Question 1

Do you charge for quotes?

Accepted Answer

No. Site surveys and written quotes are completely free, with no obligation to proceed. We come to your property, assess the job, and give you a written quote within 24 hours.

Question 2

How soon can you start work?

Accepted Answer

Lead times vary by time of year. In summer we're typically 2–4 weeks booked ahead; in winter it's usually shorter. Contact us for current availability and we'll give you an honest estimate.

Question 3

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

County Dublin and the commuter belt — County Kildare (Naas, Celbridge, Maynooth, Leixlip, Newbridge), County Meath (Ashbourne, Ratoath, Dunshaughlin, Navan), County Wicklow (Bray, Greystones, Wicklow town), and southern County Louth (Drogheda, Dundalk). If you're unsure whether your location is within our area, just ask.

Question 4

Do you require a deposit?

Accepted Answer

No. We don't ask for a deposit upfront. You pay when the job is done and you're satisfied with the result. We believe a contractor who stands behind their work doesn't need to hold your money before they start.

Question 5

Are you fully insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We carry full public liability insurance and employer's liability insurance. You can request a copy of the certificate — we'll send it to you.

Question 6

Do you offer a guarantee on your work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every installation comes with a written workmanship guarantee. If something fails due to how the job was laid — not normal wear, but a genuine workmanship issue — we'll come back and address it at no charge.

Question 7

Do you use your own team or subcontractors?

Accepted Answer

Our own trained team does the work. We don't subcontract. The same team that quotes the job does the job, which is how we maintain quality across every project.

Question 8

How long have you been in business?

Accepted Answer

Over 15 years. We've been installing driveways and patios across Dublin since the early 2000s. We're a local business, not a franchise, and many of our customers come through referrals from previous clients.

Question 9

How quickly do you respond to enquiries?

Accepted Answer

We aim to respond to all enquiries within a few hours during business hours. For urgency, a call or WhatsApp message gets the fastest response.

Question 10

Can I see examples of your previous work?

Accepted Answer

Yes — see our gallery for project photos. We can also provide references from previous customers in your area on request.

Question 11

How much does a new driveway cost?

Accepted Answer

Driveway cost depends on the size of the area, the existing surface condition, sub-base requirements, the material chosen, drainage needs, and access. We don't publish set prices because a number on a webpage would either be dishonestly low or padded high. The only honest price is one written after seeing your specific job. We offer a free site survey and written quote within 24 hours — covering every element with no hidden extras.

Question 12

Why don't you publish your prices?

Accepted Answer

Because every project is genuinely different. The same 50 square metres can cost very different amounts depending on whether the ground is sound or soft, whether there's an existing surface to remove, whether drainage is required, and what material the customer chooses. A number on a webpage either misleads customers who don't need the extras, or loses us customers who see a headline figure and assume the total will be much higher. A free site survey and written quote gives you a real, itemised price for your actual project.

Question 13

What's included in your quote?

Accepted Answer

A written quote from us covers: excavation and waste removal, sub-base supply and compaction, surface material (blocks, tarmac, resin, etc.), edging and kerbing, drainage as required, VAT, and any other site-specific items identified at survey. Nothing is hidden. If there's an optional extra, it's listed separately so you can choose.

Question 14

Are there any additional costs after you start?

Accepted Answer

Very rarely. Occasionally we discover something during excavation that wasn't visible at the survey — a collapsed drain, unexpected soil conditions — and we'd inform you immediately and discuss before proceeding. We don't spring extras on customers at the end of a job. If something is found that changes the scope, we discuss it before acting.

Question 15

What happens during the site survey?

Accepted Answer

We come to your property, assess the existing surface and ground conditions, measure the area, check drainage requirements, and discuss your options in terms of materials and patterns. The survey typically takes 20–30 minutes. There's no charge and no obligation.

Question 16

How long after the survey do I get a quote?

Accepted Answer

Within 24 hours. We aim to have a written quote to you by the next business day after the survey.

Question 17

What do I need to do before the team arrives?

Accepted Answer

Clear any vehicles from the driveway. If there are plants or garden features at the edges that you want preserved, let us know in advance. Make sure there's reasonable access for a small digger if excavation is needed — we'll confirm access requirements at the survey.

Question 18

Do you work in winter?

Accepted Answer

We work year-round, weather permitting. Most ground work can proceed in winter — the main constraints are hard frost (which affects laying of sand-bedded blocks and tarmac) and prolonged heavy rain. We monitor the forecast and schedule accordingly. If conditions aren't right for your specific job, we'll advise rather than push ahead.

Question 19

Will you clean up afterwards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All waste material — broken concrete, excavated soil, old surface material, packaging — is removed from site at the end of the job. We leave the site clean.

Question 20

Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?

Accepted Answer

Generally no, for most residential driveways. The key requirement in Dublin is that the driveway doesn't drain surface water onto the public road — it must use a permeable surface or drain to a lawn, garden, or soakaway. We're familiar with Dublin City Council and county council requirements and will advise on this at the site survey.

Question 21

Do I need to notify my local council before paving my front garden?

Accepted Answer

Not for most standard residential driveways that meet the drainage requirements. If you're on a protected structure, in a conservation area, or the paving involves boundary changes that affect sight lines, there may be additional requirements. We'll flag anything that looks relevant during the site survey.

Question 22

What are SUDS requirements for driveways?

Accepted Answer

SUDS stands for Sustainable Drainage Systems. Under Irish planning guidelines since 2008, any new driveway paving to a front garden must manage surface water on the property rather than directing it to the public road. Options include: permeable paving (resin-bound, permeable block paving, gravel), directing drainage to a lawn or garden bed, or installing a soakaway. We design drainage into every driveway installation we quote.

Question 23

Do I need planning permission for a garden wall?

Accepted Answer

Walls up to 1.2m on the front boundary of a residential property are generally exempt from planning permission in Ireland. Walls over 2m anywhere on the property generally require planning. There are nuances around protected structures, road frontages, and specific planning zones. We'll advise on this at the site survey.

Question 24

What block brands do you use?

Accepted Answer

We primarily use Kilsaran and Tobermore — both of which manufacture in Ireland and maintain consistent quality. Kilsaran Maxima is our most commonly specified block. Tobermore Tegula is popular where a client wants a more traditional or aged appearance. We'll show you sample blocks during the site survey.

Question 25

What's the most durable driveway material?

Accepted Answer

Granite setts are essentially indestructible when properly laid. Among the more common options, block paving and tarmac both last 20–30+ years with proper installation. Concrete can last 30–50 years. Resin-bound surfaces typically last 15–25 years. The installation quality — particularly the sub-base — matters more than the surface material choice in determining longevity.

Question 26

Is resin driveway worth it?

Accepted Answer

Resin-bound driveways are worth considering if you want a smooth, weed-resistant, permeable surface with minimal maintenance. They're more expensive than tarmac but comparable to quality block paving. The main advantage is that they're fully permeable (satisfying drainage requirements without separate drainage work) and essentially weed-free. The disadvantage is that they're harder to repair if damaged than block paving.

Question 27

Is block paving or tarmac better?

Accepted Answer

Both are good choices — it depends on what you want. Tarmac is faster to install, generally lower maintenance in the short term, and gives a clean uniform look. Block paving is repairable section by section, comes in a wider range of colours and patterns, and is generally considered to add more value to a property. Tarmac is the practical, unfussy option; block paving is the aesthetic choice. We'll discuss both options at the site survey.

Question 28

What paving suits an older period home?

Accepted Answer

Natural granite setts, natural limestone or sandstone flags, tumbled concrete blocks (like Tobermore Tegula), and traditional cobblelock all work well on period properties. We'll advise on what suits your specific home during the site survey.

Question 29

How do I maintain block paving?

Accepted Answer

Sweep regularly to remove leaves and debris. Refresh kiln-dried jointing sand every few years as it washes out — this is what keeps the blocks stable. Apply a block paving weedkiller in spring to keep joints clear. Don't pressure wash aggressively as this blows out the jointing sand. A gentle wash with a patio cleaner once a year is fine.

Question 30

How do I maintain a tarmac driveway?

Accepted Answer

Tarmac requires minimal maintenance. Sweep it regularly. Avoid leaving oil spills sitting on the surface (they can soften tarmac). In the first year, avoid turning car wheels sharply when stationary, as this can mark fresh tarmac. After 5–7 years, a light seal coat can restore the colour and protect the surface, though this is optional rather than required.

Question 31

How do I clean an Indian sandstone patio?

Accepted Answer

A proprietary natural stone cleaner is the safest option. Avoid bleach or high-alkaline products as these can stain sandstone. Pressure washing is fine at moderate pressure with a wide fan nozzle. After cleaning, re-seal the stone — Indian sandstone should be sealed every 2–3 years to prevent staining and moisture ingress.

Question 32

How do I maintain a resin driveway?

Accepted Answer

Resin-bound surfaces need very little maintenance. Brush off leaves and debris regularly to prevent staining. Wash down with a garden hose or low-pressure washer. Remove any oil or fuel spills promptly. Avoid using metal-tipped shovels or heavy scrapers directly on the surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Materials

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