Key To Successful Paving Project (NAPSA)—Concrete paver patios, walkways, driveways and pool decks, as well as outdoorfire pits and kitchens, can improve your family’s quality oflife now and enhance your home's curb appeal whenthe time comestosell. Choosingthe right contractor, however, can make or break your project. Interlocking concrete pavement sys- temsare best built by professional contractors specializing in segmental pave- ment construction. ‘Their training and experience, accompanied by the right equipment and materials, enable them to complete high-quality jobs quickly andsafely. Having pavers put in by a Certified Installer is a big step in the right direction for your home. 1. How long have you beeninstall- ing pavers? tified Concrete Paver Installers. These installers have participated in a training 2.Do you have ICPI Certified Installers? 3. What percentage ofyourtotal business consists ofinstalling concrete pavers? 4. Do you have references from recent and past concrete paver projects? 5. Do you havea portfolio of photos and letters about previous projects? 6. Can you provide proofofliability insurance and Workers’ Compensa- mented their concrete paverinstallation work experience. Certified Installers are required to renew theircertification every two years by continuing their educa- check their homeowners insurance policy for coverage of the contractor while on the property.) 7. Will you install the job per ICPI guidelines? How ToFind A Quality Contractor ‘The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) is the trade association representing the concrete paver industry in the U.S. and Canada. ICPI mem- ber contractors support installation best practices. In addition, many ICPI member contractors employ ICPI Cer- course, passed an examination, learned best installation practices, and docu- tion in concrete paver installation. The tion insurance? (Homeowners should 8. Will you provide a written, item- certification program is designedto help homeowners choose contractors who have Certified Installers on their staff and are committedto: Providing qualified project references Using best installation practices Creating value forclients. Homeowners can find these contractors on the free Contractor Member ized proposal outlining the scope of work and terms of payment? It should include start and completion dates org. A search engine on that website can verify the installer’s certification status. WhatTo Ask To further ensure a quality installa- Business Bureau or other associations? Learn More Search Engine at www.concretepavers. tion, homeowners should ask contrac- tors 10 questions: (weather permitting), demolition and excavation, base and paving materials, thickness andinstallation, plus taxes. 9. Do you guarantee the workfor at least a year and will you return to inspect and make any needed adjustments? 10. Do you belong to the ICPI,Better Homeowners and contractors interested in learning more about ICPI Certification should visit the Education & Certification section of www.concretepavers.org.
