ask to see projects completed over two years ago to assess the durability and quality of their work.
Warranty and Claims: Inquire about the length of their work guarantee and check for any warranty claims filed against their company in the past two years.
2. Sub-Contracting
Sub-Contractor Management: Some contractors hire specialists for tasks like lighting or irrigation. Ensure you understand how these sub-contractors will be managed and vetted.
3. Experience
Installation Expertise: Find out their experience with installing driveways by viewing past projects to ensure they have relevant expertise and successful installations.
4. Preparation
Base Preparation Methods: Ask about the methods and materials they use for base preparation. Ensure they can customize their approach to meet your site’s specific needs.
5. Schedule
Project Timeline: Determine their project booking schedule and estimate the duration of your project. Ask if an upfront deposit is required to secure your project’s timing.
6. Documentation
Licensing and Insurance: Verify that the contractor's licensing, liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage are current. If permits are needed, clarify who will be responsible for obtaining them.
7. Compatibility
Communication and Trust: Ensure effective communication and trust with the contractor. Confirm if the person you're meeting will be on-site throughout the project or if someone else will be your main contact.
References: Contact references to learn about the contractor's project management and work style.
8. Design
Design Services: Check if the contractor offers design services and inquire about the costs. Find out if they provide hand-drawn or 3D-rendered concept designs and ensure their design style aligns with your vision. Request a Design Catalog
Improve Your Driveway’s Permeability with Unilock Permeable Pavers
If you’re looking for a sustainable alternative to traditional paving or asphalt, permeable pavers are a fantastic option. Permeable pavers not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space, but also improves the permeability of your property, by promoting better water drainage and reducing runoff.
Unilock introduced the first permeable paver to North America back in 1991. Since then, we’ve expanded our range to offer a variety of permeable paving products. Our commitment to sustainability and our high-quality designs makes us a top choice for eco-friendly and attractive driveways. Talk to your driveway contractor to find out which of our permeable paver products will best suit your project’s design.
Design Considerations for Your Paver Driveway
A paver driveway should make a lasting first impression and harmonize with the design features of your front yard.
Front Walkway
Just as your driveway guides you home, your front walkway creates a vital connection to your front door. When designing both together, choose pavers that seamlessly connect these areas. Collaborate with your driveway contractor to select color tones, borders, and laying patterns that complement each other, creating a beautiful and cohesive path to your door.
Landscape Lighting
Properly planned landscape lighting ensures a safe, welcoming, and visually appealing driveway. Incorporate landscape lighting into your driveway design by strategically placing lights along the edges to illuminate the path and guide foot traffic. Use recessed lights or lantern-topped pillars to define the start of the path and add step lighting for enhanced safety when ascending to a walkway or up the stairs to your front door. For a more visually enticing look, consider uplighting trees or architectural features in your design to create intriguing shadow play.
Softscaping
Complement hard lines with soft edges by integrating natural softscaping elements into your hardscape design. Native plants, trees, flowers, and shrubs can add vibrant colors and varying textures, enhancing the beauty of paved surfaces and vertical elements. Use garden walls to define the perimeters of your driveway and breathe life into your front yard with a harmonious blend of greenery and structure.
Paver Borders and Accents
Paver borders in a contrasting color can help clearly define the edges of your driveway, enhance your home’s curb appeal and add character to your overall design. Choose dark border accents that can tie your design together and seamlessly connect various paved areas like your front walkway, side yard, and backyard patio. For borders, Elegance™ pavers are excellent choices. They offer vibrant colors and authentic stone textures, thanks to Reala™ technology. Plus, with Ultima™ Concrete Technology, you get exceptional durability—up to four times stronger than traditional poured concrete—ensuring your paver borders will remain secure and attractive for years to come. Find a Contractor
Budget-Friendly Tips for Your Driveway Project
Embarking on a driveway project requires a clear budget and timeline to keep everything on track. Here are some strategies to optimize both when working with your contractor:
· Define Your Priorities: Identify the essential features for your driveway and allocate your budget to focus on these key aspects.
· Request Detailed Estimates: Get quotes from multiple contractors to compare pricing and services. Look for transparent pricing and detailed cost breakdowns.
· Consider Material Options: Explore various materials and designs that fit your budget and style. Your contractor can help you find cost-effective options without sacrificing quality.
· Plan for Contingencies: Set aside a contingency fund for unexpected expenses or changes.
· Communicate Clearly: Keep open lines of communication with your contractor about your budget and timeline expectations. Address any concerns or changes promptly to avoid delays or misunderstandings.
Driveway Contractors FAQs
When is a good time of year to install driveway pavers?
The best time of year to install a driveway is anywhere between May 1 and December 1. This could be year-round in some regions, but ideally, you want to ensure the ground is not frozen.
Can my driveway contractor install a heated driveway for me?
While we do not sell heated driveway systems at Unilock, a Unilock Authorized Contractor can install a heated driveway system, provided you speak to them early in the design process to ensure that it can be worked into the installation.
Where is the best place to install channel drains on a driveway?
There are a few places where you can install channel drains on your driveway for effective water management. These include at the driveway’s entrance to catch runoff before it hits the street, at low points where water naturally pools, along the edges to handle runoff on larger or sloped driveways, in front of garage doors to prevent water from entering, and where downspouts discharge onto the driveway. Including a proper drainage plan in your initial design will help you avoid future headaches and keep your driveway dry and protected.
Can driveway contractors install edge restraints?
Yes, your driveway contractor must install edge restraints. This crucial step prevents potential paver shifting over time, which can compromise the structural integrity of your driveway. Edge restraints stop pavers from moving laterally beyond their intended boundary. They can be made from concrete, shaped into a wedge, or an invisible edge system that is secured with metal spikes. However, edge restraints aren't necessary along a solid foundation, like a garage or the side of the home.
