Your questions answered
Everything you might want to ask.
Grouped by where you are in the decision — from early research through the build to the years after. If your question isn't here, just call and ask.
Before you call
Do you charge for a site visit or quote?
No. Darren comes out, measures the driveway or garden, looks at access, levels and drainage, and puts a clear, itemised, no-obligation quote to it — whether it's a single patio or a full landscaping scheme. Our reviews describe the whole process as smooth and efficient, and the prices as fair and competitive. You're under no pressure to go ahead.
What does being an approved installer actually mean for me?
We're approved installers for Natural Paving, Tobermore and Stonemarket. Manufacturers only put their name to installers whose workmanship meets their standard, so it's independent recognition that the paving is laid properly — not just supplied. In practice it means the finish, the falls and the base are done to the manufacturer's spec, which is what protects the surface long-term.
Do you do the groundwork yourselves or subcontract it?
Ourselves. We run our own fleet of plant machinery rather than hiring it in job by job, so the excavation, sub-base and levels — the parts you never see once the job is done — are dug, consolidated and set right by our own team. On a driveway especially, that base is what determines whether the surface lasts.
What areas do you cover?
We're based near Godalming and our service area spans more than thirty Surrey towns — Guildford, Farnham, Camberley, Godalming, Woking, Cranleigh, Dorking, Haslemere and the villages between. We run local phone lines for Guildford (01483 610953), Farnham (01252 755463) and Camberley (01276 819839).
Roughly what should I budget?
It depends on the job, but we'd rather give you a sense than leave you guessing. As a broad guide for our area: a new lawn or a run of fencing is typically the smaller end; a quality patio often lands in the mid-single-figure thousands; a block-paving driveway usually starts from around £6,000; and a full multi-element scheme is priced accordingly. Every quote is itemised and free.
During the project
Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?
For most front driveways you won't, as long as the surface is permeable — or the water drains to a border or soakaway rather than running onto the road. Block paving, gravel and resin can all be laid to meet this. If your project is larger or the drainage is awkward, we'll flag it at the quote stage so there are no surprises.
How long does a driveway or patio take?
It depends on the size and the groundwork. As a guide, an 80m² block-paving driveway is the sort of job we complete in around five days, start to finish. A patio is often a little quicker, a full multi-element scheme longer. We'll give you a realistic timescale with your quote and keep the site tidy the whole way through.
Do you take a deposit, and how does payment work?
For larger jobs we typically take a deposit to cover materials once you're happy to proceed, with the balance on completion. We'll set the payment stages out clearly in writing with your quote before any work starts — clients single out that our communication is smooth and everything is agreed up front.
Will the same team see the whole job through?
Yes. One team carries the work from groundwork through paving, edging and the clean-up, with Darren across it throughout. When one crew is answerable for the whole job, nothing gets lost between trades — and you always know who you're dealing with.
Do you work tidily and clear up as you go?
Yes. Clients repeatedly single out that we're professional, reliable and clean from start to finish, and punctual, tidy and respectful throughout. On a driveway that runs several days that matters — we keep the site orderly and take the waste away rather than leaving it in a state.
Materials & aftercare
What paving and materials do you use?
For driveways we lay Marshalls, Brett and Castercrete blocks, plus the Natural Paving, Tobermore and Stonemarket ranges we're approved for. For patios, Indian sandstone, limestone and porcelain — Raj Green, Harvest Buff, Grey Natural Stone and Camel Buff among the popular finishes. We'll bring samples and talk through what suits your house and budget.
Block paving, gravel, tarmac or resin — which is right for my drive?
Each has its place. Block paving is hard-wearing and easy to lift and re-lay if services ever need access; gravel is cost-effective and naturally permeable; tarmac gives a clean, seamless finish; resin-bound is smooth, permeable and low-maintenance. At the site visit we'll talk through the look, the budget and the drainage and recommend honestly.
How do I look after a new driveway or patio?
Very little is needed. Sweep off leaves and debris, and give block paving an occasional wash or gentle jet; re-sanding the joints every few years keeps it locked tight. Natural stone benefits from an occasional seal. We'll leave you with straightforward advice for whichever surface we've laid — and because we've traded here since 2015, we're not hard to find if you need us back.
Still wondering about something?
The quickest way to a straight answer is a quick call or a WhatsApp photo of the driveway or garden. No obligation, no pressure.