Our paver journey experience.
In May, 2023 my wife and I decided we'd like to replace our cracked and sunken driveway (that measured 8' wide by 60' long) with concrete pavers. We had an idea of what we wanted as the end product, so I sketched it on paper then placed string lines outside to get a visual representation. Over a 2-week period, I obtained 4 quotes. After the last quote, I had 4 versions of what is allowed by code. Due to the inconsistencies, and for my piece of mind, I figured it was best that I obtain the permit. It was definitely a process that took about a month, but I learned a lot. If you are planning on having a pavered driveway, I suggest you communicate with the permitting department for your area to learn what is and isn't allowed when your neighborhood has or doesn't have sidewalks. Based on my new awareness of what is allowed by code, I had to make changes to my original sketch. After multiple revisions, it was finally approved by the city of Orlando permitting department. My wife and I then dug deeper into the 4 companies that provided the quotes. We chose Stonecraft Pavers. The combination of negative reviews, a gut feeling, and questionable statuses with the Better Business Bureau kept us away from the 3 others. We did not find anything negative about Stonecraft Pavers.
Gary came to our house a few times to answer questions and provide guidance to our plan. His suggestion for us to visit the location where pavers are on display (actually installed on the ground) was invaluable. Initially, based on a brochure, we were leaning on a particular set of pavers, but after looking at it (and others) in person, we had a change of heart and chose a different paver.
The biggest challenge then started (the wait). From the moment we paid the deposit until the pavers were delivered, approximately 4 months had passed. The facility that makes the pavers advised there were multiple, unexpected issues that contributed to several delays. The pellets of pavers were eventually delivered on Friday, 10/27/23. They were placed on the grass away from the work area. Gary arrived on Monday to place stakes on the ground to clearly define the work area. On Tuesday, the concrete on the existing driveway was removed, and the gravel and sand were spread. On Wednesday, 11/1/23, the crew arrived at 7am. Besides a lunch break, they worked nonstop for nearly 12 hours. They took the time to make sure all debris was cleaned up daily. Besides widening my driveway from 8' to 18', pavers were installed on our front and rear porches, and the walkway from the driveway to the front porch. The total area was approximately 1,400 sqft. We chose the 4-inch by 8-inch Holland stone in the color Titanium (herringbone pattern). The final product exceeded my expectations. The first Saturday after the install, I was picking up the loose gravel on the grass. Within 30 minutes, several cars slowed down or stopped to say how wonderful it looked. I'm so thankful to Gary and his crew for a job well done. With my situation, Stonecraft was not the least expensive, but I wonder if another company could have done a better job. read more