How to Choose a Driveway Contractor in Dublin: 10 Questions That Matter
The driveway trade in Ireland has a persistent problem with operators who under-quote, use inferior materials, skip the sub-base, and disappear after taking a substantial deposit. It's not a theoretical concern — we regularly get calls from homeowners whose newly-installed driveway has sunk, cracked, or washed out within a year of installation.
These 10 questions will help you separate professionals from operators you should avoid.
1. "Are you fully insured?"
Every professional contractor has public liability insurance and employer's liability insurance in place. Ask for the certificate of insurance. A legitimate contractor will send it without hesitation. If they claim to be insured but can't produce documentation, walk away.
2. "Can I see examples of your previous work nearby?"
Recent photographs are useful but can be sourced from anywhere. What you want is the ability to actually drive past completed jobs — or better, to speak with previous customers in your area. A contractor who has done hundreds of jobs locally should have no trouble providing addresses or references.
3. "Do you require a deposit?"
A deposit request isn't automatically a red flag — some contractors work on a deposit basis — but a large upfront deposit (more than 10–15% of the job) is a warning sign for residential driveway work. The risk is obvious: money paid before any work is done is money that can disappear. We don't take deposits at all. You pay when the job is done.
4. "Will I get a written quote?"
A professional contractor gives a written quote covering every element of the work — excavation, sub-base, surface material, edging, drainage, VAT. "Around €X" over the phone is not a quote. If you accept verbal quotes and the final invoice is different, you have very limited recourse. Get it in writing.
5. "What sub-base will you use?"
The sub-base is the hidden part of any driveway — once the surface is on, you can't see it. Ask what they'll use and to what depth. The correct answer is MOT Type 1 crushed stone, compacted to a depth of at least 100mm (150–200mm for softer ground or heavy use). If they say "sand" or "whatever's there," or if they can't answer the question clearly, that's a problem.
6. "How will you handle drainage?"
Any contractor working on a front driveway in Dublin should be aware of the drainage requirements — that surface water cannot discharge to the public road. Ask how they intend to address this. If they look blank or wave the question away, they're either ignorant of the requirements or planning to ignore them.
7. "What brand of blocks or materials will you use?"
For block paving, the answer should be a named brand — Kilsaran, Tobermore, Roadstone. Unbranded or imported blocks of unknown specification are used to cut costs. For tarmac, ask about the mix specification. For resin, ask whether the resin is UV-stable. These are questions a professional can answer without hesitation.
8. "Do you have a written guarantee?"
A written workmanship guarantee is the mark of a contractor who stands behind their work. It should cover defects in installation (sinking, heaving, joint failure) for a stated period. Verbal reassurances aren't worth anything if the contractor is difficult to contact after the job. Get the guarantee in writing, as part of the contract.
9. "Who will actually do the work?"
Some companies quote and then subcontract the work to whoever is cheapest and available. There's nothing wrong with subcontracting per se, but you should know whether the team doing your driveway is the same team being managed by the company you've hired. Ask directly.
10. "Can I see references from jobs you've done in the last 12 months?"
This is the strongest test. Recent references who are willing to be contacted (not just names on a list) represent genuine accountability. A contractor who has done good work recently has satisfied customers who will say so. A contractor who struggles to provide recent references may not have many.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Quote given over the phone without a site visit
- Large deposit requested before any work begins
- Pressure to decide quickly or "lock in today's price"
- Much lower quote than others (usually means something is being omitted — the sub-base, the waste removal, or the VAT)
- No written contract or quotation
- Cannot provide insurance documents
If a quote is significantly lower than others you've received, ask specifically what is and isn't included. A lower price can be legitimate — or it can mean a thinner sub-base, cheaper materials, or VAT that won't appear.