Ottawa Paving & Interlock FAQs
Have any questions? Feel free to contact us, but take a look at our FAQs here first!
Listed below are some of the most common questions we are asked. After reading through them, if you still have any questions, please feel free to contact us directly and we would be happy to assist.
Q: How much will it cost me to pave/interlock my driveway?
A: The cost of paving a driveway or laying interlock is determined by the square footage of the area and the condition of the sub-base. A Free estimate will give you a better idea of the costs.
Q: Is all asphalt the same?
A: No. There are a few different types of asphalt from which you can choose. It all depends on how you use your driveway. For residential paving, we recommend HL3-Fine asphalt if you desire a smoother surface. HL3 is a courser mix, but does have more strength. Either grade of asphalt will equally compact to just over 2″ after rolled. For a very smooth and nice looking driveway, you could choose “Driveway-mix” asphalt. It will look stunningly smooth, however, it does not have the strength of the other mixes.
Q: What type of sub-base do you provide and what type of gravel do you use?
A: If we are excavating your driveway for a new base, we install a Geotextile membrane, followed by 8-14” of 2” (GB) gravel for a strong first layer and then fine-grade with ¾” (GA) gravel. If we are not excavating, we top up your existing base with ¾” gravel to the proper grade.
Q: Do you sub-contract any of the work to other companies?
A: No. We do not sub-contract any work. We are equipped to handle any residential or commercial project on our own. This is a question you should ask all contractors as you gather estimates. If you don’t ask, you may unknowingly be hiring multiple companies to complete your project—companies you know nothing about.
Q: Do you own your own equipment?
A: Yes, we own all the equipment we would need on a regular basis to pave a driveway, haul material, compact, or install interlock. We may, however, on occasion rent a specialty tool or machine for certain jobs.
Q: If I decide to go ahead with the project, what do I do next?
A: E-mail us to let us know that you would like to proceed. Together, we will decide on a start date and review the details of the estimate. Any changes / special requests should be noted at this time.
Please note that nothing is booked until we receive the approved estimate. You must approve the estimate by simply clicking on the green APPROVE button in the electronic estimate that you received. You will receive a confirmation email from our office shortly after.
Q: What is your stance on down payments?
A: We do not require a down payment. We prefer to complete the work and then deal with payment.
Q: If I decide to go ahead with the project, how long before you start?
A: It depends. We are typically booked at least a month in advance. We book in the order that we receive signed estimates, but we also try to accommodate our customers’ schedules. If you have a special request, please let us know.
Q: What should I know about scheduling?
A: We try to follow our schedule as closely as possible. Having said this, in our line of work, it is difficult to account for all of the unknowns that we can experience in any given week (weather, change in customer’s design plans, unplanned excavation, etc.). When we call at the beginning of the week to give you an expected date of arrival, it is just that…an expected date. If we feel that we can’t make it to your residence as scheduled, we will make every attempt to notify you as soon as possible.
Please note that we do not require you to be home when the work is being completed. If you choose to take time off work, that is your prerogative and we can’t be held responsible for time missed from work if we, for some reason, can’t arrive on the expected date.
In short, we ask for your patience and understanding.
Q: Do I need to call locates?
A: No. Once you have booked with us, we will go ahead and set up locates for you. Please keep in mind that the locate company may not arrive for 1-2 weeks after they are called. This is the standard time frame. You may see small flags and / or marking paint (eventually washes away) on your property. We receive a report which we bring with us to the job site.
Q: What do I need to do to prepare for the arrival of your crew?
A: Prior to our arrival, we ask that you ensure that the job site is cleared of any vehicles or objects (bikes, toys, patio furniture, garbage bins, etc.) Vehicles should be moved as far away from the property as possible. Our crew needs room to park and maneuver machinery safely. If we are paving your driveway, please make sure all items are removed from the first half of your garage (providing you have a garage). To ensure no impressions are left in front of your garage, the roller must be able to stop inside the garage. Our crew also needs access to a water source and a garden hose. We use the water for packing and cleaning purposes.
Q: Do I need to be home when the work is being completed?
A: Ultimately, we leave this up to you. Having said this, we do prefer that someone is home at this time (in case we need access to something or we need to ask a question). If you can’t be home when the work is being completed, we ask that you provide us with a phone number that you can be reached at.
Q: What can I expect when the job is completed?
A: Our crew will ensure that the job site is thoroughly cleaned. Garbage will be removed and all surfaces will be swept and / or hosed down. The owner, Suren, will then meet with you to ensure that you are satisfied with the finished product. If you are satisfied, Suren will then issue you your final invoice along with a “thank you” letter and a care sheet. It is at this time that we ask that payment be made in full in the form of a cheque made payable to BULGARI PAVING INC.
Q: What form of payment do you accept?
A: As of right now, we only accept payment in the form of a cheque. We do not deal with credit cards. As noted above, cheques are to be made payable to BULGARI PAVING INC. We will send you an invoice marked “paid in full” via e-mail.
Q: How long after my driveway is done can I expect to drive on it?
A:We always recommend “the longer, the better”. You should not walk on it with heels or place ladders, chairs, bikes etc. for some time. Keep your car off for 7 days in the summer heat and avoid turning your wheels in place for a few days after that.
