What Questions Should You Ask Before Hiring a Paver Contractor in Orlando?
- localpaversorlando
- Nov 26
- 15 min read
Choosing the wrong paver contractor costs Orlando homeowners thousands of dollars every year. We see it constantly - beautiful driveways that sink within 2 years, pool decks with weeds everywhere, and contractors who disappear after getting paid.
The good news? Ten simple questions separate great contractors from terrible ones.
The 10 Questions You Must Ask:
What's your Florida contractor license number?
Can I see three completed projects from the last 12 months?
What's your base preparation process?
Do you handle Orange County permits and HOA approvals?
What's your BBB rating?
What does your warranty actually cover?
Who does the actual work - employees or subcontractors?
What's your process for drainage and grading?
Can you provide proof of insurance?
What's included in your quote vs what costs extra?
We'll explain exactly what answers you want to hear, what red flags to watch for, and why each question matters. By the end, you'll know how to spot bad contractors before they get your money.
Why You Need This Contractor Checklist, questions to ask paver contractor
Reddit and online reviews are full of paver horror stories from Orlando:
Real complaints we've seen:
"Contractor took $15,000 deposit and disappeared"
"Pavers sinking after 18 months - he won't return calls"
"Base is only 3 inches deep, should be 6-7 inches"
"HOA rejected the design, now we have to tear it out"
"Found out he wasn't licensed after the job failed"
These disasters happen because homeowners skip the hard questions. They choose contractors based on price alone or because "he seemed nice."
Being nice doesn't mean he knows how to install pavers correctly. Low price usually means low quality.
The expensive lesson: Asking tough questions takes 30 minutes. Fixing a bad paver installation costs $10,000-$25,000.
Do the homework upfront.
Question #1: "What's Your Florida Contractor License Number?
Why This Question Matters:
Florida law requires paver contractors to have a state license. Installing pavers without a license is illegal. Yet unlicensed contractors work throughout Orlando every day.
What Answer You Want:
A real contractor says: "My license number is [ACTUAL NUMBER]. Here's my card with the number. You can verify it anytime at MyFloridaLicense.com."
Red Flags to Watch For:
🚩 "I don't need a license for small jobs" (FALSE - any paver installation requires licensing)
🚩 "The license is in my partner's name" (Verify that partner exists and is actually working)
🚩 "I'm working on getting my license" (Translation: I'm unlicensed)
🚩 He changes the subject or gets defensive
🚩 Gives you a number but says "don't look it up yet, it's being updated"
How to Verify the License:
Go to MyFloridaLicense.com
Click "Verify a License"
Enter the license number he gave you
Check these details:
License status: Must say "Active" or "Current"
Name matches the person you're talking to
Address matches the business address
No disciplinary actions or complaints
Expiration date is in the future (not expired)
Why Unlicensed Contractors Are Dangerous:
If something goes wrong:
You have zero legal recourse
Can't file complaint with state
They carry no insurance (even if they claim they do)
You can't get permits (work is illegal)
HOA will make you tear out the work
⚠️ Orlando Homeowner Warning: In 2024, Orange County fined 40+ homeowners for hiring unlicensed contractors. The homeowners had to pay fines AND tear out the work AND hire licensed contractors to redo it properly. Total cost: $30,000-$50,000.
What Local Pavers LLC Does:
Our Florida contractor license is displayed it on our website footer, business cards, and trucks. We encourage every homeowner to verify our license before signing contracts.
Question #2: "Can I See Three Completed Projects From the Last 12 Months?"
Why This Question Matters:
Photos can be stolen from Google. Reviews can be faked. But you can't fake a real driveway you can drive by and inspect.
What Answer You Want:
"Sure! Here are addresses of three projects we finished recently. Drive by anytime and see our work. I can also connect you with those homeowners if you want to ask them about us."
The specific format you want:
Actual street addresses (not "somewhere in Winter Park")
Projects completed within 12 months (recent work shows current quality)
Projects similar to yours (pool deck, driveway, or patio)
In neighborhoods near you (confirms they work in your area)
Red Flags:
🚩 "I can only show you photos" (Why? What are you hiding?)🚩 "Our customers value privacy" (Customers who love your work usually let you share addresses)🚩 Only has projects from 3+ years ago (Where's recent work?)🚩 Shows projects in other states (Why no local Orlando work?)🚩 "You'll see our work after you sign" (NEVER)
What to Look For When You Drive By:
Visit those addresses and check:
Are pavers level with no sinking?
Edges straight and tight?
Any weed growth between pavers?
Does it look 6 months old or 6 years old?
Talk to the homeowner if they're outside (ask about experience)
💡 Best Neighborhoods to Check:
If contractor claims they work in Winter Park, Windermere, or Celebration, ask for addresses in those specific neighborhoods. HOA areas have high standards - if their work passed HOA approval, it's usually good quality.
What Local Pavers LLC Provides:
We give every potential customer 1-3 addresses in their neighborhood where they can see our completed work. We've done 500+ projects - we're proud to show them all.
Question #3: "What's Your Base Preparation Process?"
Why This Is THE Most Important Question:
Questions to ask paver contractor: Base preparation determines if your pavers last 25 years or fail in 2 years. This is where cheap contractors cut corners to save money.
What Answer You Want (Word for Word):
"We excavate 8-9 inches deep, install geotextile fabric, then add 6-7 inches of compacted crushed aggregate in multiple layers. We compact each layer with a plate compactor. Then we add 1 inch of stone dust for leveling and install aluminum edge restraints."
If the contractor says that, he knows what he's doing.
Red Flag Answers:
🚩 "We compact the sand really well" (Sand base = guaranteed failure)
🚩 "We use 4 inches of gravel" (Not enough - needs 6-7 inches minimum)
🚩 "We don't use fabric, it's not necessary" (FALSE - you need weed barrier)
🚩 "Edge restraints are optional" (NO - they're required to prevent spreading)
🚩 He can't explain the process in detail (Doesn't actually know proper method)
Why Base Prep Costs More:
Proper base takes time and materials:
Excavation: 2-3 hours with equipment
Geotextile fabric: $0.50-$1 per square foot
Crushed aggregate: $3-4 per square foot (6-7 inches deep)
Multiple compaction passes: Time and fuel
Stone dust leveling: $0.50 per square foot
Aluminum edge restraints: $8-12 per linear foot
Total base cost: $7-10 per square foot before pavers even get placed.
Cheap contractors skip these steps:
No fabric (saves $0.50/sq ft)
3-4 inches base instead of 6-7 (saves $2-3/sq ft)
One quick compaction pass (saves time)
Plastic edge restraints or none (saves $5-8/linear foot)
Savings: $4-6 per square foot
On a 400 sq ft driveway, they pocket an extra $1,600-$2,400 by cutting corners.
Your pavers will fail in 2-3 years. Redoing it costs $8,000-$12,000.
Good contractors say yes. Bad contractors make excuses.
What Local Pavers LLC Does:
We text photos of base preparation to every customer before pavers are placed. You see exactly what's under your pavers. No shortcuts, no surprises.
Question #4: "Do You Handle Orange County Permits and HOA Approvals?"
Why This Matters:
Most paver projects in Orlando require:
Orange County building permits ($200-$500)
HOA design review approval (if you live in HOA neighborhood)
Some contractors say "permits aren't necessary" or "HOA won't find out." Both are lies that cost you money.
What Answer You Want:
"Yes, we handle all permitting and HOA approvals as part of our service. It's included in our quote. We'll submit applications, attend HOA meetings if needed, and handle all inspections."
Red Flags:
🚩 "You can pull the permits yourself" (You can't - needs licensed contractor)🚩 "Permits are optional" (FALSE for most projects)🚩 "HOAs don't check driveways" (They absolutely do)🚩 "We charge extra for permits" (Legitimate contractors include this)
Real Orlando example (2023):
Homeowner hired cheap contractor (no permits)
Neighbor reported to code enforcement
Orange County issued stop-work order
Homeowner fined $5,000
Forced to tear out pavers
Had to hire licensed contractor and get permits
Total cost: Original $8,000 + $5,000 fine + $12,000 redo = $25,000
HOA Requirements:
If you live in Winter Park, Windermere, Celebration, Baldwin Park, Lake Nona, or any gated community, your HOA requires:
Design review application before starting
Material samples and color approval
Licensed contractor proof
Final inspection after completion
Skipping this process = HOA forces you to tear it out.
What Local Pavers LLC Does:
We've submitted 300+ successful HOA applications. We know what Winter Park, Windermere, and Celebration HOAs want. We handle everything so you don't waste weekends dealing with paperwork.
Question #5: "What's Your BBB Rating?"
Why This Question Reveals Character:
A contractor's BBB rating shows:
How they handle problems
If customers complain frequently
If they resolve issues or ignore them
How long they've been in business
What Answer You Want:
"We're A+ rated with the BBB. Here's our profile link. We've been accredited since [YEAR] with zero unresolved complaints."
Or honest answer: "We're not BBB accredited yet, but we have no complaints filed against us. Here are our Google reviews instead."
Red Flags:
🚩 "BBB is a scam, don't trust them" (Translation: We have bad ratings)🚩 "We're working on our rating" (Probably have complaints)🚩 Refuses to give you BBB profile link🚩 Has rating below B (many customer issues)🚩 Multiple unresolved complaints
How to Check BBB:
Go to BBB.org
Search "[Company Name] Orlando FL"
Check these details:
Letter rating (A+ is best, F is worst)
Years in business
Number of complaints filed
How complaints were resolved
Customer reviews on BBB site
Compare Local Companies:
We checked major Orlando paver companies:
StoneCraft Pavers: A+ Accredited since 2018
Local Pavers LLC: A+ Accredited since 2025
[National Chain]: A+ rating BUT 50+ complaints (red flag)
The National Chain Warning:
Some big companies have A+ ratings but hundreds of complaints. BBB gives them good ratings because they "respond to complaints," but customers are still unhappy.
Read the actual complaints, not just the letter grade.
What Local Pavers LLC Has:
A+ BBB rating with zero unresolved complaints. We've served 500+ Orlando homeowners with 98% satisfaction rate.
Question #6: "What Does Your Warranty Actually Cover?"
Why Vague Warranties Are Worthless:
Many contractors say "we warranty our work" but never define what that means. When pavers sink 2 years later, suddenly "warranty doesn't cover that."
What Answer You Want (Specific Details):
"We offer 2-year workmanship warranty covering:
Settling or sinking pavers
Edge failure or spreading
Joint sand loss
Weed breakthrough from improper base
Drainage issues from incorrect grading
The warranty is in writing, transferable to new homeowners, and includes free annual inspections for the first 2 years."
Red Flags:
🚩 "Lifetime warranty!" (No one offers true lifetime - it's marketing BS)
🚩 "Warranty covers the pavers" (Pavers never fail - base fails)
🚩 Won't give warranty in writing before you sign
🚩 "Warranty is through manufacturer" (That's just paver defects, not installation)🚩 Fine print excludes everything (settling "not covered," drainage "not covered")
What Most Warranties DON'T Cover:
Read the fine print. Many exclude:
"Acts of God" (rain, hurricanes - even though we're in Florida)
"Ground movement" (that's literally why pavers fail)
"Improper maintenance" (subjective excuse to deny claims)
Anything after 1 year (very short coverage)
Questions to Ask About the Warranty:
"If my pavers sink in year 3, what happens?" "Is this warranty transferable if I sell my home?" "Who do I call with warranty issues - you directly?" "Can I see a copy of the warranty before signing?"
Real Warranty Comparison:
Cheap Contractor Warranty:
1 year coverage
"Defects in workmanship" (vague)
Must prove contractor's fault (impossible)
Not transferable
Local Pavers LLC Warranty:
2-year workmanship coverage
Specific list of what's covered
We fix issues, no arguing about fault
Transferable to new homeowner
Free inspections first 2 years
Question #7 - Employees vs Subcontractors
Why This Matters:
Some companies don't have crews. They're just salespeople who hire the cheapest available workers for each job. Quality is unpredictable.
What Answer You Want:
"We have 6 full-time employees who do all installations. Same crew from start to finish. Everyone is background-checked, uniformed, and trained in our specific methods."
Red Flags:
🚩 "We work with trusted subcontractors" (Translation: Lowest bidder each time)🚩 "Depends on our schedule" (Different crew every day)
🚩 Can't tell you who will be at your house
🚩 "Independent contractors" (No control over quality)
Problems With Subcontractors:
Quality varies wildly job to job
No accountability (sub disappears, company blames sub)
Language barriers cause miscommunication
Workers not trained in company's methods
You never know who's showing up each day
The Day Laborer Issue:
Some Orlando contractors pick up day laborers from Home Depot parking lots. These workers:
Have zero paver installation experience
No background checks
No insurance if injured on your property
Get paid $80/day (why your quote was so cheap)
Questions to Ask:
"Will the same crew be here every day?" "Are they your direct employees or subcontractors?" "Do you do background checks?" "What if I'm not happy with a crew member?"
What Local Pavers LLC Does:
We employ 6 full-time installation specialists. Average experience: 8+ years each. Background-checked, drug-screened, and workers comp insured. You'll know your crew's names before they arrive.
Question #8: "What's Your Process for Drainage and Grading?"
Why This Matters in Orlando:
We get 50+ inches of rain per year. Afternoon thunderstorms dump 2-3 inches in 30 minutes. Improper drainage causes:
Standing water on pavers (slippery, breeds mosquitoes)
Water flowing toward house foundation (flooding, mold)
Erosion under pavers (sinking and settling)
Pool deck flooding
What Answer You Want:
"We slope everything 2% away from structures. That's a 2.4-inch drop for every 10 feet. We install drainage channels for heavy rain areas and make sure water flows toward street or drainage swales, never toward your house."
Red Flags:
🚩 "We'll eyeball the slope" (Not precise enough)
🚩 "Pavers drain naturally through joints" (True but not enough)
🚩 Can't explain slope percentage or direction
🚩 "Never had drainage problems before" (You'll be the first)
Florida Building Code Requirements:
Orange County requires:
2% minimum slope away from buildings
No water directed toward neighbors
Proper drainage during 100-year flood events
Contractors who don't know this code will fail inspections.
What to Look For:
When contractor visits your property, does he:
Walk around looking at natural water flow?
Note where water currently pools?
Check slope with level tool?
Discuss where water will drain to?
If he doesn't mention drainage at all, he's not thinking about it.
What Local Pavers LLC Does:
We survey every property for drainage before quoting. We include drainage solutions in estimates, not as surprise add-ons later.
Question #9: "Can You Provide Proof of Insurance?"
Why This Protects You:
If a worker gets hurt on your property and the contractor has no insurance, you get sued. Your homeowner's insurance might not cover it.
What Answer You Want:
"Absolutely. I'll email you certificates for:
General liability insurance ($1-2 million coverage minimum)
Workers compensation insurance (covers all employees)
You can call the insurance companies to verify policies are active."
Red Flags:
🚩 "We're insured but don't have certificates yet" (Probably lying)
🚩 "My truck insurance covers everything" (NOT the same)
🚩 "Never had an accident, don't worry" (Not the point)
🚩 Won't provide insurance company name and policy number
🚩 Certificate shows expired dates
What Insurance You Need Them to Have:
General Liability:
Covers property damage (broken sprinkler, cracked pool coping, damaged siding)
Minimum $1 million coverage
Should list your address while work is happening
Workers Compensation:
Covers employee injuries
Required by Florida law if they have employees
Protects you from lawsuits if worker falls, gets hurt, etc.
How to Verify Insurance:
Call the insurance company listed on certificate and ask:
"Is policy [NUMBER] currently active?"
"Does coverage include [YOUR ADDRESS] on [WORK DATES]?"
"What's the coverage amount?"
What Happens With No Insurance:
Orlando homeowner in 2023:
Unlicensed contractor's worker fell off wall
Broke his leg
No workers comp
Worker sued homeowner
Homeowner's insurance denied claim (hired unlicensed contractor)
Homeowner paid $85,000 in medical bills and legal fees
Question #10: "What's Included in Your Quote vs What Costs Extra?"
Why This Catches Hidden Fees:
Some contractors give low quotes, then add fees during the project:
"We found bad soil, need extra base ($2,000 more)"
"Didn't include edge restraints in quote ($800 more)"
"Haul-away wasn't in price ($500 more)"
"That'll be extra" becomes their catchphrase
What Answer You Want:
"Our quote includes everything:
All excavation and prep work
Geotextile fabric
6-7 inches compacted base
All pavers and materials
Edge restraints
Polymeric joint sand
Orange County permits
HOA application fees
Haul-away of debris
Final cleanup and landscape restoration
Warranty
The only things not included: [specific list like 'irrigation repairs if we accidentally cut a line' or 'tree removal if tree is in the way']"
Red Flags:
🚩 Quote says "approximately" everywhere (wishy-washy)
🚩 Missing line items (no mention of permits, edge restraints, etc.)
🚩 "We'll know final cost after we start" (open-ended nightmare)
🚩 "Includes standard materials" (what's standard?)
🚩 Verbal quote only, nothing in writing
What to Ask For in Writing:
Itemized quote (line-by-line costs)
Specific material brands and quantities
Square footage being covered
Total project timeline (start and end dates)
Payment schedule (deposits, progress payments, final payment)
What's NOT included
The Payment Schedule Red Flag:
NEVER pay more than 30% deposit.
Common scam: Contractor asks for 50-70% upfront, does a little work, disappears with your money.
Safe payment schedule:
10-20% deposit to start
30-40% when base is complete
30-40% when pavers are installed
10-20% final payment after your inspection
What Local Pavers LLC Provides:
Detailed written quotes with every item listed. We excavate test holes before quoting so we know what base conditions exist. No surprise fees ever.
5 More Warning Signs of Bad Paver Contractors
Beyond the 10 questions, watch for these red flags:
Red Flag #1: Pressure to Sign Today
"Special price expires tonight" "I have another customer interested in this week" "Sign now or price goes up 20%"
Good contractors don't use high-pressure sales. They give you time to think, compare quotes, and ask questions.
Red Flag #2: Cash-Only Discounts
"Pay cash and I'll knock off 20%"
Why contractors want cash:
Avoiding taxes (illegal)
No paper trail if work fails
Probably not licensed or insured
You can't dispute charges or stop payment if something goes wrong
Red Flag #3: No Physical Business Address
"I'll meet you at your house" "We work from home" "Still setting up our office"
Legitimate contractors have:
Real office or showroom
Business phone (not just cell phone)
Company trucks with logos
Physical address you can visit
Red Flag #4: Lowest Quote by 30%+
If you get three quotes:
Company A: $12,000
Company B: $11,500
Company C: $7,000
Company C is cutting major corners. They're skipping:
Proper base depth
Geotextile fabric
Edge restraints
Permits
Insurance
Quality materials
Red Flag #5: Can't Answer Technical Questions
Ask "What type of aggregate do you use for base?"
If contractor says "uh... the good kind" or "whatever Home Depot has," he doesn't know what he's doing.
Good contractors answer:
"3/4-inch crushed limestone" or
"#57 washed stone" or
Specific material names
=🚨 Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Don't ignore intuition to save money. Cheap now = expensive later.
Comparing Paver Contractor Quotes (Apples to Apples)
You should get 3 quotes minimum. Here's how to compare them properly:
Create Comparison Spreadsheet:
Factor | Contractor A | Contractor B | Contractor C |
FL License # | [NUMBER] verified | [NUMBER] verified | None given 🚩 |
BBB Rating | A+ | Not accredited | B- with complaints 🚩 |
Base Depth | 7 inches | 6 inches | "compacted well" 🚩 |
Geotextile Fabric | Yes | Yes | Not mentioned 🚩 |
Edge Restraints | Aluminum | Aluminum | Plastic 🚩 |
Warranty Years | 5 years | 3 years | 1 year 🚩 |
Includes Permits | Yes | You handle 🚩 | "Not needed" 🚩 |
Insurance Provided | Certificates sent | Certificates sent | Says "insured" 🚩 |
Payment Schedule | 20/40/40 | 30/40/30 | 50% deposit 🚩 |
Total Price | $12,500 | $11,800 | $8,500 |
Who Would You Hire?
Contractor C is cheapest but has 7 red flags. Contractor A or B are close in price with good credentials.
The Right Question:
Don't ask "Who's cheapest? "Ask "Who will deliver quality work that lasts 25 years?"
Price vs Value:
Cheapest quote: Usually worst value (fails in 2-3 years)
Highest quote: Not always best (might be overpriced)
Middle quotes: Often best value (quality work, fair price)
After You Choose Your Paver Contractor
Before Work Starts:
Get Everything in Writing
Signed contract with all details
Payment schedule agreed upon
Start and end dates specified
Materials list attached
Warranty document included
Verify Insurance One More Time
Call insurance companies
Confirm policies are active
Verify your address is covered
Notify Your HOA
Give them contractor's info
Confirm they received application
Get written approval before starting
Talk to Neighbors
Let them know work is coming
Warn about noise and trucks
Share contractor's contact info
Document Everything
Take photos of property before work starts
Keep all emails and texts
Note any verbal agreements in writing
During Installation:
Ask to see base before pavers are placed
Check in daily (but don't micromanage)
Address concerns immediately
Take progress photos
After Completion:
Do thorough walkthrough before final payment
Test drainage (run hose, watch water flow)
Check all edges and joints
Get written warranty certificate
Leave contractor a review (good or bad - helps future homeowners)
Special Factors for Hiring Paver Contractors in Orlando
Orange County Requirements:
Most paver projects need building permits
Contractors must be licensed in Florida (not just other states)
Workers comp is mandatory if they have employees
Inspections required at base stage and completion
HOA-Heavy Market:
Orlando has hundreds of HOA neighborhoods. Make sure contractor:
Has experience with Winter Park, Windermere, Celebration HOAs
Knows specific neighborhood requirements
Will handle all design review applications
Has examples of HOA-approved work
Hurricane Season Timing:
June-November is hurricane season. Ask:
"What happens if hurricane delays the project?"
"Do you cover materials if storm damages them during install?"
"Will you secure the site if we get a storm warning?"
Heat and Rain:
Summer in Orlando means:
Daily afternoon thunderstorms
95°F+ heat
High humidity
Ask: "How do you handle rain delays?" and "What's realistic timeline for summer installation?"
Hire the Right Paver Contractor in Orlando
These 10 questions separate professional contractors from amateurs and scammers:
✅ Florida contractor license verified
✅ Real completed projects you can visit
✅ Proper base preparation (6-7 inches with fabric)
✅ Handles permits and HOA approvals
✅ Good BBB rating (or honest about having none)
✅ Warranty details in writing
✅ Employees (not random subcontractors)
✅ Drainage plan for Orlando's rain
✅ Proof of insurance you can verify
✅ Transparent quote with no hidden fees
Spend 30 minutes asking these questions. Save $10,000+ on future repairs.
Ready to Work With a Contractor Who Answers All 10 Questions Correctly?
Ready to Work With a Contractor Who Answers All 10 Questions Correctly?
FL Licensed Contractor
A+ BBB Rating
500+ completed Orlando projects
Zero-surprise pricing
2-year workmanship warranty
📞 Call (689) 221-5641 for free consultation📍 Orlando, FL 32835
We'll answer every question on this list - and any others you have.
More Guides to Help You:
→ 5 Signs Your Contractor Cut Corners on Base Prep Learn what bad installations look like
→ How Long Do Pavers Last in Orlando's Climate? Understand expected lifespan and maintenance
→ Pool Deck Pavers vs Concrete: Cost Calculator Compare 20-year costs of different materials
→ Why Choose Local Pavers LLC? See our 20 reasons we're Orlando's top-rated installer
About Local Pavers LLC
This contractor selection guide was created by Local Pavers LLC, Orlando's A+ BBB-rated paver installation company. We've completed 500+ residential and commercial projects across Central Florida since [YEAR].
We created this guide because we're tired of fixing terrible work from unlicensed contractors. Ask us these 10 questions - we answer them proudly.
Free consultations: (689) 221-5641
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