What to check before you pay a driveway firm a deposit

Most driveway firms are honest, hard-working people. But it's a trade where a few bad apples give everyone a bad name, so it's worth a few checks before you hand over a deposit.

Get it in writing

A proper quote should say what's being laid, the area, how the ground will be prepared, drainage, edging and what happens to the old surface, plus the total price and when it's due. 'About three grand' on the back of a card isn't a quote.

Check who they are

Look for a real address, a landline or a business you can find on Google with reviews going back a while. Read the reviews, including the bad ones and how they replied.

Be careful with big deposits

A deposit for materials is normal. Paying most of the money before any work starts isn't. If you can, pay by credit card: for anything between £100 and £30,000, the card company can be jointly responsible if things go wrong.

Know your rights

If you agree the job in your own home rather than at their premises, you normally have 14 days to cancel under the Consumer Contracts Regulations. And in England, if you're paving more than five square metres of front garden, it needs to be permeable or drain to a lawn or border, or you'll need planning permission. A good firm will know this and tell you.

Ask about a guarantee

Ask what's guaranteed and for how long, and get it in writing. Then see who in your area has done good work: our guides only include businesses with strong Google ratings from real customers.