(NAPSI)—Concrete paver patios, walkways, driveways and pool decks, as well as outdoor fire pits and kitchens, can improve your family’s quality of life now and enhance your home’s curb appeal when the time comes to sell.

Choosing the right contractor, however, can make or break your project. Interlocking concrete pavement systems are best built by professional contractors specializing in segmental pavement construction. Their training and experience, accompanied by the right equipment and materials, enable them to complete high-quality jobs quickly and safely.

How To Find 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 member contractors support installation best practices. In addition, many ICPI member contractors employ ICPI Certified Concrete Paver Installers. These installers have participated in a training course, passed an examination, learned best installation practices, and documented their concrete paver installation work experience. Certified Installers are required to renew their certification every two years by continuing their education in concrete paver installation. The certification program is designed to help homeowners choose contractors who have Certified Installers on their staff and are committed to:

• Providing qualified project references

• Using best installation practices

• Creating value for clients.

Homeowners can find these contractors on the free Contractor Member Search Engine at www.concretepavers.org. A search engine on that website can verify the installer’s certification status.

What To Ask

To further ensure a quality installation, homeowners should ask contractors 10 questions:

1. How long have you been installing pavers?

2. Do you have ICPI Certified Installers?

3. What percentage of your total business consists of installing concrete pavers?

4. Do you have references from recent and past concrete paver projects?

5. Do you have a portfolio of photos and letters about previous projects?

6. Can you provide proof of liability insurance and Workers’ Compensation insurance? (Homeowners should check their homeowners insurance policy for coverage of the contractor while on the property.)

7. Will you install the job per ICPI guidelines?

8. Will you provide a written, itemized proposal outlining the scope of work and terms of payment? It should include start and completion dates (weather permitting), demolition and excavation, base and paving materials, thickness and installation, plus taxes.

9. Do you guarantee the work for at least a year and will you return to inspect and make any needed adjustments?

10. Do you belong to the ICPI, Better Business Bureau or other associations?

Learn More

Homeowners and contractors interested in learning more about ICPI Certification should visit the Education & Certification section of www.concretepavers.org.

On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)